HVAC Do’s and Don’ts Before Summer Hits

It’s that time of year when many families are preparing 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 soaring weather.

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 tips to take into account when preparing your air conditioner for summer.

Do Get an HVAC Tune-Up

A twice-a-year HVAC tune-up can act as protection against future failures. While anything can happen when a system is working hard, getting your air conditioning, furnace and other HVAC components tuned up before repair crews get busy during the hot summer season can undoubtedly help you head off costly repairs down the road. Plus, it also includes a status check for how your system is currently performing. Routine 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 Put Off 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 thinking, however, only leads to more costly 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 said.

Do Upgrade Your Thermostat

If you haven’t already bought one, upgrading to a smart thermostat could minimize wear and tear on your heating and cooling equipment. Think about this: Energy savings estimates can vary from as low as 12% a year to higher 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 align with your daily habits. In some locations, 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 many different filters to choose from. Some can be tremendously restrictive, promising to remove all viruses and contaminants. While they may efficiently remove many contaminants, these highly restrictive filters might also slow airflow and possibly make your unit work harder. When you arrange your tune-up, it’s a good plan to ask the HVAC professional for a recommendation, Carson added.

Do De-Clutter and Remove Obstructions

This is not merely 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 blocked by furniture or household items, that can reduce the flow of air into that room or zone. That means your cooling system will be forced 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 property owners see these as an eyesore and make an effort to cover them up with shrubbery 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 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 Overlook Your Air Ducts

Clean air ducts are vital to the well-being of your property—and the people who live in it. Pollen and airborne contaminants from sprays, cooking, candles, fireplaces and off-gassing items can all get inside your air ducts and cause problems for people who have asthma and allergies.

Here are a couple of signals your home is due for an air duct cleaning:

• Mold was found in the home or on the inside of the air conditioning unit.
• Dust comes from vents when the blower is turned on.
• A renovation that caused considerable dust has recently been done.

Do Consider a High-Efficiency Equipment Upgrade

If your HVAC equipment 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.” Although that has always been the case, it’s more true these days than ever before.