Does this sound familiar?. A heat wave is covering the Livermore area and the air conditioner in your home starts blowing out warm air or stops operating entirely. Along with hundreds of other people in our city, you reach for the phone to call your HVAC specialist, and wait out the heat until relief arrives. While not all A/C problems can be prevented, here are a few tips that can be used to decrease the possibility of this happening to you this summer.
Max-Out the 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 Air blockage or obstruction of any kind 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 the area clear 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. 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 extended run-cycles. We are not suggesting that this will prevent problems, it can help bring down the humidity in your Livermore area home. This can give you a more comfortable environment, plus keep mold spores from growing in your home.
Watch Out for Those Pests
Many bugs and pests are drawn to A/C units, which can be detrimental if they get inside the system. To keep ants and other pests away, use an eco-friendly pesticide around the foundation of the unit to keep them from “bugging” your air conditioner.
Stay Level
Nearly all outdoor A/C units rest on a concrete slab or other platform, allowing 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. Keep an eye on your outdoor component to confirm that the base continues to stay level.
Of course, regular maintenance, such as lubrication and filter changes, are very important to keep your air conditioner functioning well. Try to schedule annual maintenance service before the summer starts to ensure your system is ready to face the hot days ahead. By following these simple tips, 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.