It’s that time of year when many people are planning for some fun in the sun. But it’s also a critical time to make sure all of your home systems are ready to handle the additional workload that comes with rising weather.
Certainly, a home’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system is one item that does some heavy lifting during the summer season. Here, a Service Experts pro shares seven strategies to take into account when preparing your HVAC system for summer.
Do Get an HVAC Tune-Up
A biannual HVAC tune-up can act as protection against future failures. Even though 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 maintenance crews get busy during the scorching summer season can definitely help you ward off costly repairs down the road. Plus, it also provides a status check for how your system is currently functioning. Annual maintenance also may help keep your valuable manufacturer’s warranty active, 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 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 Postpone Repairs
When a specialist recommends repairs during a tune-up or if they happen unexpectedly, some homeowners think they can prolong 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 already done so, upgrading to a smart thermostat could43 decrease wear and tear on your heating and cooling equipment. Ponder this: Energy savings estimates can run from as low as 12% a year to more than 20%. Your best bet is to go with an Energy Star®-certified thermostat, Carson recommended, and ask an HVAC pro about how to set cooling times that align with your daily schedule. In some locations, you also may have the option to take advantage of lower electricity rates during off-peak hours.
Don’t Use an Extremely Restrictive Air Filter
Regularly changing your air filter is essential; however, there are many different filters to choose from. Some can be tremendously restrictive, promising to trap all viruses and contaminants. While they may successfully remove many contaminants, these highly restrictive filters might also significantly reduce airflow and very well could make your unit work harder. When you set up your tune-up, it’s a good plan 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 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 location. 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 cause trouble is near your condenser coil outside the home. Some residents see these as an eyesore and attempt 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 noted. “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 indispensable to the condition of your residence—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 problems for people who have asthma and allergies.
Here are some indications your home might need an air duct cleaning:
- Mold was found in the home or within the air conditioning unit.
- Dust wafts from vents when the blower is switched on.
- A renovation that caused considerable dust has recently been done.
Do Consider a High-Efficiency HVAC Upgrade
If your HVAC equipment is close to the end of its life, replacing it with a high-tech, high-efficiency system before high temperatures are here can be better than waiting for “just one more summer.” Though that has always been true, it’s more true today than ever before.