HVAC Do's and Dont's Before Summer Hits

It’s that time of year when many homeowners are preparing for summertime fun. But it’s also a critical time to be sure all of your home systems are ready to handle the added workload that comes with hot weather.

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 professional shares seven strategies 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 breakdowns. Although anything can happen when a system is working hard, getting your air conditioner, furnace and other HVAC components tuned up before repair crews get busy during the scorching summer season can undoubtedly help you ward off costly repairs later. Plus, it also includes a status check for how your system is currently functioning. Routine 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 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 Put Off Repairs

When a specialist suggests repairs during a tune-up or if they happen unexpectedly, some homeowners think they can stretch out the use of the part or component for “just one more summer.” This reasoning, however, only leads to more costly 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 may43 minimize wear and tear on your heating and cooling equipment. Think about this: Energy savings estimates can vary 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 align with your daily habits. In some areas, you also may be able to take advantage of lower electricity rates during off-peak hours.

Don’t Use an Overly 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 tremendously restrictive, promising to remove all viruses and contaminants. While they may efficiently remove many contaminants, these highly restrictive filters might also choke airflow and very well could make your unit work harder. When you arrange your tune-up, it’s a good idea to ask the technician for a recommendation, Carson added.

Do De-Clutter and Clear Out 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 blocked by furniture or household items, that can reduce airflow into that room or location. That means your air conditioner will have to run longer to get the air temperature to the number set on your thermostat.

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

Clean air ducts are crucial to the health of your residence—and the people who live in it. Pollen and airborne contaminants from sprays, cooking, candles, fireplaces and off-gassing items can all reside inside your air ducts and cause problems for people living with asthma and allergies.

Here are a few signals your home could need an air duct cleaning:

• Mold was found in the home or on the inside of the air conditioner.
• Dust blows out of vents when the blower is turned on.
• A renovation that generated significant dust has recently been done.

Do Consider a High-Efficiency HVAC Upgrade

If your heating and cooling unit 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.” And while that has always been a good idea, it’s more true today than ever before.