It’s that time of year when many families are planning for summer festivities. 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 rising weather.
Undoubtedly, a home’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system is one mechanism that does some heavy lifting during the summer season. Here, a Service Experts pro shares seven strategies to consider when preparing your cooling system for summer.
Do Get an HVAC Tune-Up
A twice-a-year HVAC tune-up can act as an insurance plan against future failures. While 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 crews get busy during the hot summer season can undoubtedly help you avoid costly repairs in the future. 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 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 Delay Repairs
When a specialist suggests repairs during a tune-up or if they occur unexpectedly, some homeowners think they can prolong the use of the part or component for “just one more summer.” This reasoning, however, only leads to more expensive 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 explained.
Do Upgrade Your Thermostat
If you haven’t already done so, upgrading to a smart thermostat can43 decrease 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 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 schedule. In some places, you also may be able to take advantage of reduced electricity rates during off-peak hours.
Don’t Use an Extremely Restrictive Air Filter
Consistently changing your air filter is essential; however, there are many different filters to choose from. Some can be tremendously restrictive, promising to remove all viruses and contaminants. While they may effectively remove many contaminants, these highly restrictive filters might also significantly reduce airflow and possibly make your unit work harder. When you arrange your tune-up, it’s a good plan to ask the technician for a recommendation, Carson added.
Do De-Clutter and Clear Out Obstructions
This is not simply a tip 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 restrict airflow into that room or zone. That means your air conditioner will need to run longer to get the air temperature to the temperature set on your thermostat.
The other area where obstructions can be a problem is around your condenser coil outside the home. Some property owners see these as an eyesore and make an effort to cover them up with shrubs or even build structures or other landscaping. Think again!
“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 Neglect Your Air Ducts
Clean air ducts are crucial to the condition of your home—and the people living in it. Pollen and airborne pollutants from sprays, cooking, candles, fireplaces and off-gassing items can all stay inside your air ducts and cause problems for people who have asthma and allergies.
Here are a few indications your home might need an air duct cleaning:
- Mold has been discovered in the home or on the inside of the air conditioner.
- Dust blows out of vents when the blower is switched on.
- A renovation that generated extensive dust has recently been done.
Do Consider a High-Efficiency Equipment Upgrade
If your heating and cooling unit is close to the end of its life, replacing it with a modern, high-efficiency system before the hot summer weather is here can be better than waiting for “just one more summer.” Though that has always been the case, it’s more true now than ever before.