If you live on Long Island, New York, you are well aware of the fluctuations in temperature throughout the year. Our summers can be brutally hot, in fact in 1936 it reached a record high of 106° on Long Island. At such a time you naturally want your HVAC unit to work correctly. When your unit does not produce an even cooling throughout your home, it is obvious that something is wrong.

Thermostat

The first thing to check is your thermostat. Looking at this unit you will find the control switch marked “on” and “auto”. As a rule, your HVAC unit will be running under “auto” which means it will automatically turn off and on as required. If you turn the control switch to “on” it will continually run and not shut off. However, this will not only run up your electric bill, it will not always solve the problem at hand. It is a good idea to contact a service technician if switching your thermostats settings do not improve the cooling in your home.

Air Filters

Dirty air filters are often the problem when an air conditioner does not work correctly. It also can cause a strain on the working parts of the unit. These should be replaced every 30 to 90 days, preferably with a pleated air filter which works better than the standard filter.

Attic Insulation

As most people know, air rises. If you do not have adequate attic insulation, hot air will remain downstairs and cool air will go up. This is especially noticeable in a two story Long Island home that is not adequately insulated. If poor insulation is the culprit, it is a pretty easy issue to fix. Installing insulation is typically a simple and relatively inexpensive job.

Vents and Registers

It is amazing how much blocked or dirty floor vents and registers can disrupt air flow from an air conditioner. Check around and make sure these units are free of dust and debris and not blocked by furniture or other items. Cleaning can easily be done with the use of a vacuum cleaner attachment. If the upper floors of your home are extremely hot, you can re-direct cool air by closing some of the downstairs vents.

Outdoor Unit

When an outdoor air conditioning unit is involved, it is important to keep it free of debris. Keeping leaves, sticks and other debris from the top and sides of the unit will provide a maximum airflow and increase its efficiency. This type of debris can not only interfere with your cooling but actually damage the unit itself. Unusual Noise When you hear odd noises coming from your vents or registers it is a sign that something is wrong with the unit. These sounds include squealing or screeching, rattling, clanking, banging, or clicking. Each sound indicates a specific problem, some of which you can fix yourself, others which will require the expertise of a professional. There are a number of sites on the internet that define the noise problem and provide specific instructions to correct the situation.

Duct Work

The ducts that carry your cool air are one of the most important parts of your installation. Things such as pin holes, leaks and other problems can divert your cool air into the walls or attic prior to arriving at your ventilation points. This will greatly affect the amount of cool air you will receive in the area you are trying to cool. This requires a professional who has the proper equipment to thoroughly clean and repair duct problems.

General Maintenance

It is important that you have your HVAC unit periodically checked by a professional. They will careful check and replace things which can become clogged and interfere with your cooling system. This will include any repairs needed to filter out dust and pollen. They will check all joints, replace needed parts, clean the ducts and, in general, leave your unit working quietly and efficiently.

The purpose of an air conditioning unit is to provide you with a temperature that is comfortable and consistent. Proper care and maintenance will help you reach this goal. If you have a fairly new unit, be sure and check the manufacturer’s warranty. Some require annual preventative maintenance in order to insure their guarantee. Contact us at Dole Fuel Oil with any of your HVAC issues, questions or concerns.