Does this sound familiar?. Gaithersburg is experiencing record heat and the air conditioner in your home begins blowing out warm air or stops working entirely. Along with hundreds of other people in our city, you pick up the phone to call your HVAC specialist, as you and your family brave the heat. Although some A/C problems will require a professional technician, here are a few tips that can be used to minimize the possibility of this happening to you this summer.
Ensure Maximum Air Flow
For the A/C system to work correctly, you need to ensure the air is pulling through properly, including recirculating air throughout the rooms of your home. If the air flow is blocked in any way, it can end up translating to money out of pocket for you. To assure you have the manufacturer suggested air flow, make sure to keep space around the vents - indoors and outside. This includes trimming back vegetation and cleaning dirt away from vents.
Use a Programmable Thermostat
Beyond helping reduce energy costs by regulating your home’s temperature, programmable thermostats can also help minimize impact on your system. Set your thermostat to be on only when you are actually in your home.
Also, program your thermostat for extended run-cycles. We are not suggesting that this will prevent problems, it can help lower humidity in your Gaithersburg area home. This can provide a more comfortable environment, in addition to keep mold spores from thriving in your home.
Keep Pests at Bay
Some bugs and pests are attracted to central air units, which can be harmful if they get inside the system. To keep ants and other pests away, use an eco-friendly pesticide around the exterior of the unit with a reasonably wide perimeter of 24 – 36 inches.
Stay Level
Nearly all outdoor A/C units are positioned on a concrete slab or other platform, giving them a level base of operation. However, over time these can settle or sag, hindering the performance of the air conditioner. Check on your outdoor component to make sure that the base continues to stay level.
Obviously, regular maintenance, such as lubrication and filter changes, are also important to keep your air conditioner running smoothly. Call 301-476-4577 to schedule annual maintenance service before the summer starts to ensure your system is ready to face the hot days ahead. By following these simple tips, you may be able to minimize A/C problems and have a stress-free and climate controlled home all summer.