Keep Your Air Conditioning Working
T.A. Kaiser
T.A. Kaiser -
When Summer heat and humidity build up, you can keep your air conditioning working by following these few tips. It is easy to overlook these things, but if your air conditioning stops working on the hottest day of the year, you will wish you had paid more attention to it. Keep your cool by keeping the AC in tip-top shape and enjoying the comfort it provides all year long.
Tip # 1 – Keep the filter clean
When the filter is loaded up with dirt, it restricts the air flow and causes the AC to work harder and run longer. This costs you money in utilities, but also may lead to earlier replacement of parts and additional labor costs. Get a good filter, not the cheapest type, and change it (or at least check it) once a month through the hot months. There is a filter door on most systems which almost anyone can easily open to replace the filter. Be sure to close the door and latch it so it is air tight.
Tip # 2 – Make sure vents are clear and clean
If the vents get dusty, the air coming through them will be dirty. If the vents get plugged by furniture, drapes or anything else, the cool air won’t flow properly. Take a look at the vents in each room to clean them, or to move anything that is blocking the air flow. You need to do this for both supply vents (air blowing in) and return vents (air flowing out) to keep your air conditioning working properly.
Tip# 3 – Check your thermostat
Frequently, we get called to fix an AC system and find out the problem was in the thermostat, not the air conditioner. If you have a battery in your thermostat, make sure that battery is fresh or recently re-charged. If your thermostat is an older style, consider getting a new programmable model. They have built-in features to help your air conditioner run more efficiently.
Tip #4 – Don’t ignore trouble signals
When an air conditioner is struggling to keep your home cool, you may be able to hear or smell a difference before it breaks down. If you see ice on the unit, hear vibrations that aren’t normal, or smell a burning odor, those are warning signals. Call a professional to look at the system to avoid a complete breakdown and a higher repair bill.
Tip # 5 – Set up a periodic inspection
There are parts of your system that need to be cleaned, lubricated and adjusted on a periodic basis. These tasks require the use of tools, gauges and analyzers in the hands of professionals who know how to use them. Find a trustworthy local HVAC company and join their preventative maintenance program. They will keep your air conditioning working and reduce the possibility that you will have an unexpected breakdown.
We would like to be that company for you. Our primary goal at T.A. Kaiser Inc. is to make you feel as comfortable as possible in your home or business so you can focus on what is important to you. Being a family owned business since 1987, we know what it takes to provide you with the best service and product in heating and air conditioning. Contact us TODAY and we’ll take care of you.
Additional general information about this topic can be found at energy.gov.
Keep Your Air Conditioning Working
T.A. Kaiser
T.A. Kaiser -
