It’s that time of year when many homeowners are making plans for summertime fun. But it’s also a great time to see to it that all of your home systems are ready to handle the extra workload that comes with rising temps.
Without a doubt, a home’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system is one component of your home that does an awful a lot of work during the summer season. Here, a Service Experts professional shares seven strategies to take into account when preparing your cooling system for summer.
Do Get an HVAC Tune-Up
A biannual HVAC tune-up can act as protection against future problems. Although anything can happen when a system is running a lot during extreme weather, getting your air conditioner, furnace and other HVAC components tuned up before repair crews get busy during the sweltering summer season can certainly help you ward off costly repairs later. Plus, it also includes a status check for how your system is currently performing. Annual maintenance also may help keep your valuable manufacturer’s warranty effective, which helps you in case a key component stops working 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 Put Off Repairs
When a specialist recommends 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 mindset, 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 may43 reduce wear and tear on your HVAC system. Think about this: Energy savings estimates can range from as low as 12% a year to more 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 line up with your daily routine. In some areas, you also may have the ability to take advantage of cheaper electricity rates during off-peak hours.
Don’t Use an Extremely Restrictive Air Filter
Routinely switching out your air filter is critical; however, there are many different filters to choose from. A few of these can be tremendously restrictive, promising to trap all viruses and contaminants. While they may successfully remove many contaminants, these highly restrictive filters might also slow airflow and very well could make your unit work harder. When you schedule your tune-up, it’s a good idea to ask the technician for a recommendation, Carson added.
Do De-Clutter and Eliminate Obstructions
This is not merely a recommendation about household clutter, but more about removing the airflow barriers inside and outside of your home. First, in your home's interior, if air vents are obstructed by furniture or household items, that can reduce ventilation 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 area where obstructions can cause trouble is around your condenser coil outside the house. Some homeowners see these as an eyesore and make an effort to cover them up with shrubbery 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 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 indispensable to the health of your home—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 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 turned on.
- A renovation involving extensive 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.