It’s that time of year when many people are making plans for summertime fun. But it’s also a critical time to make sure all of your home systems are ready to handle the additional workload that comes with hot temps.
Undoubtedly, a home’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system is one item that does some heavy lifting during the summer season. Here, a Service Experts specialist shares seven tips to consider when preparing your cooling system for summer.
Do Get an HVAC Tune-Up
A twice annual HVAC tune-up can act as protection against future breakdowns. Although anything can happen when a system is being used quite a bit, getting your air conditioning, furnace and other HVAC components tuned up before maintenance crews get busy during the sweltering summer season can undoubtedly help you ward off costly repairs later. Plus, it also includes a status check for how your system is currently performing. Regular maintenance also may help keep your valuable manufacturer’s warranty effective, which aids you in case a key component goes bad during the warranty period.
“Tightening electrical components, cleaning condensate lines, cleaning the outdoor and indoor coils, and lubricating necessary components, it’s all part of the annual checkup we do,” said Service Experts Field Operations Manager Mike Carson. “And, we’ll change your air filters and answer any questions you may have too. It’s the best small investment any homeowner can make this time of year.”
Don’t Postpone Repairs
When a specialist advises repairs during a tune-up or if they come up unexpectedly, some homeowners think they can stretch out the use of the part or component for “just one more summer.” This reasoning, however, only leads to more costly repairs in the future.
“Clogged lines, dirty filters, low refrigerant (Freon), loose or broken parts, you name it, it all contributes to how efficiently your system runs. It’s always best to address problems when they arise to keep it operating to its full potential,” Carson explained.
Do Upgrade Your Thermostat
If you haven’t already done so, upgrading to a smart thermostat could43 minimize wear and tear on your heating and cooling equipment. Ponder this: Energy savings estimates can range from as low as 12% a year to higher than 20%. Your best choice is to go with an Energy Star®-certified thermostat, Carson recommended, and ask an HVAC pro about how to set cooling times that line up with your daily schedule. In some places, you also may be able to take advantage of cheaper electricity rates during off-peak hours.
Don’t Use an Overly Restrictive Air Filter
Regularly replacing your air filter is essential; however, there are many different filters to choose from. A few of these can be very restrictive, promising to trap all viruses and contaminants. While they may effectively remove many contaminants, these highly restrictive filters might also choke airflow and possibly make your unit work harder. When you arrange your tune-up, it’s a good strategy to ask the mechanic for a recommendation, Carson added.
Do De-Clutter and Remove Obstructions
This is not only a recommendation about household clutter, but more about removing the airflow obstacles inside and outside of your home. First, on the inside, if air vents are blocked by furniture or household items, that can limit ventilation into that room or zone. That means your air conditioner will have to run longer to get the air temperature to the level set on your thermostat.
The other area where obstructions can be a concern is near your condenser coil outside the residence. Some residents see these as an eyesore and make an effort to cover them up with shrubs or even build structures or other landscaping. Not a good idea!
“Obstructions to units and vents on the inside and outside of the home can be both an efficiency and safety concern,” Carson noted. “Covering up or blocking return air vents, where the system draws in the air inside the home is another common problem we see. These things can be like asking your system to work harder while wearing a very heavy face mask.”
Don’t Ignore Your Air Ducts
Clean air ducts are crucial to the condition of your property—and the people who are living in it. Pollen and airborne toxins from sprays, cooking, candles, fireplaces and off-gassing items can all reside inside your air ducts and cause problems for people living with asthma and allergies.
Here are some signs your home could need an air duct cleaning:
- Mold was found in the home or on the inside of the air conditioning unit.
- Dust comes from vents when the blower is switched on.
- A renovation that generated considerable dust has recently been done.
Do Consider a High-Efficiency AC Upgrade
If your HVAC equipment is nearing the end of its life, replacing it with a high-tech, high-efficiency system before summertime is here can be better than waiting for “just one more summer.” Though that has always been the case, it’s more true today than ever before.