DETROIT – Are you ready for the heat? As temperatures rise to the mid 90's this week your air conditioner will feel the strain. "We're answering several hundred calls a day," says George Klemperer, owner of Family Heating and Cooling in Garden City. Now is the time to make sure everything works. Here are George's four tips to keep your cooling system running smoothly.
Read: Dangerous heat, heavy storms ahead
1. Change furnace filters. While the outside unit creates the cool air, your furnace pushes it through the house. Clean filters protect the furnace motor and keep pollen out.
2. Set thermostat fan to ON not AUTO. This will run the indoor fan nonstop. The outside A/C unit will cycle only when the thermostat calls. Moving air keeps the house cooler, so you'll save money because the outdoor condenser won't run as often.
3. Keep AC condenser clean. Use a hose or brush to keep the condenser grill and vents clear of grass, leaves, weeds and that cottonwood fur that seems to fly everywhere.
4. If Condenser is not broken—Don't fix it! According to George, while your furnace needs routine maintenance, the AC unit either works or it doesn't. If it's not broken, don't pay somebody for nothing.
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