It’s that time of year when many homeowners are planning for summer festivities. But it’s also a great time to make sure all of your home systems are ready to handle the extra workload that comes with hot temps.
Certainly, a home’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system is one item that does some hard work 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 biannual HVAC tune-up can act as a safety net against future breakdowns. Although anything can happen when a system is working hard, getting your air conditioner, furnace and other HVAC components tuned up before repair crews get busy during the hot summer season can definitely help you avoid costly repairs in the future. Plus, it also provides a status check for how your system is currently performing. Regular maintenance also may help keep your valuable manufacturer’s warranty active, which supports 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 Mike Carson, field operations manager at Service Experts. “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 come up unexpectedly, some homeowners think they can extend the use of the part or component for “just one more summer.” This thinking, however, only leads to more costly repairs down the line.
“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 done it already, upgrading to a smart thermostat may43 minimize wear and tear on your HVAC system. Ponder this: Energy savings estimates can range from as low as 12% a year to higher than 20%. Your best bet is to go with an Energy Star®-certified thermostat, Carson advised, and ask an HVAC pro about how to set cooling times that match with your daily routine. In some areas, you also may be able to take advantage of reduced electricity rates during off-peak hours.
Don’t Use an Overly Restrictive Air Filter
Routinely changing your air filter is essential; however, there are many different filters to choose from. A few of these can be extremely restrictive, promising to remove 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 schedule your tune-up, it’s a good idea to ask the mechanic for a recommendation, Carson added.
Do De-Clutter and Clear Out Obstructions
This is not simply a recommendation about household clutter, but more about removing the airflow barriers inside and outside of your home. First, indoors, if air vents are blocked by furniture or household items, that can reduce ventilation into that room or location. That means your air conditioning will be forced to run longer to get the air temperature to the level set on your thermostat.
The other place where obstructions can cause trouble is close to your condenser coil outside the residence. Some homeowners see these as an eyesore and make an effort 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 Neglect Your Air Ducts
Clean air ducts are vital to the condition of your residence—and the people living in it. Pollen and airborne toxins from sprays, cooking, candles, fireplaces and off-gassing items can all stay inside your air ducts and cause trouble for people living with asthma and allergies.
Here are a few signs your home may be ready for an air duct cleaning:
- Mold was found in the home or on the inside of the AC.
- Dust wafts from vents when the blower comes on.
- A renovation involving significant dust has recently been done.
Do Consider a High-Efficiency Equipment Upgrade
If your heating and cooling unit is nearing the end of its life, replacing it with a new, high-efficiency system before high temperatures are here can be better than waiting for “just one more summer.” Though that has always been a good idea, it’s more true now than ever before.