HVAC Do’s and Don’ts Before Summer Hits

It’s that time of year when many people are preparing for some fun in the sun. But it’s also a great time to make sure all of your home systems are ready to handle the additional workload that comes with rising weather.

Undoubtedly, 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. Here, a Service Experts professional shares seven strategies to consider when preparing your cooling system for summer.

Do Get an HVAC Tune-Up

A biannual HVAC tune-up can act as an insurance plan against future failures. Even though anything can happen when a system is being used quite a bit, getting your air conditioning, furnace and other HVAC components tuned up before maintenance crews get busy during the sweltering summer season can undoubtedly help you avoid costly repairs in the future. Plus, it also provides a status check for how your system is currently performing. Routine maintenance also may help keep your valuable manufacturer’s warranty valid, which supports you in case a key component goes bad 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 thinking, however, only leads to more expensive repairs later on.

“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 explained.

Do Upgrade Your Thermostat

If you haven’t done it already, upgrading to a smart thermostat can reduce wear and tear on your HVAC system. Ponder this: Energy savings estimates can vary from as low as 12% a year to more than 20%. Your best bet is to go with an Energy Star®-certified thermostat, Carson said, and ask an HVAC pro about how to set cooling times that line up with your daily routine. In some areas, you also may have the ability to take advantage of cheaper electricity rates during off-peak hours.

Don’t Use an Extremely Restrictive Air Filter

Routinely switching out your air filter is essential; however, there are many different filters to choose from. Some can be tremendously restrictive, promising to filter out all viruses and contaminants. While they may effectively remove many contaminants, these highly restrictive filters might also significantly reduce airflow and potentially make your unit work harder. When you schedule 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 only a tip about household clutter, but more about removing the airflow barriers inside and outside of your home. First, in your home’s interior, if air vents are blocked by furniture or household items, that can restrict the flow of air into that room or zone. That means your cooling system will be forced to run longer to get the air temperature to the level set on your thermostat.

The other location where obstructions can be a problem is around your condenser coil outside the home. Some residents see these as an eyesore and try to cover them up with shrubs 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 essential to the well-being of your property—and the people who live in it. Pollen and airborne pollutants from sprays, cooking, candles, fireplaces and off-gassing items can all get inside your air ducts and cause trouble for people living with asthma and allergies.

Here are some indicators your home could need an air duct cleaning:

• Mold has been discovered in the home or within the air conditioner.
• Dust comes from vents when the blower is turned on.
• A renovation involving extensive dust has recently been done.

Do Consider a High-Efficiency HVAC Upgrade

If your heating and cooling unit 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 now than ever before.