It’s that time of year when many homeowners are preparing for summertime fun. But it’s also an important time to be sure all of your home systems are ready to handle the additional workload that comes with rising temperatures.
Certainly, 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 months. Here, a Service Experts pro shares seven tips to take into account when preparing your air conditioner for summer.
Do Get an HVAC Tune-Up
A twice-a-year HVAC tune-up can act as an insurance plan against future problems. While anything can happen when a system is running a lot during extreme weather, getting your AC, furnace and other HVAC components tuned up before repair crews get busy during the hot summer season can definitely help you ward off costly repairs in the future. Plus, it also offers a status check for how your system is currently functioning. Annual maintenance also may help keep your valuable manufacturer’s warranty effective, 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 happen unexpectedly, some homeowners think they can prolong the use of the part or component for “just one more summer.” This mindset, however, only leads to more pricey repairs in the future.
“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 bought one, upgrading to a smart thermostat may43 minimize wear and tear on your HVAC system. Ponder this: Energy savings estimates can run from as low as 12% a year to more 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 line up with your daily routine. In some locations, you also may be able to take advantage of reduced electricity rates during off-peak hours.
Don’t Use an Overly Restrictive Air Filter
Regularly changing your air filter is crucial; however, there are a lot of different filters to choose from. Certain types can be extremely restrictive, promising to catch or eliminate 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 set up your tune-up, it’s a good plan to ask the HVAC professional for a recommendation, Carson added.
Do De-Clutter and Eliminate Obstructions
This is not only a tip about household clutter, but more about removing the airflow obstacles inside and outside of your home. First, indoors, if air vents are obstructed by furniture or household items, that can reduce airflow into that room or location. That means your air conditioning will need to run longer to get the air temperature to the level set on your thermostat.
The other area where obstructions can cause trouble is around your condenser coil outside the residence. Some residents see these as an eyesore and attempt to cover them up with bushes 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 vital to the health of your property—and the people who live in it. Pollen and airborne toxins from sprays, cooking, candles, fireplaces and off-gassing items can all get inside your air ducts and cause issues for people living with asthma and allergies.
Here are a few signals your home may be ready for an air duct cleaning:
- Mold is in the home or on the inside of the air conditioner.
- Dust comes from vents when the blower comes on.
- A renovation that caused considerable dust has recently been done.
Do Consider a High-Efficiency AC Upgrade
If your system is nearing the end of its life, replacing it with a modern, high-efficiency system before high temperatures are here can be better than waiting for “just one more summer.” Although that has always been a good idea, it’s more true these days than ever before.