HVAC Do’s and Don’ts Before Summer Hits

It’s that time of year when many people are making plans for summertime fun. But it’s also a critical time to see to it that all of your home systems are ready to handle the extra workload that comes with soaring temps.

Certainly, a home’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system is one item that does an awful a lot of work} during the summer months. Here, a Service Experts specialist shares seven strategies to consider when preparing your air conditioner for summer.

Do Get an HVAC Tune-Up

A biannual HVAC tune-up can act as protection against future breakdowns. 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 maintenance crews get busy during the scorching summer season can certainly help you head off costly repairs later. Plus, it also offers a status check for how your system is currently functioning. Routine 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 Postpone Repairs

When a specialist suggests 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 expensive 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 said.

Do Upgrade Your Thermostat

If you haven’t already done so, upgrading to a smart thermostat may decrease wear and tear on your HVAC system. Think about this: Energy savings estimates can run from as low as 12% a year to greater than 20%. Your best choice is to go with an Energy Star®-certified thermostat, Carson said, and ask an HVAC pro about how to set cooling times that match with your daily routine. In some areas, you also may be able to take advantage of lower electricity rates during off-peak hours.

Don’t Use a Very Restrictive Air Filter

Routinely changing your air filter is essential; however, there are many different filters to choose from. Some can be very restrictive, promising to remove all viruses and contaminants. While they may effectively remove many contaminants, these highly restrictive filters might also choke airflow and possibly 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 Remove Obstructions

This is not only a recommendation about household clutter, but more about removing the airflow barriers inside and outside of your home. First, on the inside, if air vents are hindered by furniture or household items, that can restrict the flow of air into that room or area. That means your air conditioner will have to run longer to get the air temperature to the temperature set on your thermostat.

The other location where obstructions can be a problem is near your condenser coil outside the residence. Some residents see these as an eyesore and try to cover them up with shrubbery 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 Ignore Your Air Ducts

Clean air ducts are vital to the well-being of your property—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 who have asthma and allergies.

Here are some signals your home may be ready for an air duct cleaning:

• Mold is in the home or on the inside of the AC.
• Dust wafts from vents when the blower is turned on.
• A renovation that caused extensive dust has recently been done.

Do Consider a High-Efficiency HVAC Upgrade

If your heating and cooling unit is nearing the end of its life, replacing it with a new 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 a good idea, it’s more true these days than ever before.