It’s that time of year when many homeowners are planning for summer festivities. But it’s also a great time to see to it that all of your home systems are ready to handle the additional workload that comes with hot temperatures.
Without a doubt, a home’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system is one mechanism that does some heavy lifting during the summer months. Here, a Service Experts specialist shares seven tips to keep in mind when preparing your air conditioner for summer.
Do Get an HVAC Tune-Up
A twice annual HVAC tune-up can act as an insurance plan against future problems. Even though anything can happen when a system is being used quite a bit, getting your AC, furnace and other HVAC components tuned up before repair crews get busy during the scorching summer season can definitely help you head off costly repairs in the future. Plus, it also includes a status check for how your system is currently functioning. Regular maintenance also may help keep your valuable manufacturer’s warranty valid, which aids 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 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 recommends repairs during a tune-up or if they occur unexpectedly, some homeowners think they can stretch out the use of the part or component for “just one more summer.” This thinking, 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 said.
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. Consider this: Energy savings estimates can run from as low as 12% a year to greater 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 habits. In some areas, you also may be able to take advantage of cheaper electricity rates during off-peak hours.
Don’t Use a Very Restrictive Air Filter
Regularly switching out your air filter is essential; however, there are a lot of different filters to choose from. Certain types can be extremely restrictive, promising to filter out all viruses and contaminants. While they may efficiently remove many contaminants, these highly restrictive filters might also slow airflow and potentially make your unit work harder. When you schedule 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 merely a hint about household clutter, but more about removing the airflow obstructions inside and outside of your home. First, in your home's interior, if air vents are blocked by furniture or household items, that can reduce the flow of air into that room or location. That means your cooling system will need to run longer to get the air temperature to the temperature set on your thermostat.
The other place where obstructions can be a problem is close to your condenser coil outside the home. Some homeowners see these as an eyesore and try 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 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 home—and the people 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 indicators your home might need an air duct cleaning:
- Mold has been discovered in the home or inside the AC.
- Dust comes from vents when the blower comes on.
- A renovation that generated considerable dust has recently been done.
Do Consider a High-Efficiency AC Upgrade
If your system is near 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 these days than ever before.