As the temperature in Ontario continues to rise, the last thing you need is a broken air conditioning unit. To keep your AC unit running at its best, we’ve gathered a few tips from the pros that we’d like to share.
- Change your air filter – A large percentage of issues can be mitigated just by making sure you change the filter. Make sure it is the correct size, don’t jam a 4 inch filter into a 1 inch space. Also, 1″ filters are recommended to be changed once a month whereas 4″ to 5″ should be changed at least once a year.
- Start your AC before it gets hot – Even if you don’t need to turn it on, you should always check to see if it’s working. All you have to do is wait till it is about 22 degrees outside, then flip the switch to cooling (make sure you take off your cover if you have one). If it starts, great! If it doesn’t? Well now you know to call a service technician. As a bonus, spring is generally the slowest season for HVAC technicians, so you’ll get faster service.
- Wash your outdoor unit – It’s always a good idea to clean the the unit before summer begins as dust and other dirt buildup can play a big part in AC issues. Grab a hose and wash the outside fins. If you leave that kind of stuff on the unit it can cause a decrease in air flow, which means more effort will be put on the motor.
- If you see ice forming on your unit, TURN IT OFF! – Ice can mean a variety of different things, a service technician will be able to determine the problem but they can’t do anything until the unit thaws. So make sure it’s not covered in ice when you call.
- If your thermostat is blank, check the batteries – A large percentage of thermostats run on batteries so make sure they’re not out of juice. Also batteries that have been sitting in your basement for 10 years don’t count. They have expiration dates, get new ones.
- Be patient – It’s hot and your AC isn’t working, unfortunately many others are in the same situation. You may not receive same day service if it’s been an extremely hot few days. The closer you are to your local HVAC company, and the more flexible you are, the better chance you have of getting quicker service.
You don’t always have to spend a lot of money to maintain the investment you’ve made in your central air conditioning system. Understanding the different parts of your HVAC system and keeping it running efficiently will keep your system in top working condition for when you need it most this summer.
Any HVAC Technicians or Businesses out there who have more helpful tips and advice for homeowners, do leave a comment below!
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