Does this sound familiar?. Knoxville is experiencing record heat and the air conditioner in your home begins blowing out warm air or stops operating completely. Along with hundreds of other people in our city, you grab 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 inside your home. If this process is obstructed in any way, it can cause problems in your unit. To guarantee great air flow, make sure to keep space around the vents - indoors and outside. This includes trimming 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. Set your thermostat to be on only when you are actually in your home.
Also, program your thermostat for extended run-cycles. While this does not necessary prevent problems, it can help bring down the humidity in your Knoxville area home. This can give you a more comfortable environment, plus keep mold spores from thriving in your home.
Keep Pests at Bay
Many bugs and pests are drawn to A/C units, which can be harmful if they get inside the system. To keep ants and other pests away, use an eco-friendly pesticide around the foundation of the unit and check on it regularly throughout the summer.
Stay Level
Nearly all outdoor A/C units are placed on a concrete slab or other platform, giving 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, hindering the performance of the air conditioner. Keep an eye on your outdoor component to ensure that the base continues to stay level.
Obviously, regular maintenance, such as lubrication and filter changes, are pretty important to keep your air conditioner running smoothly. Try to schedule annual maintenance service 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.