You must be dreading the imminent onslaught of a heatwave? Well, there is nothing you can do to avoid the inevitable but you can certainly protect yourself from hot and humid weather in summer with a high-performing air conditioner, ice-maker, etc.
As you’re using these home appliances after a long hiatus; having a foul smell, or the worst – not working – could be a nightmare for many of us. In this article, we will take the example of an air conditioner to put forth what safety measure you need to this summer:-
Step 1: Check Thermostat
The thermostat is crucial to regulate your room temperature. There are good chances that your thermostat is outdated if you own an old model of HVAC unit.
Consider getting it inspected by a professional air conditioner service provider. Alternatively, you can swap it with the latest models of programmable thermostats to stay comfortably cool inside.
Let us not forget that a faulty thermostat gives rise to uneven cooling leaving anyone frustrated. However, replacing it with an efficient thermostat improves cooling whilst saving energy and utility bills in the end.
Do consider having a programmable thermostat this summer!
Step 2: Diagnose Duct Leaks
Once you’re through with the thermostat, you have to examine the condition of ducts if they are worn out. It acts as an acute source of inefficient cooling ruining your experience.
However, you would be needing a technician to determine the exact location of the duct leak before proceeding to fix it. Most likely, the leaks would be near the furnace, at the registers, and on-air supply ducts.
Having an experienced technician makes your job a lot easier as ductwork can get exhausting.
Step 3: Check Air Vents
Air vents need to have no substance blocking their cool air to reach you. Check physically if there is anything that blocks the airflow such as your furniture, curtains, or any other household item.
You must not ignore if the air vents are dust-laden. It will only build more strain on the airflow. Clean them yourself or hire a licensed technician for complete cleaning which includes pressure washing.
Step 4: Examine the Drain Line
Most air conditioners possess a drain line just next to the indoor cooling coil and mounted just above the furnace in your basement.
In the event of a clogged drain line due to collecting dust or grime, you could find a serious accumulation of water ensuing grave damage to the overall structure of your house.
You can run down a cup of chlorine bleach in the drain line followed by a few gallons of water to steer clear the drain out of any form of blockage.
Considering hiring a professional technician to clear the drain line for long-time avoidance could escalate the problem to the next level. It is recommended that at least once a year, you must get the drain line cleaned for continued service.
Step 5: Change Air filters
Air filters are crucial for sustained working of your air conditioners as it removes solid material such as pollen, mold, dust, etc.
Ideally, you should be changing air filters every three months according to the model of your air conditioner. A strengthened air filter assures complete clean air for cooling the room temperature.
Step 6: Check Electrical Circuits
Your air conditioner consumes more power than any other regular appliance or device. Once you are planning to restart the air conditioner, properly examine the electrical wiring for any loose connection that could trigger sparking or any other issue.
Whilst most HVAC owners do not consider it relevant, you must not ignore it lest it can result in a bigger problem for you.
When to Rewire a House?
When the electrical system of your home is inadequate to the needs, it gives time to time warnings. Here’s a list of scenarios you should consider:
- Flickering light bulbs on the use of heavy appliances like a mixer, washing machine, or geyser.
- The existing wiring has become fragile, vulnerable, and hazardous
- No earthing is present in the power points.
- If your house still has old-fashioned wires covered in black rubber.
- Overheated socket-outlets.
- Old-fashioned fuse boards and single socket outlets.
- A fuse box with no circuit label.
- Power loss on using many appliances at the same time.
- Tripping of the safety switches frequently.
- A fuse box with a wooden back, cast-iron switches.
If these signs are common in your home, you must reach out to one of the best construction consulting firms to figure out whether house rewiring is required.
To Wrap Up
As you’re preparing to face the heat out there, you have got a fair idea about the recommended six steps to start your air conditioner to enjoy a comfortable temperature in your home.
Whilst you may be tempted to perform some of the general checks and repairs, a professional technician must be your ideal resort to get all-around solutions for all your issues before the summer heat gets on to you!