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 showed up and right now you're trusting your air conditioner more than ever. One of the simplest ways to keep your air conditioner running efficiently is to maintain appointments for annual maintenance and tune-ups. There are also a few simple things you can check on yourself that could 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 vacant rooms. In theory, it makes sense that it would save on energy expenses. However, closing off vents actually puts an unnecessary 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, creating an imbalance and causing your system to operate less efficiently.
  2. Check Your Thermostat - Sometimes when your air conditioner isn-t running correctly, the problem is very obvious - drained batteries in your thermostat. Typically, your thermostat will give a warning approximately a month before the battery stops working, but if you missed it, that might be the cause of your heating troubles.
  3. Are your vents blowing chilledair instead of heated? There may be a simple explanation for it. Check and ensure 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 notice that your system is always blowing air, you may have your fan set to "on" instead of "auto". The "on" switch continually keeps your fan blowing, regardless if your AIR CONDITIONER is currently heating. The "auto" switch only utilizes the blower 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 can possibly cause your air conditioner to overheat. Replacing your air conditioner filter is the easiest way to help try to extend the lifetime of your heating system and avoid AC repair.

Along with these simple tips, the best advice is to keep up with annual, scheduled air conditioner maintenance. If you haven't booked your annual air conditioner service yet, you can easily set up an appointment by giving us a call at 334-524-2458.