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 reared its head and right now you're relying on your air conditioner more than ever. One of the easiest ways to keep your air conditioner running smoothly is to stay up on annual maintenance and tune-ups. There are also a couple 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 wrong information out there about closing off vents in vacant rooms. In theory, it appears as though would save on energy costs. However, closing off vents actually puts an unnecessary strain on your system that may lead to issues in the future. Interior walls are not insulated and the temperature in the room will leak 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 operating correctly, the problem is very easy - dead batteries in your thermostat. Usually, your thermostat will provide a warning around a month before the battery stops working, but if you missed it, that could be the cause of your heating troubles.
  3. Are your vents blowing coolair instead of hot? There may 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 playing around with the thermostat.

    Your thermostat has a fan setting. If you see that your system is consistently blowing air, you may 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 keeps the blower running 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 dirty filter is the most common reason a heating system quits running. Dirt and debris keep air from passing around your system and that can possibly cause your air conditioner to overheat. Swapping your air conditioner filter is the easiest way to help try to extend the lifespan of your heating system and avoid AC repair.

Along with these easy tips, the best advice is to keep up with annual, scheduled air conditioner maintenance. If you haven't arranged your annual air conditioner service yet, you can easily schedule an appointment by giving us a call at 801-305-4777.