Summertime heat means we want and need our AC to work. When it doesn't, we can lose our cool in moe ways than one! Biggest mistake we make is we forget about changing out the Air Conditioning filters, every couple of months so it can breathe and do its job.
The Air Conditioner is complex machinery, so there isn't a heck of a lot you can do on your own.When things go really wrong, you need a competent and qualified contractor specialist to help you. But changing the filters is something we can all do. Otherwise a clogged filter causes one problem after the next, like putting a blanket over the radiator in your car. Yes it will over heat.
Experts advise you use a pleated filter, for about 7 dollars, or even better an electrostatic filter, which runs about 60 dollars. Electronic filters are another option, even more expensive but may be worth it to you. Remember this AC filter is the same we have for our heater if you have whole house AC, so its doing double duty.
Watch that filter monthly! And to avoid forgetting, consider buying a year's worth at once, and keep track of when you are changing it out on your home To Do calendar.
Here are a few more tips and things to watch for:
If you see a pipe dripping water by your Air Conditioning unit, you need a repairman to have it cleaned out for you.
Keep the exterior around your AC unit clear. Some shrubs are okay to provide shade but no closer than 18 inches or it will rlestrict air flow. Your AC needs to keep cool too!
If you have a wall unit, it too needs to have the filter changed. It is a foam filter in the face panel and when it's clean the return and intake air supply is clear and operates better. Remember not to put anything in front of it, like furniture because then again the intake can't get air!
A step furthern than basic maintenance is to get an air thermometer. If you can handle a 20 dollar digital one, you can check the supply air and output. The temperature difference should be 20 degrees. If it is more, you are doing great with a really efficient AC. If it's a 16 or 17 degree difference, you are probably low on freon/coolant.
Remember an AC unit is not designed for 110 degrees.
If it overheats, it will turn off. A weak break on electrical panel may also trip.
If your AC does not come on at all, double check the thermostat setting and circuit breaker setting.
If the temperature swings in different rooms, that means the original installation is off. There are calculations to properly size duct work and air balancing. Hire companies to do air balancing for larger commercial projectsd. Each room, East/West is different with a different heat load and air flow. If that wasn't done correctly there are design strategy companies that can fix or readajust.
Try to keep your AC thermostat set at 78degrees. Your AC won't get the home much lower than that anyway on a really hot day and the system will just keep spinning.
When hiring an AC repairman
Pick someone who has been at it for 10to 20 years or more.
Ask if they've done Air Conditioning
Get their hourly rate over the phone and labor costs
Ask if they have warranties or guarantees
Make sure they are licensed.
Your Air Conditioner should have 10 -12 years life expectancy. Some can run 20 years but then lose their efficiency.
If you have a major repair for an 8 year old unit, instead of paying 1500 dollars in repairs you can get a new one for twice that much and rebates to offset the cost.
Remember the most expensive is not always the best!
Hope it helps!
Stay cool!
Cindy
cindy@cindydole.com
It is a small device the size of a coffee cup with a built in light sensor and timermade to simulate the effects of a Television Show - with the light pulses that simulate scene and color changes! It consumes just the power of a night-light and looks like you and the family are at home watching TV when you are out. It can also give the look of someone else being in the home with you, when you are alone. More info at www.faketv.com. Burglars want easy in, easy out, and the path of least resistance. If they think someone is home, the odds are they'll move on.
Cindy Dole
