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 simplest ways to keep your air conditioner running effortlessly is to stay up on annual maintenance and tune-ups. There are also some basic 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 empty rooms. In theory, it sounds like this would save on energy expenses. However, closing off vents actually puts an unneeded strain on your system that may lead to concerns in the future. Interior walls are not insulated and the temperature in the room then goes to other rooms in your house, making an imbalance and causing your system to work less efficiently.
- Check Your Thermostat - Sometimes when your air conditioner isn-t running properly, the problem is very simple - dead batteries in your thermostat. Typically, your thermostat will provide a warning about a month before the battery stops working, but if you missed it, that may be the cause of your heating troubles.
Are your vents blowing chilledair instead of hot? 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 changing the thermostat.
Your thermostat has a fan setting. If you see that your system is consistently blowing air, you could have your fan set to "on" versus "auto". The "on" switch continually 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 dirty filter is the most common reason a heating system breaks down. Dirt and debris keep air from passing around your system and that can possibly cause your air conditioner to overheat. Changing your air conditioner filter is the easiest way to help possibly 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 booked your annual air conditioner service yet, you can easily set up an appointment by giving us a call at 304-707-0600.