Can you already feel the heat rising? If you do, that’s because summer is just around the corner.
This is the perfect time to get ready for fun and exciting outdoor activities to enjoy the warm weather.
But you might be forgetting about something—your HVAC system.
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) is an essential piece of equipment that’ll help you beat and conquer the summer heat.
It provides cool air and improves the airflow throughout your home, so your stay indoors can be as comfortable as possible.
Regardless of your HVAC model, it’s crucial to keep it in good condition to prevent unwanted breakdowns, especially when the temperature is at its peak.
With regular and proper maintenance, you can ensure that your system will function excellently at any time of the day.
Also, regular checkups may help you lower your energy consumption, allowing you to save money in the long run.
So, when is the best time to consult an HVAC maintenance specialist? You may call them during spring to keep your home cool and comfy all summer.
But before you do, here are some summer maintenance tips to prepare your HVAC system for the warm weather:
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1. Check Air Filters
Checking air filters is one of the most important steps to keep your HVAC running in good condition.
The main purpose of a filter is to collect dirt, dust, and other particles in the air.
Yet these particles create a buildup over time, which may affect your unit’s performance.
When filters are clogged with dust and dirt, the air will push these particles back into your system.
This will result in poor indoor air quality. Plus, this will make things difficult for your HVAC to cool your room efficiently.
Eventually, the buildup of particles may damage the machine.
Therefore, check your HVAC filters when the spring comes before you turn the unit on.
If your filters are reusable, all you need to do is clean them gently, making sure not to damage them in any way.
It’s advisable to do this at least once a year, but if you have pets or allergies, you might need to clean them frequently, at least once a month.
Lastly, make sure to know when is the right time to replace your filters. Even a reusable one needs to be replaced too.
Some filters might need replacements after six months, while others may require them after a year.
2. Inspect Your Vents and Ducts
Dirty ducts and vents may result in poor indoor air quality and significantly reduce the efficiency of your HVAC system.
To fix this, begin by inspecting the vents across your home.
Clean all the surfaces—interior and exterior—by getting rid of all the dirt, dust, hair, and other particles that have accumulated over time.
After that, make sure to keep all vents wide open to promote proper air circulation.
Once you’re done with fixing your vents, it’s to check your HVAC’s ductwork.
Nonetheless, it’d be best to let the experts take care of the situation. They have state-of-the-art vacuum equipment that can eliminate all kinds of dirt and grime and keep the system as clean as a whistle.
Aside from that, professional HVAC services can also determine if there are possible leaks within the ductwork.
In addition, they’ll help you identify potential weak spots that might need professional repair someday.
3. Clean Your Outdoors
The external part of your HVAC—AC condenser, which can be found outside your home, also requires inspection and proper cleaning every spring.
This is because of the leaves, branches, and other debris that may obstruct your HVAC’s ability to perform in good condition.
To address this issue, you might want to get rid of all the debris that surrounds your AC condenser.
Doing this regularly will help prevent dirt and debris from being taken into the system, causing unwanted issues regarding your unit.
4. Maximize the Cooling Power of Your System
When it comes to summer HVAC maintenance tips, you might also want to learn how you can maximize the cooling power of your unit across your home.
Using your AC often may lower its efficiency and damage it from within.
Here are some ways to maximize your HVACs cooling potential without overusing it:
1. Adjust Your Thermostat
Maximizing the efficiency of your AC is made easier with a programmable thermostat.
This small control device gives you the ability to control the temperature inside your home.
In addition, you may consider looking for a ‘smart’ one so you can program the device using a smartphone.
You can set your thermostat to any temperature you want day and night.
Doing this will help you save money as the HVAC is programmed to maintain high temperatures while you’re gone.
So, have your thermostat tested during spring and let professionals calibrate it if necessary.
2. Accessorize Your Unit for Efficiency
Another way to improve and maximize the efficiency of your HVAC unit is by using energy-saving accessories.
You can purchase a window covering that can prevent the sun’s heat from entering your home.
With this, your HVAC doesn’t need to exert extra effort to maintain the coolness of your room, saving you a lot on energy consumption.
You can also use ceiling and stand fans to help circulate the cool air and improve air circulation throughout your home.
Make sure your stand fans are positioned to blow the cool air toward you.
On the other hand, set your ceiling fans to rotate clockwise to push the cool air down and help it circulate across the room.
5. Check Your Refrigerant Levels
HVAC systems use refrigerants to produce cool air to lower the temperature across your home.
Over time, the refrigerant levels of your unit will gradually decrease, depending on how often you use it.
To refill your HVAC’s refrigerant, it’d be best to consult an expert and have them do it instead.
Further, they’ll be able to check if there are possible leaks that may cause the refrigerant levels to empty out quickly.
Final Words
HVAC is one of the most important tools you need to fight the summer heat and bring comfort to your home.
Before the summer sun starts to shine, make sure to have your HVAC system checked and maintained so you won’t have any problems in the summer.
You may refer to the tips discussed above to ensure that your HVAC will run at optimal condition.
You may also consult an HVAC maintenance professional to deal with problems you can’t address on your own.
