It’s that time of year when many people are preparing for summertime fun. But it’s also an important time to be sure all of your home systems are ready to handle the extra workload that comes with soaring temps.
Without a doubt, a home’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system is one component of your home that does some hard work during the summer months. Here, a Service Experts pro shares seven tips to keep in mind when preparing your HVAC system for summer.
Do Get an HVAC Tune-Up
A biannual HVAC tune-up can act as an insurance plan against future breakdowns. While anything can happen when a system is working hard, getting your air conditioner, furnace and other HVAC components tuned up before maintenance crews get busy during the scorching summer season can definitely help you ward off costly repairs in the future. Plus, it also provides 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 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 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 Delay Repairs
When a specialist suggests repairs during a tune-up or if they come up 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 costly repairs later on.
“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 emphasized.
Do Upgrade Your Thermostat
If you haven’t already done so, upgrading to a smart thermostat could43 decrease wear and tear on your heating and cooling equipment. 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 advised, and ask an HVAC pro about how to set cooling times that align with your daily habits. In some places, you also may have the option to take advantage of lower electricity rates during off-peak hours.
Don’t Use an Overly Restrictive Air Filter
Consistently changing your air filter is critical; however, there are many different filters to choose from. Certain types can be very restrictive, promising to filter out all viruses and contaminants. While they may effectively remove many contaminants, these highly restrictive filters might also choke airflow and very well could make your unit work harder. When you arrange your tune-up, it’s a good strategy to ask the technician for a recommendation, Carson added.
Do De-Clutter and Eliminate Obstructions
This is not simply a tip about household clutter, but more about removing the airflow barriers inside and outside of your home. First, indoors, if air vents are obstructed by furniture or household items, that can limit ventilation into that room or location. That means your air conditioner will need to run longer to get the air temperature to the number set on your thermostat.
The other location where obstructions can be a problem is near your condenser coil outside the residence. Some property owners see these as an eyesore and make an effort to cover them up with bushes 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 remarked. “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 Overlook Your Air Ducts
Clean air ducts are crucial to the condition of your residence—and the people who are living in it. Pollen and airborne toxins from sprays, cooking, candles, fireplaces and off-gassing items can all get inside your air ducts and cause issues for people who have asthma and allergies.
Here are a few indications your home may be ready for 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 switched on.
- A renovation that generated considerable dust has recently been done.
Do Consider a High-Efficiency Equipment Upgrade
If your HVAC equipment is close to the end of its life, replacing it with a new, high-efficiency system before the hot summer weather is here can be better than waiting for “just one more summer.” And while that has always been the case, it’s more true today than ever before.