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 effortlessly is to maintain appointments for annual maintenance and tune-ups. There are also some basic things you can check on yourself that might 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 unused rooms. In theory, it sounds like this would save on energy expenses. However, closing off vents actually puts an unneeded strain on your system that can lead to problems in the future. Interior walls are not insulated and the temperature in the room then goes to other rooms in your house, leaving an imbalance and causing your system to work less efficiently.
  2. Check Your Thermostat - Sometimes when your air conditioner isn-t working properly, the problem is very easy - drained batteries in your thermostat. Typically, your thermostat will provide a warning about 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 coldair instead of heated? There could 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 realize that your system is consistently blowing air, you might have your fan set to "on" rather than "auto". The "on" switch always 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 exchange your filters more often. This then leads to...

  4. Change Your Air Filter - A gross filter is the most common reason a heating system stops working. 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 lifespan 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 booked your annual air conditioner service yet, you can easily schedule an appointment by giving us a call at 360-255-5857.