HVAC Do's and Dont's Before Summer Hits

It’s that time of year when many families are planning 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 extra workload that comes with rising temps.

Without a doubt, a home’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system is one component of your home that does some heavy lifting during the summer season. Here, a Service Experts specialist shares seven tips to consider when preparing your HVAC 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 working hard, getting your air conditioner, furnace and other HVAC components tuned up before crews get busy during the sweltering summer season can definitely help you head off costly repairs later. Plus, it also includes a status check for how your system is currently operating. Annual maintenance also may help keep your valuable manufacturer’s warranty valid, which helps 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 the field operations manager at Service Experts, Mike Carson. “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 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 expensive repairs down the line.

“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 already done so, upgrading to a smart thermostat can43 decrease wear and tear on your heating and cooling equipment. Consider this: Energy savings estimates can run from as low as 12% a year to more than 20%. Your best bet is to go with an Energy Star®-certified thermostat, Carson advised, and ask an HVAC pro about how to set cooling times that match with your daily habits. In some locations, you also may be able 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. Some can be very restrictive, promising to catch or eliminate all viruses and contaminants. While they may effectively remove many contaminants, these highly restrictive filters might also slow airflow and very well could make your unit work harder. When you set up your tune-up, it’s a good idea to ask the mechanic for a recommendation, Carson added.

Do De-Clutter and Clear Out Obstructions

This is not merely a hint 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 restrict airflow into that room or area. That means your air conditioning will need to run longer to get the air temperature to the temperature set on your thermostat.

The other area where obstructions can be a concern is near your condenser coil outside the home. Some residents see these as an eyesore and attempt 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 vital to the condition of your property—and the people living in it. Pollen and airborne toxins from sprays, cooking, candles, fireplaces and off-gassing items can all reside inside your air ducts and cause issues for people suffering from asthma and allergies.

Here are some signals your home might need an air duct cleaning:

• Mold is in the home or within the air conditioning unit.
• Dust comes from vents when the blower is switched on.
• A renovation that caused significant 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 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 true, it’s more true today than ever before.