HVAC Summer Maintenance: 8 Tips for Air Conditioning Care
Get ready now to make sure your HVAC system runs smoothly all summer, keeping you cool and comfortable. Start preparing now for peace of mind. When your HVAC system is running efficiently, it can keep your home cool and your energy bills down.
Luckily, attaining that level of comfort only requires a few simple steps.
In this guide, we’re going to look at 8 summer HVAC tips you need to know about. These will keep your home running optimally throughout the hottest months of the year.
Inspect and Replace Air Filters
Having clean air filters is key for HVAC performance, as they’re what help maintain proper airflow and clean indoor air quality.
When your filters are dirty, your system has to work harder, meaning it must also use more energy. Unfortunately, a system that works inefficiently is more prone to damage. To keep your HVAC in good standing, we recommend changing your filter every 1-3 months. You can change them more frequently if you’re susceptible to allergies.
Clean the Outdoor Unit
Next, you’ll want to look at your outdoor unit to make sure you’re getting optimal airflow.
Leaves, dirt, and debris are common culprits of airflow obstruction. When left unchecked, they can cause your system to overheat and work harder than it should. In the worst-case scenario, they can damage your HVAC.
When cleaning your outdoor unit, safety comes first. Start by turning off the power. Then, using the low-pressure setting on your garden hose, gently rinse off any dirt or debris.
Next, look inside the unit to check for dirt buildup on the coils. Dirty coils can reduce your system’s energy efficiency. If you’re unsure how to clean coils properly, get in touch with a professional HVAC technician.
Check and Clean Vents and Ducts
Beyond the outdoor unit, dirt and debris can also accumulate in your vents and ducts, blocking airflow and circulating allergens. Fortunately, cleaning them is easy. Just remove the vent covers and use the hose attachment on your vacuum to reach the deeper crevices.
If your vacuum isn’t cutting it, you may need professional cleaning services. Your local HVAC technician should be able to assist you.
In addition, inspect every vent in your home to make sure it’s opened properly. Even partially closed vents may cause temperatures to flow unevenly.
Schedule a Professional HVAC Tune-Up
One of the best ways to prevent issues is to schedule a professional tune-up with your local HVAC technician. Be sure to use these maintenance tips handy.
During a typical air conditioning system system checkup, your HVAC technician will:
Check the refrigerant levels
Calibrate the thermostat
Inspect any electrical components for shortages
Clean the coils
Perform air conditioner maintenance
The best maintenance is preventative maintenance. It makes for a more reliable and efficient system in the long run, saving you from paying for costly repairs in the long. Schedule an appointment with your local HVAC technician today!
Test the Thermostat
One of the main issues we see when we inspect non-working HVAC systems is faulty thermostats.
If your thermostat is broken, it may not read the temperature in your home. This means it also won’t be able to signal your air conditioner to turn on when the heat comes in. A professional HVAC technician can help you calibrate your thermostat so that it’s working properly.
You may even consider investing in a programmable thermostat for greater control over the temperature in your home!
Inspect and Seal Ductwork
Did you know that leaky air ducts could be wasting up to 30% of your HVAC system’s cool air?
Make sure your air ducts are functioning at their full potential by sealing them off with aluminum foil tape or mastic sealant. You should also gett rid of any foreign objects like dirt or debris obstructing airflow.
If you see signs of mold, contact your local HVAC technician right away.
Improve Home Insulation
One of the main components of a well-functioning HVAC system that most homeowners overlook is their insulation.
When your home is well-insulated, it retains cool air better and longer. This lessens the strain on your ac unit system and increasing overall efficiency. Plus, it keeps hot air from outside from penetrating your home and putting a strain on your system. This is basic air conditioning care.
Plan for Regular Maintenance
Consider scheduling regular maintenance before the summer heat rolls in.
As experienced technicians. we can provide a complete inspection of your HVAC unit. This will diagnose issues and we will provide any necessary repairs before they get out of hand. Regular maintenance can also prevent the dreaded and unexpected breakdown during the hottest week of the year.
Start Your HVAC Summer Maintenance Today
With proper maintenance and inspection, you can tackle any potential issues with your HVAC system before summer rolls around. That way, you’ll be ready to stand up to sweltering temperatures this season without breaking a sweat.
Start preparing now and enjoy the benefits of a cooler, more energy-efficient summer.
