5 Ways To Avoid Straining Your AC During A Heat Wave
Heatwaves can be extremely uncomfortable. As temperatures start to spike, you may be tempted to reach for your thermostat. However, this is not always advisable. Excessive AC usage during a heat wave can raise your electric bill and place unnecessary strain on your HVAC system. The last thing you want as a homeowner is an emergency AC breakdown during the hottest time of the year!
At LIBERTYAIR, our technicians are certified to accurately diagnose and treat your air conditioner problems. Prepare for the High Springs summer heat ahead—contact LIBERTYAIR today to schedule an appointment!
Check Your Air Filter
Air filters serve a vital purpose—to maintain indoor air quality and preserve the quality and performance of your AC system’s internal components. However, air filters must be cleaned out or replaced every three months so that they can efficiently perform this essential function. A filthy or contaminated air filter will be clogged with trapped dust, dirt, and pollutants, thus preventing adequate airflow. Before an expected heatwave, closely examine your air filters to see if your unit would benefit from an air filter change.
Clean Your Outdoor Unit
Your outdoor AC unit releases the heat that was absorbed indoors. Without enough room to release this heat, your outdoor unit may be unable to function effectively. As such, we recommend keeping shrubbery, weeds, and surrounding foliage trimmed back at least one foot from the unit. Do not plant bushes or trees too close to the unit.
Avoid Using Large Appliances
Large appliances such as washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, and ovens produce heat as they operate. Try to avoid using these appliances too frequently, or only run them early in the day or late in the evening. To make things interesting, you could try out new no-heat recipes—like parfaits and pasta salad—to avoid turning on the stovetop.
Close Your Blinds
Glass windows are great for letting in sunlight—which also makes them great at letting in solar heat. Curtains and window blinds can prevent this heat from entering your home and raising the overall temperature. Keep your blinds and windows covered to keep the indoor temperatures cool and comfortable.
Schedule Preventative Maintenance
An overworked air conditioner will begin to break down over time, leading to costly repairs. Fortunately, scheduled routine maintenance can prevent your air conditioner from overexerting itself. Regular tune-ups from an AC professional can help homeowners avoid 80% of mechanical failures.
During your air conditioner maintenance appointment with LIBERTYAIR, our technicians will inspect your unit’s refrigerant levels, tighten loose components, and clean out your condenser coils. It is advised to schedule AC maintenance once a year for best results. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!