It’s emergency-repair season: How to avoid AC problems this summer
As you might imagine, summer is our busiest period for emergency HVAC calls—as the days and nights get hotter, people run their systems more to keep their homes comfortable. But depending on the health of your system, and how you use it, you could be putting too much stress on your equipment. That can lead to big problems at the worst possible time.
At Patriot, we provide 24-hour emergency service for HVAC systems, because we know how important it is to keep cool when the temperature rises. And our flat-rate pricing ensures you don’t have to worry about a bill with nasty surprises.
Still, it’s better to avoid emergency repairs in the first place, for both your budget and for our technicians (who love their beauty sleep). We’re happy to talk to you anytime at 509-662-6262, but we’re even happier when your system is running as it should. So here are some tips to help prevent unexpected AC problems.
Watch your filters.
We know what you’re thinking: “The filter thing again, really?” Yes, really. There’s a reason we talk about it all the time, and why it’s included in just about every list you’ll find of tips to help your HVAC system run smoothly—clean filters ensure your equipment gets clean air. When your system gets dirty air, it has to work harder. And that’s never a good thing.
Don’t go too low.
It’s tempting to make your house cold when it’s hot outside … that’s what AC is for, right? Well, not if you want to prolong the life of your system. Instead, focus on making your home comfortable, maybe setting the thermostat to 75 or 78 degrees when it’s 90 out, instead of going to 68 or 70.
Help your system help you.
You don’t want to make your AC work harder than it needs to—and you don’t want to waste the work it’s already doing, either. So close your blinds or drapes to keep the sun out and the cool air in. Close the registers in rooms that you don’t use often. And check your insulation and weather stripping to make sure you’re not leaking too much of that AC goodness outside, where it won’t do anybody any good.
Do your yard work.
When you’re in the yard this summer, look at the space around your outdoor unit. If nearby plants and grass have grown too high or too close (or both), it could block air intake and exhaust output—which can lead to overheating. Keep a couple of feet clear in all directions, and if you have low-hanging branches or plants that are above the unit, you’ll want to make sure to leave about 5 feet of clearance there. Be sure to watch out for wiring when you’re trimming, though! A string trimmer can do a lot of damage very quickly.
Keep your eyes and ears open.
It’s a good idea to regularly check your outdoor unit for any debris that might have made its way inside, especially if you’re hearing odd noises such as thumping or banging. If removing the debris doesn’t fix the noise, or if you hear anything that just doesn’t sound right, give us a call.
On another note …
We also get a lot of calls for electrical work during the summer, because so many people are doing home-improvement projects. So whether you’re tackling something big like transforming your backyard living space or smaller tasks such as adding ceiling fans (speaking of cooling), we’re ready to help! And don’t forget, fall and winter will be here before we know it, so if you’re looking to add outdoor lighting or even a generator, it’s never too early to get started.
Have an AC emergency? Call now!
You can call us anytime at 509-662-6262 for emergency HVAC service—or, even better, before you need it. Schedule your maintenance and system check-ups today, before things really start to heat up!