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 be sure all of your home systems are ready to handle the additional workload that comes with hot temperatures.

Undoubtedly, a home’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system is one item that does some hard work during the summer. Here, a Service Experts pro shares seven do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when preparing your HVAC system for summer.

Do Get an HVAC Tune-Up

A twice annual HVAC tune-up can act as a safety net against future failures. Although anything can happen when a system is being used quite a bit, getting your air conditioning, furnace and other HVAC components tuned up before crews get busy during the scorching 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. Regular maintenance also may help keep your valuable manufacturer’s warranty valid, which supports you in case a key component stops working 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 Service Experts Field Operations Manager 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 Postpone Repairs

When a specialist advises 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 mindset, however, only leads to more costly 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 emphasized.

Do Upgrade Your Thermostat

If you haven’t already done so, upgrading to a smart thermostat can43 minimize wear and tear on your HVAC system. Ponder this: Energy savings estimates can range from as low as 12% a year to higher than 20%. Your best choice is to go with an Energy Star®-certified thermostat, Carson advised, and ask an HVAC pro about how to set cooling times that align with your daily routine. In some areas, you also may have the option 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 many different filters to choose from. Some can be extremely restrictive, promising to filter out all viruses and contaminants. While they may effectively remove many contaminants, these highly restrictive filters might also choke airflow and possibly make your unit work harder. When you set up your tune-up, it’s a good idea to ask the technician for a recommendation, Carson added.

Do De-Clutter and Eliminate Obstructions

This is not only a tip about household clutter, but more about removing the airflow barriers inside and outside of your home. First, on the inside, if air vents are obstructed 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 house. Some residents see these as an eyesore and try 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 remarked. “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 essential 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 get inside your air ducts and cause trouble for people living with asthma and allergies.

Here are a few indicators your home is due for an air duct cleaning:

• Mold is in the home or inside the AC.
• Dust blows out of vents when the blower is turned on.
• A renovation that caused considerable dust has recently been done.

Do Consider a High-Efficiency AC Upgrade

If your system is nearing the end of its life, replacing it with a new, high-efficiency system before summertime is here can be better than waiting for “just one more summer.” Though that has always been a good idea, it’s more true these days than ever before.