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 arrived and right now you're counting on your air conditioner more than ever. One of the easiest ways to keep your air conditioner running effortlessly is to maintain appointments for annual maintenance and tune-ups. There are also a few simple 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 wrong information out there about closing off vents in empty rooms. In theory, it sounds like this would save on energy costs. However, closing off vents actually puts an unnecessary strain on your system that may lead to concerns in the future. Interior walls are not insulated and the temperature in the room will leak to other rooms in your house, creating an imbalance and causing your system to work less efficiently.
  2. Check Your Thermostat - Sometimes when your air conditioner isn-t operating properly, the problem is very simple - drained batteries in your thermostat. Normally, your thermostat will provide a warning around a month before the battery runs out, but if you missed it, that may be the cause of your heating problems.
  3. Are your vents blowing coldair instead of warm? There might be a simple explanation for it. Check and ensure 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 notice that your system is consistently blowing air, you could have your fan set to "on" instead of "auto". The "on" switch always keeps your fan blowing, regardless if your AIR CONDITIONER is currently heating. The "auto" switch only runs 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 swap your filters more often. This then leads to...

  4. Change Your Air Filter - A nasty filter is the most common reason a heating system quits running. Dirt and debris keep air from passing around your system and that could possibly cause your air conditioner to overheat. Changing your air conditioner filter is the easiest way to help possibly 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 set up an appointment by giving us a call at 336-853-6070.