HVAC Do's and Dont's Before Summer Hits

It’s that time of year when many people are making plans for some fun in the sun. But it’s also a critical time to make sure all of your home systems are ready to handle the extra workload that comes with soaring temperatures.

Undoubtedly, a home’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system is one mechanism that does some hard work during the summer season. 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 protection against future breakdowns. Even though anything can happen when a system is running a lot during extreme weather, getting your air conditioner, furnace and other HVAC components tuned up before maintenance crews get busy during the sweltering summer season can undoubtedly help you avoid costly repairs down the road. Plus, it also includes a status check for how your system is currently functioning. Annual maintenance also may help keep your valuable manufacturer’s warranty active, which supports you in case a key component fails 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 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 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 said.

Do Upgrade Your Thermostat

If you haven’t already done so, upgrading to a smart thermostat could43 decrease wear and tear on your HVAC system. Think about this: Energy savings estimates can range from as low as 12% a year to higher than 20%. Your best option 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 schedule. In some areas, you also may have the ability to take advantage of cheaper electricity rates during off-peak hours.

Don’t Use a Very Restrictive Air Filter

Consistently replacing your air filter is essential; however, there are a lot of different filters to choose from. Certain types can be very restrictive, promising to filter out all viruses and contaminants. While they may successfully 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 technician for a recommendation, Carson added.

Do De-Clutter and Eliminate Obstructions

This is not simply a tip about household clutter, but more about removing the airflow obstructions inside and outside of your home. First, indoors, if air vents are blocked by furniture or household items, that can reduce airflow 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 cause trouble is near your condenser coil outside the residence. Some property owners see these as an eyesore and attempt to cover them up with shrubbery 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 Overlook Your Air Ducts

Clean air ducts are vital to the condition of your residence—and the people who are living 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 some indications your home may be ready for an air duct cleaning:

• Mold was found in the home or inside the air conditioner.
• Dust comes from vents when the blower comes on.
• A renovation involving considerable dust has recently been done.

Do Consider a High-Efficiency HVAC Upgrade

If your HVAC equipment is close to 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.” Although that has always been true, it’s more true these days than ever before.