It’s the hottest time of the year, and more than ever, people are relying on their home air conditioning systems to control the climate in their homes. Unfortunately, in times of extreme temperature, heating and cooling systems tend to suffer from strain and improper use. Here are some tips to help you preserve your home’s air conditioning and avoid costly air conditioner repair.
- Change your filters. The dirtier the filter, the less efficient the unit. Aim to change your filters at least every 90 days. If you need more filters, they should be available at any heating and cooling supply store.
- Give your outdoor heating and cooling systems at least two feet of clearance on all sides. If your heating and cooling units are surrounded by shrubbery, walls, other units or anything else, it will block air flow and force your units to work harder than they should, which will shorten their lifespan.
- Use fans liberally in your home. Ceiling fans and box fans will circulate the air more quickly and make the job easier for your AC unit.
- Keep your registers open. Registers are the small grills on your walls, ceiling and floor through which air flows. Experts recommend that no more than 20% of your home’s registers should be closed. So if your home has, say, ten registers, don’t close more than four at once. A large number of closed registers will strain your heating and cooling system.
With proper care and maintenance, your heating and cooling systems can work for 12 to 15 years without you having to get home air conditioning repair. If you start experiencing inconsistent temperatures (some rooms too hot, some too cold), excessive noise from your unit, or humidity problems, it may be time to buckle down and get a replacement. But follow the tips above and you should enjoy many comfortable summers (and winters)! More like this.
