This post is brought to you by Sears Home Services. All opinions are my own.
This time four years ago, when I was newly pregnant with Zachary, our air conditioner broke down. That’s unfortunate enough but compounded by the fact that I live in Vegas where the temperature in June is consistently over 100 degrees- it was a recipe for disaster.
Because we needed a full replacement and our AC is on our roof, it took over two weeks to get a replacement put in and in the meantime, we had to uproot the whole family, including the dog, and live with my in-laws for two weeks. We were lucky that we had them here to turn to and that we get along well enough that we didn’t drive each other crazy during that time, but I had terrible morning sickness at the time and I just wanted to be at home in my bed.
Since that experience, it’s become incredibly important to me that we make sure our air conditioner is running well- before it’s too late. There are some steps that you can take to prevent a situation like the one I was in. I didn’t know what needed to be done before but luckily I do now!
1. Replace your air filter when it’s dirty. Be sure to check your filter every month to see if it’s getting full of dust, lint, or pet hair- a clogged filter makes your HVAC unit work harder. Filters are readily available at your local store or online and they are a lot easier to replace than an air conditioner! If your unit doesn’t look particularly dirty, be sure to change it at least every couple of months anyway to keep everything running smoothly.
2. If your HVAC is making noises beyond a low humming, it’s time to call an expert. You shouldn’t be able to hear any clanging or banging, so if you do be sure to call someone to diagnose the problem ASAP.
3. Keep nature at bay. Our unit is on our roof, but if yours is on the side of your house or in the back, be sure that there aren’t any bushes, trees, or other things in the immediate space of your unit. Having your unit that close to nature can actually block the airflow.
4. Clean the drain line. Okay guys, confession- as much as I advocate for the proper care of your HVAC, I actually didn’t even know this {probably because we can’t get to our unit}. Did you know that you should be pouring a solution of 1 cup bleach and 3 cups water down your condensate drain tube every three months? That helps it keep clear of algae {eew} and other debris. Looks like it’s time for me to call a tech out to help with this!
5. Call in a professional at least once- but preferably twice- per year. Think of it as a doctor for your air conditioner- your unit may not be broken yet, but a check up could prevent something serious down the line.
We learned the hard way the trouble that it takes to go through replacing an HVAC system in the middle of the summer. Not only did it cost us time and our comfort, but it cost us money too. Luckily, HVAC units typically work for 10-14 years if they’re treated right- which means regular checkups and maintenance as soon as a problem begins, not when the damage has been done.
If you haven’t had your HVAC unit checked out in awhile, it’s time to schedule your free in-home consultation with Sears Home Services! Sears Home Services is the nation’s largest provider of home services, handling 13 million service calls made every year. They have over 10,000 certified technicians and they provide customers with flexible scheduling options, plus repair centers throughout the U.S. They provide lots of services, including HVAC checkup, repair, and replacement!
Save!
Right now you can save up to $1,975 on a new Carrier HVAC System*! When you let the experts at Sears replace your cooling system, you’ll save:
• $325 on qualified cooling systems of $1,500 or more from Sears
• Up to $1650 Carrier Cool Cash rebate applies to the purchase of Infinity System (Heat Pump condensing unit, Infinity Furnace or fan coil, Infinity Control (SYSTXCC), Ventilator ERV / HRV, Humidifier (STM) and UV Light (UVL) with an Infinity Air Purifier (GAPAA, GAPAB)). Rebate range $25 – $1650. Homeowners may claim their rebates and/or check the status of their rebates online at www.carrierincentives.com.
* Offer expiration varies by region: Visit Sears Home Services for details.
