Toledo, OH - Warmer weather is finally here! While you are soaking in the sun, having an air conditioner is a great way to ensure your home stays cool and comfortable on even the hottest days. However, if your air conditioning unit is not properly cared for, it can breakdown when you least expect it - leaving you sweating in the summer heat.
“Proper HVAC maintenance and care can keep your units running efficiently which can help you avoid costly repairs and save you money,” said Steve O'Donnell, Vice President, Bluflame Heating and Air Conditioning. “Now is the perfect time to make sure your HVAC unit will keep your home comfortable without wasting your money.”
While many factors may cause your ac unit to fail, you play a vital role in making sure your air conditioner is operating at peak performance, maximizing your home comfort and money savings. As the temperature rises, below are a few ways you can beat the heat, keep your home cool, and avoid unnecessary HVAC failures.

Remove Debris Around the HVAC Unit
Even though HVAC units are built to withstand the elements of the outdoors, to work efficiently and provide proper air circulation, it is essential to keep the area around your HVAC unit clean. Periodically check for any accumulation of leaves or weeds. After a severe storm, check for limbs, ground buildup, or other debris. If your unit sits next to shrubs, bushes, or any other plants, cut them down to avoid any contact with your unit.

Clean and Possibly Replace Filters
When filled with dust and debris, the filter causes your ac unit to work harder than necessary to keep your home cool, which could result in higher energy bills. If not replaced promptly, a clogged filter can lead to the buildup of dust, allergens, and other pollutants in your home. We recommend checking and replacing your filter once a month to ensure your air conditioner is functioning correctly.

Monitor HVAC Thermostat
When problems arise, it’s easy to assume your HVAC system is the issue, but sometimes the thermostat is the problem. Your thermostat monitors the temperature in your home regulating the amount of hot or cold air your unit should release. Referring to your owner’s manual or replacing the batteries may prevent you from a service call. Thermostats also have an “auto” setting that enables the unit to run when necessary. By being able to micromanage your air conditioner, you can turn it off when you are away from home or set it to run as needed to ensure it’s not working harder than it needs to be.

Open Vents and Registers
Airflow issues tend to be the most common HVAC problem. If you are experiencing hot and cold spots throughout your home, a lack of airflow, or drafty areas, you likely have an airflow problem. Ensuring all your vents and registers are open and not blocked by any furniture is one of the easiest things you can do.

Schedule Routine HVAC Maintenance
With the right care and proper maintenance from the experienced Bluflame team, you can avoid common HVAC failures that leave you stuck in the heat during the summer months. When servicing your HVAC unit, our service technicians will clean and replace filters, remove any dust and debris in or outside the system, test your thermostat, check lubrication, clean the coils, and check your refrigerant levels.
Since 1954, Bluflame Heating and Air Conditioning has been providing sales, service, installation, and maintenance of heating and air conditioning equipment to Toledo area homeowners and businesses. Specialties include air quality and energy-saving products, zoning and temperature control, water heaters, furnaces, air conditioners, and replacement parts. For more information about Bluflame, please call 419-472-2040 or visit https://bluflame.com/