HVAC Do's and Dont's 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 critical time to make sure all of your home systems are ready to handle the additional workload that comes with hot weather.

Without a doubt, a home’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system is one component of your home that does some hard work during the summer season. Here, a Service Experts professional shares seven strategies to take into account when preparing your HVAC system for summer.

Do Get an HVAC Tune-Up

A twice-a-year HVAC tune-up can act as protection against future failures. Although anything can happen when a system is running a lot during extreme weather, getting your air conditioning, furnace and other HVAC components tuned up before maintenance crews get busy during the sweltering summer season can definitely help you ward off costly repairs down the road. Plus, it also includes a status check for how your system is currently functioning. Routine maintenance also may help keep your valuable manufacturer’s warranty valid, 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 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 Delay 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 thinking, however, only leads to more expensive repairs down the road.

“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 done it already, upgrading to a smart thermostat could43 reduce wear and tear on your HVAC system. Think about this: Energy savings estimates can run 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 line up with your daily routine. In some places, you also may be able to take advantage of lower electricity rates during off-peak hours.

Don’t Use a Very Restrictive Air Filter

Routinely replacing your air filter is essential; however, there are a wide variety of 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 arrange your tune-up, it’s a good strategy 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 obstructions inside and outside of your home. First, in your home's interior, if air vents are hindered by furniture or household items, that can reduce the flow of air into that room or location. That means your cooling system 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 problem is around your condenser coil outside the house. Some residents see these as an eyesore and attempt to cover them up with shrubs or even build structures or other landscaping. Bad 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 indispensable to the health 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 stay inside your air ducts and cause problems for people living with asthma and allergies.

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

• Mold has been discovered in the home or on the inside of the air conditioning unit.
• Dust wafts from vents when the blower comes on.
• A renovation involving considerable dust has recently been done.

Do Consider a High-Efficiency Equipment Upgrade

If your system is close to the end of its life, replacing it with a high-tech, high-efficiency system before the hot summer weather is here can be better than waiting for “just one more summer.” And while that has always been true, it’s more true now than ever before.