You’ve probably experienced this one. A heat wave is covering the Edmonton area and the air conditioner in your home begins blowing out warm air or stops running entirely. Along with hundreds of other people in our community, you reach for the phone to call your HVAC specialist, and wait out the heat until relief arrives. Although some A/C problems will require a professional technician, here are a few tips that can be used to minimize the possibility of this happening to you this summer.
Ensure Maximum Air Flow
A properly operating central air system must be able to pull the air through the unit, including recirculating air inside your home. If this process is obstructed in any way, it can end up translating to money out of pocket for you. To ensure your air conditioner has the air flow it needs, make sure to keep space around the vents - indoors and outside. This includes scaling back vegetation and cleaning dirt away from vents.
Use a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat is an easy addition to help lower your energy expenses and control the temperature of your Edmonton area home. Program your air conditioner for warmer temperatures when the home is empty or at night when it cools down outside.
Another tip is to program your thermostat for lengthier run-cycles. While this does not necessary prevent problems, it can help bring down the humidity in your Edmonton area home. This can give you a more comfortable environment, in addition to keep mold spores from thriving in your home.
Keep Pests at Bay
For some reason certain bugs and pests are attracted to air conditioning units, which can be damaging if they get inside the system. To keep ants and other pests away, use an eco-friendly pesticide around the base of the unit with a reasonably wide perimeter of 24 – 36 inches.
Stay Level
Most outdoor A/C units rest on a concrete slab or other platform, giving them a level base of operation. However, just like a home’s foundation, your A/C’s platform can also sink or settle into the ground, impacting the performance of the air conditioner. Check on your outdoor component to confirm that the base continues to stay level.
Obviously, regular maintenance, such as lubrication and filter changes, are very important to keep your air conditioner operating as it should. Try to schedule a check up before the summer starts to ensure your system is ready to face the hot days ahead. Following these suggestions, you may be able to avoid A/C problems and have a stress-free and climate controlled home all summer.