Simple Ways to Avoid Calling for AC Repair This Winter
Winter has arrived and right now you're trusting your air conditioner more than ever. One of the easiest ways to keep your air conditioner running effortlessly is to maintain appointments for annual maintenance and tune-ups. There are also a couple simple things you can check on yourself that may keep you from being left in the cold and in need of an emergency AC repair.
- Keep Air Vents Open - There's wrong information out there about closing off vents in unused rooms. In theory, it sounds like this would save on energy bills. However, closing off vents actually puts an increased strain on your system that can lead to problems in the future. Interior walls are not insulated and the temperature in the room leaks to other rooms in your house, creating an imbalance and causing your system to work less efficiently.
- Check Your Thermostat - Sometimes when your air conditioner isn-t working properly, the problem is very obvious - drained batteries in your thermostat. Usually, your thermostat will give a warning approximately a month before the battery runs out, but if you missed it, that may be the cause of your heating problems.
Are your vents blowing coldair instead of warm? There may be a simple explanation for it. Check and ensure your thermostat is set to "heat" instead of "cool". You never know who has been playing around with the thermostat.
Your thermostat has a fan setting. If you notice that your system is always blowing air, you may have your fan set to "on" rather than "auto". The "on" switch constantly keeps your fan blowing, regardless if your AIR CONDITIONER is currently heating. The "auto" switch only keeps the blower running when the air conditioner is heating your home. Keep in mind, if you keep your switch set to "on" you'll have to swap your filters more often. This then leads to...
- Change Your Air Filter - A nasty filter is the most common reason a heating system quits running. Dirt and debris keep air from passing around your system and that can possibly cause your air conditioner to overheat. Replacing your air conditioner filter is the easiest way to help try to extend the life of your heating system and avoid AC repair.
Along with these three tips, the best advice is to keep up with annual, scheduled air conditioner maintenance. If you haven't scheduled your annual air conditioner service yet, you can easily set up an appointment by giving us a call at (985) 764-2426.