Simple Ways to Avoid Calling for AC Repair This Winter

January 27, 2016

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 easiest ways to keep your air conditioner running efficiently is to stay up on annual maintenance and tune-ups. There are also a couple easy things you can check on yourself that may keep you from being left in the cold and in need of an emergency AC repair.

  1. Keep Air Vents Open - There's some misinformation out there about closing off vents in empty rooms. In theory, it appears as though would save on energy costs. However, closing off vents actually puts an unneeded strain on your system that may lead to problems in the future. Interior walls are not insulated and the temperature in the room leaks to other rooms in your house, making an imbalance and causing your system to work less efficiently.
  2. Check Your Thermostat - Sometimes when your air conditioner isn-t operating as it should be, the problem is very easy - drained batteries in your thermostat. Typically, your thermostat will provide a warning approximately a month before the battery stops working, but if you missed it, that might be the cause of your heating issues.
  3. Are your vents blowing chilledair instead of hot? There might be a simple explanation for it. Check and be 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 see that your system is always blowing air, you might have your fan set to "on" versus "auto". The "on" switch constantly 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...

  4. Change Your Air Filter - A nasty filter is the most common reason a heating system breaks down. 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 potentially 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 scheduled your annual air conditioner service yet, you can easily schedule an appointment by giving us a call at 775-230-7628.