Does this sound familiar?. Hilton Head Island is experiencing record heat and the air conditioner in your home starts blowing out warm air or stops working entirely. 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. Although some A/C problems will require a professional technician, here are a few tips that can be used to decrease the likeliness of this happening to you this summer.
Max-Out the Air Flow
To work properly, your air conditioner needs to pull air through the system, including recirculating air from within your home. If Air blockage or obstruction of any kind can result in trouble and repair costs. To assure you have the manufacturer suggested air flow, 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 longer run-cycles. While this does not necessary prevent problems, it can help lower humidity in your Hilton Head Island area home. This can provide a more comfortable environment, plus keep mold spores from developing in your home.
Keep Pests at Bay
For some reason certain bugs and pests are attracted to air conditioning 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 exterior of the unit with a reasonably wide perimeter of 24 – 36 inches.
Stay Level
The majority of outdoor A/C units rest on a concrete slab or other platform, permitting them a level base of operation. However, over time these can settle or sag, 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 very important to keep your air conditioner operating as it should. Make sure to schedule system maintenance review 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.