Nevada is known for its hot, dry summers – with temperatures often soaring above 100 degrees. And while your air conditioner is designed to keep your home comfortable, it is not immune to wear and tear. In fact, extended use in high temperatures can put a real strain on your unit, potentially leading to an expensive repair bill.
Fortunately, you can follow a few simple tips to help avoid an AC repair Reno, NV disaster this summer. Here’s what you need to know:
- Start with your air filter
While air filters are small in size, they play a big role in helping your air conditioner run properly. A clean filter allows air to flow freely through your unit, while a clogged or dirty filter can restrict airflow and cause your unit to work harder than usual.
Professionals recommend checking your filter every month and replacing it as necessary. Those living in a particularly dusty area may need to check and replace their air filters more often, preferably every two weeks or so.
- Don’t neglect your outdoor unit
Your air conditioner has two main components – an indoor unit (air handler or furnace) and an outdoor unit (condenser). While most people focus on keeping the indoor unit clean, you should also not forget about the outdoor unit. Every so often, perform a thorough inspection and make sure it is free of dirt, dust, and debris. These can all accumulate over time and negatively impact the performance of your unit – eventually leading to a costly AC repair Reno, NV.
- Do a quick check-up
It is crucial to do a quick check-up of your air cooling system because proper airflow is essential for the unit to function correctly and keep you cozy during the summer months. It involves simply going around your unit and looking for any obvious signs of damage or wear and tear. If you see anything that concerns you, such as cracks in the housing or loose wires, contact a professional for further assistance.
A little preventative maintenance can go a long way in keeping your home comfortable and your wallet happy!
- Watch out for leaks
Leaking can be a serious problem, especially if it is not discovered until after significant damage has been done. If you notice any water around your unit – on the ground, walls, or ceiling – you should take action immediately. Even a small leak can quickly turn into a much larger and more expensive problem.
You can troubleshoot the issue yourself or contact an HVAC technician for AC repair Reno, NV. Many times, a simple repair such as tightening a loose connection can resolve the problem. But if the leak is coming from the unit itself, you will likely need a replacement.
- Get the right thermostat
You don’t just buy clothes for the style – you also buy them for their functionality in different weather conditions. Similarly, you should select a well-designed thermostat for your specific home needs.
To give you a fair idea, we have rounded up some of the most popular types of thermostats below:
- Manual thermostat
As the name suggests, a manual thermostat requires you to physically adjust the settings when you want to change the temperature. It consists of a dial or knob you can turn to set the desired temperature in your space – typically located inside the AC unit, near the control panel.
Manual thermostats are the most basic type of thermostat and are simple to use. Just turn the dial to your preferred temperature level, and the air conditioner will do the rest. But talking about convenience, they’re not the most user-friendly option out there, especially if you forget to adjust the settings before leaving home for work.
- Programmable thermostats
A programmable thermostat is a device that allows you to set different temperatures for different times of the day. This is a great option if you’re looking for increased energy efficiency.
For example, you might want the temperature to be higher during the day when you are home and lower at night when you are asleep. Or maybe you want it to be cooler on weekends when no one is home. A programmable thermostat can do all that and more. It is a great way to customize your cooling experience to meet your needs best.
- Smart thermostats
The latest generation of thermostats, the smart thermostat can be programmed to automatically adjust the temperature in a building or home according to a set schedule or in response to changes in the external environment (such as weather conditions).
Smart thermostats are also typically equipped with sensors that can detect occupancy and motion, which allow them to optimize energy usage by only heating or cooling spaces when people are present. Some smart thermostats also have the ability to be controlled remotely using a smartphone or computer. It makes an excellent option if you’re looking for added convenience and flexibility.
- Give your air conditioner professional maintenance and tune-up
Even the best air conditioning units need a little bit of love from time to time in order to function at their optimal level. You can have your system professionally serviced at least once a year. Doing so will ensure that all the parts are in good working order and that any potential problems are caught early on. That means saving up hundreds of dollars on AC repair Reno, NV!
During a professional tune-up, a technician will clean the unit, inspect all the parts, and make any necessary adjustments. They will also check the refrigerant levels and top off if needed. This simple maintenance can go a long way in prolonging the life of your air conditioner and maintaining its glory years.
- Upgrade your air conditioner
Is your AC system nearing retirement age (10-15 years)? Are the energy bills getting higher even though you haven’t changed your usage? It might be time for an upgrade!
A new and improved air conditioner will be more energy-efficient and have newer features that can provide greater comfort and convenience.
For example, many newer units come with a built-in heat pump, saving you money on winter heating costs. Otherwise, you might want to consider a ductless mini-split system. This type of air conditioner doesn’t require ductwork, which can be a major selling point if your home doesn’t have existing ductwork or if it would be too difficult/expensive to install.
What If My AC Breaks Down in the Middle of Summer?
First of all, don’t panic! It’s not the end of the world. In fact, it happens to the best of us. If your AC breaks down in the middle of summer, you can do a few things to stay cool while you wait for a professional to come to your rescue.
Open the windows and turn on the fans.
This is probably the most obvious solution but also the most effective. If it is not too hot outside, open up the windows and let the fresh air in. You can also turn on ceiling fans or portable fans to help circulate the air.
Close the blinds or curtains.
Another simple way to keep cool is to close the blinds or curtains. This will help block out the sun’s rays and keep your home from getting too warm.
Take a cold shower.
If it’s just too hot to bear, take a cold shower or jump in the pool. It will help you cool off quickly and hopefully lower your body temperature so you can better tolerate the heat.
Move to a cooler room.
If one room in your house is cooler than the others, spend most of your time there until the AC is fixed. This might mean setting up a temporary bedroom in the basement or spending most of your time in the living room where there’s a window air conditioner.
Drink lots of fluids.
Don’t forget to stay hydrated when the weather is hot outside! Make sure you are drinking plenty of water (or other fluids) to help your body regulate its temperature and prevent heat stroke.
Stay in the shade.
Try to stay in the shade as much as possible when you are outside to help you avoid direct sunlight and the associated heat.
Remember that these are just temporary solutions to help you get by until your air conditioner is fixed. If the heat is too much to handle or if you have any medical conditions that the heat could exacerbate, it’s best to call a professional AC repair Reno, NV company right away.
Air Conditioning Emergency? Lincoln Heating & Air Can Be Your Best Companion!
It is important to prepare your air conditioner for summer and spring. Emergency AC repairs Reno, NV happens at the most unfortunate times, and it helps to be ready with a reliable contractor like Lincoln Heating & Air. We offer comprehensive air conditioner services, from installation to repair and maintenance. We also provide ductwork cleaning, indoor air quality solutions, and more. You can give us a call at (775) 984-8010 to get started!