It never fails. West Palm Beach is experiencing record heat and the air conditioner in your home is blowing out warm air or stops working altogether. Along with hundreds of other people in our city, you pick up the phone to call your HVAC specialist, as you and your family brave the heat. While some A/C issues absolutely require a professional to service them, here are a few tips that can be used to decrease the chance 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 the air flow is blocked in any way, it can cause problems in your unit. To assure you have the manufacturer suggested air flow, make sure to keep the area clear around the vents - indoors and outside. This includes scaling back vegetation and cleaning dirt away from vents.
Use a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat is an easy addition to help lower your energy expenses and control the temperature of your West Palm Beach area home. Set your thermostat to be on only when you are actually in your home.
Another tip is to program your thermostat for extended run-cycles. We are not suggesting that this will prevent problems, it can help lower humidity in your West Palm Beach area home. This can give you a more comfortable environment, in addition to keep mold spores from developing in your home.
Keep Pests at Bay
Some bugs and pests are attracted to central air 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 and check on it regularly throughout the summer.
Stay Level
Most outdoor A/C units are positioned on a concrete slab or other platform, allowing them a level base of operation. However, over time these can settle or sag, limiting the performance of the air conditioner. Keep an eye on your outdoor component to make sure that the base continues to stay level.
Naturally, regular maintenance, such as lubrication and filter changes, are also important to keep your air conditioner running smoothly. Make sure to schedule annual maintenance service before the summer starts to ensure your system is ready to face the hot days ahead. Following these suggestions, you may be able to avoid A/C problems and have a stress-free and climate controlled home all summer.