It’s an open secret that Saskatchewan’s climate can be pretty erratic.
Half the year, we worry about freezing to death, and the other half we find ourselves waking up in sweat-soaked sheets if we don’t have a functioning air conditioner.
A proper air conditioner is a must for a good night’s sleep. Therefore, to help keep you cool during the sweltering summer heat, here are a few DIY tips to tune up your air conditioner.
1. Change the furnace filter
“The main reason we get service calls is dirty furnace filters,” says Jeff Wiley of Professional Plumbing & Heating in Regina. He mentions that clogged filters can inhibit airflow.
As a result, Jeff recommends changing the filter at least once a month during the cooling season. He further adds that you should change the filter more often if you have pets who shed.
2. Clean the condenser
In late spring, brush off leaves or debris on the condenser—the whirring box outside your house.
The fins at the back of the unit can get coated in fluff, particularly if you have a lot of poplar trees in your area. Gently rinse them off with a garden hose. “But do not use a pressure washer,” Jeff cautions.
3. Rinse the removable filter
Window or wall-mounted ductless systems have a removable filter on the inside of the unit. Slide the filter out, rinse it with soapy water, and dry thoroughly before reinserting.
Wiley recommends cleaning the filter at least once a month during the warmer months.
4. Control the temperature
To improve the efficiency of your air conditioner, close the blinds on large south-facing windows during the day. This will help minimize the solar heat gain.
Another trick is to close some of your basement vents to force more cold air up to other parts of the house. Do the same in small spaces, like powder rooms, which can get too cold for comfort.
5. Know the warning signs
If it seems your home isn’t cooling down as quickly as it used to, you’re probably not imagining it. This is the most common sign that something is not quite right with your air conditioner.
Other indicators can include a whiny or grinding noise coming from the condenser, or the buildup of ice on the lines leading from the condenser to the furnace.
6. Seek professional help
If things seem dire, seek professional help from a licensed technician.
During a service call, the technician will clean your condenser, check the voltage of components, pressure-test and top up the refrigerant, and clean the blower wheel inside your furnace.
How can CAA help you?
While buying a home insurance policy, take advantage of CAA’s home equipment breakdown coverage.
Under this benefit, members are offered complete and affordable protection against costly home equipment repairs.
These include home systems like furnaces, televisions, refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioners that can be protected from losses suffered due to mechanical, electrical, and pressure systems breakdown.
Contact a CAA Insurance consultant today and get security and peace of mind all year round.
