It’s that time of year when many families are planning for summer festivities. But it’s also an important time to see to it that all of your home systems are ready to handle the added workload that comes with hot temps.
Certainly, a home’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system is one component of your home that does some heavy lifting during the summer. Here, a Service Experts pro shares seven tips to take into account when preparing your air conditioner for summer.
Do Get an HVAC Tune-Up
A biannual HVAC tune-up can act as protection against future problems. 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 crews get busy during the sweltering summer season can definitely help you ward off costly repairs in the future. Plus, it also includes a status check for how your system is currently operating. Routine maintenance also may help keep your valuable manufacturer’s warranty valid, which supports you in case a key component goes bad 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 Delay Repairs
When a specialist suggests repairs during a tune-up or if they come up unexpectedly, some homeowners think they can extend 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 said.
Do Upgrade Your Thermostat
If you haven’t already done so, upgrading to a smart thermostat can43 reduce wear and tear on your air conditioner and furnace. Ponder this: Energy savings estimates can run from as low as 12% a year to more 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 schedule. In some places, you also may be able to take advantage of lower electricity rates during off-peak hours.
Don’t Use an Overly Restrictive Air Filter
Regularly replacing your air filter is essential; however, there are many different filters to choose from. Certain types can be tremendously restrictive, promising to remove all viruses and contaminants. While they may efficiently remove many contaminants, these highly restrictive filters might also choke airflow and potentially make your unit work harder. When you schedule your tune-up, it’s a good plan to ask the technician for a recommendation, Carson added.
Do De-Clutter and Remove Obstructions
This is not merely a recommendation about household clutter, but more about removing the airflow obstacles inside and outside of your home. First, in your home's interior, if air vents are hindered by furniture or household items, that can limit airflow into that room or zone. That means your cooling system will need to run longer to get the air temperature to the temperature set on your thermostat.
The other place where obstructions can cause trouble is around your condenser coil outside the home. Some homeowners see these as an eyesore and attempt to cover them up with bushes 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 vital to the well-being of your home—and the people who live 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 who have asthma and allergies.
Here are a few indications your home may be ready for an air duct cleaning:
- Mold is in the home or inside the air conditioning unit.
- Dust blows out of vents when the blower is switched on.
- A renovation that caused extensive dust has recently been done.
Do Consider a High-Efficiency AC Upgrade
If your heating and cooling unit 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.