Replace Air Conditioning Filters Says the Experts

The hot temperatures in Northeast Kansas are over-working many air conditioners. So much that Lower's Plumbing, Heating and, Air Conditioning has seen as many as 90 phone calls in one day. The dispatch at Lower's has seen double the amount of service calls in past few days because of the extreme heat."They're hot," dispatcher Pat Sigler said. "People are hot and they want to be cooled off and they want to know how fast we can get out there."

Service specialists like Scott Emperley respond to about 6 or 7 house calls a day. He says due to this summer's high temperatures, air conditioners can often become overworked, and often stop running, but says there is one important key to keeping your air conditioner functioning at its fullest.

"It's mainly replacing your filters," Emperley said. "Cleaning your condenser coils outside. Just keep it clean that's the main thing."

Emperley adds another way keep from taxing is to avoid adjusting your thermostat when temperatures exceed 90 degrees.

"I typically tell people to not set it back more than five degrees when they're gone from work and stuff," Emperley said. "On these hot days like this, I really wouldn't even suggest setting it back because it just has to work that much harder to catch back up."

The 17-year veteran also says fans can help lighten the load on your unit. He says while it may cost more in electricity, circulating the cooler air may reduce the stress on your air conditioner.

Emperley says most people are opting to repair, rather than replace their air conditioners. He says many people are finding ways to repair units on their own.