HVAC Do's and Dont's Before Summer Hits

It’s that time of year when many families are preparing for summertime fun. But it’s also an important time to make sure all of your home systems are ready to handle the extra workload that comes with rising temperatures.

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 season. Here, a Service Experts pro shares seven tips to keep in mind when preparing your HVAC system for summer.

Do Get an HVAC Tune-Up

A biannual HVAC tune-up can act as an insurance plan against future failures. While anything can happen when a system is being used quite a bit, getting your air conditioner, furnace and other HVAC components tuned up before crews get busy during the sweltering summer season can undoubtedly help you ward off costly repairs down the road. Plus, it also provides a status check for how your system is currently operating. Routine maintenance also may help keep your valuable manufacturer’s warranty effective, which supports you in case a key component breaks 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 recommends 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 explained.

Do Upgrade Your Thermostat

If you haven’t already bought one, upgrading to a smart thermostat can43 minimize wear and tear on your air conditioner and furnace. Consider this: Energy savings estimates can run from as low as 12% a year to more than 20%. Your best option is to go with an Energy Star®-certified thermostat, Carson said, 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 ability to take advantage of reduced electricity rates during off-peak hours.

Don’t Use a Very Restrictive Air Filter

Regularly changing your air filter is essential; however, there are a wide variety of different filters to choose from. Some can be tremendously restrictive, promising to trap 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 set up your tune-up, it’s a good idea to ask the technician for a recommendation, Carson added.

Do De-Clutter and Remove Obstructions

This is not simply a recommendation 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 obstructed by furniture or household items, that can restrict ventilation 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 location where obstructions can be a problem is close to your condenser coil outside the home. Some residents see these as an eyesore and try 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 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 Ignore Your Air Ducts

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

Here are a couple of indications your home may be ready for an air duct cleaning:

• Mold was found in the home or within the air conditioning unit.
• Dust blows out of vents when the blower comes on.
• A renovation involving extensive dust has recently been done.

Do Consider a High-Efficiency AC Upgrade

If your HVAC equipment is close to the end of its life, replacing it with a modern, 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 today than ever before.