In order to avoid costly repairs and to ensure the longevity of your AC systems, there are simple things you can do at home. If your AC unit isn’t working properly, you should contact a professional to come take a look. These tips won’t necessarily completely prevent your AC system from having issues but it will help to maintain its efficiency.
Close Blinds, Windows, and Doors
When you leave blinds, windows, and doors open during the summer you’re letting in the heat from the outside. This makes it harder to maintain a cool home and will cause your AC to overwork in order to try to lower the temperature in your home.
Keep Heat Products Away
This may seem obvious, but any products that produce what in order to operate shouldn’t be kept close to your AC system. It can cause damage to your machine and may also falsely make the house seem hotter than it really is inside.
Change Filter
Changing the air filter for your Ac unit will keep it functioning properly. This filter should be changed yearly but if you have pets or live somewhere with quite a few allergens, it’s possible that you will have to change the filter more frequently than every year. If you feel like your AC isn’t working properly, checking the filter is a great place to check first.
Clean Away Debris
Often your AC unit may be outside, this means that sticks, leaves, or other types of debris could get into the system. There are covers you can buy to help limit this but you should also check to make sure that there’s nothing stuck or covering your unit that shouldn’t be there. You should also check your vents inside the house to ensure there’s nothing blocking the airflow.
Keep Vents Unblocked
Check the vents in your rooms to make sure they’re open to allow the cool air in and that they’re not covered by anything. If your vents are located on the floor of your rooms, don’t place furniture directly over or too close to the vents. This can prevent your home from cooling down the way it should.
Avoid Overusing Heated Products
Chores are unavoidable and necessary so it is impossible to completely stop using your heated appliances. Meals often need to be prepared over a stove or in the oven. Just make sure you turn off the oven when it’s not in use as it can heat your home. The dryer is another appliance that’s needed but also heats your home. Try to do laundry only when necessary in order to avoid overheating.
Don’t Change the Temperature Setting
Pick a temperature that is comfortable for you and your household and try not to mess with it too much. If you aren’t home, you might automatically set the thermostat to a lower temperature and that’s okay. But changing the temperature often can mess with the efficiency of your AC.
Schedule Maintenance
Keeping up with the maintenance of your AC system will save you money in the long run. It will help to prevent future costly repairs and it is the best way to ensure your system is working properly.
