You’ve probably experienced this one. A heat wave is covering the Denver area and the air conditioner in your home begins blowing out warm air or stops running completely. Along with hundreds of other people in our city, you reach for the phone to call your HVAC specialist, as you and your family brave the heat. While some A/C issues absolutely require a professional to service them, here are a few tips that can be used to lower the possibility of this happening to you this summer.
Ensure Maximum Air Flow
To work properly, your air conditioner needs to pull air through the system, including recirculating air throughout the rooms of your home. If this process is obstructed in any way, it can result in trouble and repair costs. To assure you have the manufacturer suggested air flow, 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
Beyond helping reduce energy costs by regulating your home’s temperature, programmable thermostats can also help minimize impact on your system. Adjust the temperature of your home to run less when you are at work or school, and automatically increase to a desired temperature when you are actually in the home.
Another tip is to program your thermostat for extended run-cycles. We are not suggesting that this will prevent problems, it can help lower humidity in your Denver area home. This can offer a more comfortable environment, as well as keep mold spores from thriving in your home.
Get Rid of Any Pests
Many bugs and pests are drawn to A/C 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 exterior of the unit with a reasonably wide perimeter of 24 – 36 inches.
Stay Level
Nearly all outdoor A/C units are positioned on a concrete slab or other platform, permitting them a level base of operation. However, the weight of the unit and ground moisture can cause your unit’s platform to sag or sink, limiting the performance of the air conditioner. Check on your outdoor component to make sure that the base continues to stay level.
Naturally, regular maintenance, such as lubrication and filter changes, are also important to keep your air conditioner functioning well. Call 303-647-5853 to schedule annual maintenance service before the summer starts to ensure your system is ready to face the hot days ahead. Keeping these tips in mind, you may be able to decrease the chance of several common A/C problems and have a stress-free and climate controlled home all summer.