It’s that time of year when many people are preparing for summertime fun. But it’s also a critical time to see to it that all of your home systems are ready to handle the added workload that comes with hot weather.
Without a doubt, a home’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system is one item that does some heavy lifting during the summer months. Here, a Service Experts professional shares seven tips to take into account when preparing your HVAC 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 working hard, getting your AC, furnace and other HVAC components tuned up before maintenance crews get busy during the sweltering summer season can certainly help you avoid costly repairs later. Plus, it also offers a status check for how your system is currently operating. Regular maintenance also may help keep your valuable manufacturer’s warranty valid, which aids you in case a key component breaks 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 the field operations manager at Service Experts, 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 Put Off Repairs
When a specialist suggests repairs during a tune-up or if they occur unexpectedly, some homeowners think they can extend the use of the part or component for “just one more summer.” This reasoning, however, only leads to more pricey repairs down the road.
“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 done it already, upgrading to a smart thermostat could43 minimize wear and tear on your HVAC system. Consider this: Energy savings estimates can range from as low as 12% a year to higher than 20%. Your best option is to go with an Energy Star®-certified thermostat, Carson recommended, and ask an HVAC pro about how to set cooling times that match with your daily habits. In some areas, 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 changing your air filter is essential; however, there are a lot of different filters to choose from. A few of these can be very restrictive, promising to catch or eliminate all viruses and contaminants. While they may efficiently remove many contaminants, these highly restrictive filters might also choke airflow and potentially 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 merely a recommendation about household clutter, but more about removing the airflow obstructions inside and outside of your home. First, indoors, if air vents are obstructed by furniture or household items, that can limit the flow of air into that room or zone. That means your air conditioner will be forced to run longer to get the air temperature to the temperature set on your thermostat.
The other place where obstructions can be a concern is close to your condenser coil outside the residence. Some homeowners see these as an eyesore and attempt to cover them up with shrubbery or even build structures or other landscaping. Bad idea!
“Obstructions to units and vents on the inside and outside of the home can be both an efficiency and safety concern,” Carson said. “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 vital to the health of your property—and the people who are living in it. Pollen and airborne pollutants from sprays, cooking, candles, fireplaces and off-gassing items can all reside inside your air ducts and cause issues for people suffering from asthma and allergies.
Here are a few indicators your home might need an air duct cleaning:
- Mold was found in the home or inside the air conditioning unit.
- Dust blows out of vents when the blower is turned on.
- A renovation that generated extensive dust has recently been done.
Do Consider a High-Efficiency Equipment Upgrade
If your system is close to the end of its life, replacing it with a modern, high-efficiency system before high temperatures are here can be better than waiting for “just one more summer.” Although that has always been true, it’s more true today than ever before.