HVAC Do’s and Don’ts Before Summer Hits

It’s that time of year when many families are preparing for summertime fun. But it’s also a great time to see to it that all of your home systems are ready to handle the extra workload that comes with soaring temps.

Certainly, a home’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system is one item that does some heavy lifting during the summer months. Here, a Service Experts professional shares seven do’s and don’ts to consider when preparing your air conditioner for summer.

Do Get an HVAC Tune-Up

A twice annual HVAC tune-up can act as a safety net against future breakdowns. Even though 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 scorching summer season can certainly help you avoid costly repairs down the road. Plus, it also includes a status check for how your system is currently performing. Regular 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 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 Postpone 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 thinking, 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 done it already, upgrading to a smart thermostat could decrease wear and tear on your air conditioner and furnace. Ponder this: Energy savings estimates can vary from as low as 12% a year to more than 20%. Your best option 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 schedule. In some places, you also may have the ability to take advantage of cheaper electricity rates during off-peak hours.

Don’t Use a Very Restrictive Air Filter

Routinely replacing your air filter is crucial; however, there are a wide variety of different filters to choose from. Certain types 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 slow airflow and very well could 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 simply a recommendation about household clutter, but more about removing the airflow barriers inside and outside of your home. First, in your home’s interior, if air vents are obstructed by furniture or household items, that can restrict the flow of air into that room or zone. That means your air conditioner will need to run longer to get the air temperature to the level set on your thermostat.

The other area where obstructions can be a problem is around your condenser coil outside the home. Some residents see these as an eyesore and try to cover them up with bushes or even build structures or other landscaping. Think again!

“Obstructions to units and vents on the inside and outside of the home can be both an efficiency and safety concern,” Carson noted. “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 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 stay inside your air ducts and cause problems for people who have asthma and allergies.

Here are a couple of indications your home might need an air duct cleaning:

• Mold is in the home or within the air conditioner.
• Dust blows out of vents when the blower is turned on.
• A renovation that generated considerable dust has recently been done.

Do Consider a High-Efficiency HVAC Upgrade

If your HVAC equipment 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.” And while that has always been true, it’s more true now than ever before.