Hints for Keeping Your AC in Good Repair
There are many things that you can do to make sure that your air conditioner stays in good repair. You want to make sure that you call a professional out from time to time to do routine maintenance, but many of the things below you can do on your own. If you need a repairman, you can research and find the right person to do it for you.
When you do your research, make sure that you do not just choose the first repairman that you see. You want to check the online reviews, the Better Business Bureau, and ask friends and family to see if they have experience with the repairman. One company that has good reviews is Westair Air Conditioning in Houston, Texas, they have had good reviews for many years. They do quality work and even do emergency service twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
Hints
1. Service Your AC Yearly
You need to make sure that you have someone come out and check your air conditioner at least once a year. You probably want to do it sometime before it starts getting warm, because you do not want to do it when everyone else is and then possibly have an emergency when it is too hot.
If you put off your service too long, a small problem can turn into a major problem that is difficult to afford. Get it done sooner than later so you might be able to save your air conditioner and save yourself some money.
2. Get Problems Looked at Immediately
As stated above, you want to get any potential problems looked at immediately. Waiting will only cause more problems and more extensive, expensive problems. Even if you do have your unit looked at in the spring, parts can wear down, parts can get blocked, and things can happen. When your air conditioner is not working properly have someone come and check it out as soon as you can. You can get more hints about this by looking at this site. This site has lots of good ideas for you.
3. Check Filters
You need to check your filters regularly and change them or clean them when it is needed. Check them at least every month and if they are dirty clean them or change them. An air conditioner will not run efficiently if the filters are dirty, and this is a cheap and easy fix.
4. Keep Condenser Unit Clear
Keep the are around your condenser unit clean and free of plants and other debris. If there is a bunch of debris around your condenser it will not work as efficiently, and you will not stay as cool. Cut back plants and remove other debris and try to keep it clean and clear.
5. Shade Your Condenser
While you want to keep the area around your condenser unit clean and clear, you also want to keep it shaded. If your unit is under direct sunlight, it will get hot and must work harder to keep your home cool. You must provide shade without blocking airflow because you want your unit to run efficiently.
6. Check Vents
You also need to check your vents monthly, at least, to make sure they are clean and free of debris. Your air conditioner will work harder and longer if you do not keep the vents clean and will not be as efficient. You also need to make sure that your furniture has not moved over to cover the vents. Checking this at least once a month will help to make sure that your air conditioner will be efficient and keep your home cool.
7. Keep Doors and Windows Closed
Make sure that you keep your doors and windows tightly closed so that you are not letting your cool air out and the hot air in. This will not only save energy, but it will also keep your air conditioner from working too hard and will save you some money in the long run. If you want to air out your home, make sure that you turn your air conditioner off.
8. Weatherize
You also need to make sure that you seal all the cracks in your windows and doors to help keep your cold air in and the hot air out. This will help your air conditioner to work more efficiently and to save money on costly repairs. You can use weather stripping or just use rolled up towels in these spots to help you out.
9. Check Your Thermostat
You might want to get an energy efficient thermostat that will power on and off only when needed and allows you to set the temperature at different rates if you are not home. Also, make sure that you have your thermostat in a part of the home that does not get too hot so that it does not cycle on and off too often.
10. Install Window Film
Install window film for year-round comfort, this will help keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. This is an easy fix that is not too expensive, and it is easy to install.
11. Landscaping
Consider adding landscaping to the house to help keep your home cooler. Having trees on the hot side of your home will help keep it cooler. Making sure that you do not have concrete or asphalt too close to your home will also help keep it cooler. Concrete and asphalt hold onto the heat and can increase the heat in your home
12. Upgrade
If you have an older air conditioning unit, it might be time to consider upgrading your system. An older unit will not run as efficiently and will cycle on and off more than a newer system. Your air conditioner has a limited lifetime, and sometimes it is just cheaper in the long run to replace an older unit. Having a newer, energy efficient unit will also increase your property value.
Following these tips will help you to save money from costly repairs. If you find the problems early on because of regular maintenance, it will save you money on big problems later on.
