The weather in South Texas during the holidays can be unpredictable—hot one day, cold the next. No matter the weather, the last thing you need is HVAC trouble spoiling your holiday plans and entertaining. Here are some simple tips to keep your system running smoothly, so you can focus on the fun!
- Check Your Thermostat: Your thermostat acts as the brain of your HVAC system, controlling when it turns on and off. To check its accuracy, tape a reliable thermometer next to it, wait 15 minutes, and compare the readings. If there’s more than a few degrees difference, it may be time to call a professional for calibration.
- Allow for Airflow: The air filter is an essential component of a well-maintained system. Make sure the air filter is not restricting airflow due to excessive dirt and debris. Inspect your filter once a month and change it as often as necessary, at least once every three months.
- Proper Ventilation: Make sure both the supply and return vents in each room have plenty of free space around them for optimal airflow. Vents should be open and clean, and free from obstructions like furniture, drapes or rugs.
- Keep It Free and Clear: Inspect your outdoor unit for anything restricting airflow. Trim shrubs and remove any debris that has built up against the unit such as leaves and twigs to increase overall efficiency.
- Ensure the Unit is Level: Check if your outdoor unit is level by placing a two-foot level on top. If it is not level, add gravel or material to the low side to prevent excessive vibration, which can cause internal damage or interfere with refrigerant flow, leading to poor performance.
Whether you need a quick service call or a new whole-home system, GVEC Air Conditioning & Heating is here when you need us the most! Don’t forget GVEC also sells and installs smart thermostats with upfront and annual rebates when you enroll in our Peak-Time Payback program!