It's going to be a summer for the record books. People across the country have been dealing with oppressive humidity and triple digit temperatures for weeks now, and people with central air are praying that they won't run into any problems as the summer goes on. Sometimes when AC units experience problems, a professional needs to deal with them, but there are some things owners can do that can catch problems early, or avoid them all together. If you can't go through this hot summer without an AC system, remember to follow these tips to keep your AC running until fall. Change Your Filters Every Month If you want to ensure that your AC runs at its peak performance throughout the summer, you have to make sure that you change the filter every month. Even if your filter looks "clean" there are still small micro particles of dust and other materials that can accumulate over time and clog your filters and vents. If the filters aren't clean your AC unit will have to work harder to pump air through your vents, and the extra work could put a strain on your AC. If you regularly replace your filters, you'll have the added bonus of improving your home's air quality. Look For Frost When some people notice ice and frost on their AC's coils they think it's a good sign since it shows that their AC is working. Ice on your AC unit isn't normal, and is usually a sign of a serious problem. If you start to notice ice on your AC turn off your unit for a couple of hours to give it a chance to properly thaw out. When you turn the unit back on, feel your coils to see if they feel cold. If they don't, there's probably an issue with coolant levels. Measure Temperatures in Your Home Temperature changes and differences can be a sign that your AC is on the verge of having a serious problem. temperature measurement systems in your home should be precise, and they should be able to detect if your room isn't the temperature your AC unit is set at. If you think that your AC unit isn't working like it should be, measure the temperature in each room and compare it to the temperature the thermostat is set at. A difference of 5 degrees actually isn't reason for alarm, but if you notice a difference that’s higher than 5 you should call a repair man.
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