Simple Ways to Avoid Calling for AC Repair This Winter
Winter has arrived and right now you're counting on your air conditioner more than ever. One of the easiest ways to keep your air conditioner running effortlessly is to stay up on annual maintenance and tune-ups. There are also some easy things you can check on yourself that might keep you from being left in the cold and in need of an emergency AC repair.
- Keep Air Vents Open - There's some misinformation out there about closing off vents in vacant rooms. In theory, it sounds like this would save on energy bills. However, closing off vents actually puts an unneeded strain on your system that can lead to issues in the future. Interior walls are not insulated and the temperature in the room then goes to other rooms in your house, creating an imbalance and causing your system to operate less efficiently.
- Check Your Thermostat - Sometimes when your air conditioner isn-t operating correctly, the problem is very easy - depleted batteries in your thermostat. Typically, your thermostat will give a warning around a month before the battery runs out, but if you missed it, that may be the cause of your heating issues.
Are your vents blowing coolair instead of heated? There might be a simple explanation for it. Check and make sure 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 realize that your system is always blowing air, you could have your fan set to "on" rather than "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 change your filters more often. This then leads to...
- Change Your Air Filter - A gross filter is the most common reason a heating system quits running. Dirt and debris keep air from passing around your system and that may possibly cause your air conditioner to overheat. Replacing your air conditioner filter is the easiest way to help possibly extend the lifetime of your heating system and avoid AC repair.
Along with these easy tips, the best advice is to keep up with annual, scheduled air conditioner maintenance. If you haven't arranged your annual air conditioner service yet, you can easily arrange an appointment by giving us a call at 510-343-9841.