HVAC Do’s and Don’ts Before Summer Hits

It’s that time of year when many people are making plans for summer festivities. But it’s also a great time to be sure all of your home systems are ready to handle the added workload that comes with rising 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 pro shares seven do’s and don’ts to consider when preparing your HVAC system for summer.

Do Get an HVAC Tune-Up

A twice-a-year HVAC tune-up can act as protection against future failures. Even though anything can happen when a system is being used quite a bit, getting your air conditioning, furnace and other HVAC components tuned up before crews get busy during the hot summer season can undoubtedly help you head off costly repairs in the future. Plus, it also provides a status check for how your system is currently functioning. Regular maintenance also may help keep your valuable manufacturer’s warranty valid, which helps 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 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 advises repairs during a tune-up or if they come up unexpectedly, some homeowners think they can prolong the use of the part or component for “just one more summer.” This reasoning, 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 said.

Do Upgrade Your Thermostat

If you haven’t already done so, upgrading to a smart thermostat can minimize wear and tear on your air conditioner and furnace. Ponder this: Energy savings estimates can range from as low as 12% a year to greater than 20%. Your best option is to go with an Energy Star®-certified thermostat, Carson recommended, and ask an HVAC pro about how to set cooling times that align with your daily routine. In some places, 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 switching out your air filter is essential; however, there are a wide variety of different filters to choose from. Some can be tremendously restrictive, promising to filter out all viruses and contaminants. While they may successfully remove many contaminants, these highly restrictive filters might also slow airflow and very well could make your unit work harder. When you schedule your tune-up, it’s a good strategy to ask the HVAC professional for a recommendation, Carson added.

Do De-Clutter and Eliminate Obstructions

This is not merely a recommendation about household clutter, but more about removing the airflow obstacles inside and outside of your home. First, indoors, if air vents are blocked by furniture or household items, that can reduce ventilation into that room or location. 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 location where obstructions can cause trouble is near your condenser coil outside the house. Some property owners see these as an eyesore and try to cover them up with shrubbery 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 Neglect Your Air Ducts

Clean air ducts are essential to the well-being of your property—and the people living in it. Pollen and airborne pollutants from sprays, cooking, candles, fireplaces and off-gassing items can all get inside your air ducts and cause trouble for people living with asthma and allergies.

Here are some indicators your home may be ready for an air duct cleaning:

• Mold was found in the home or on the inside of the air conditioner.
• Dust blows out of vents when the blower comes on.
• A renovation that caused considerable dust has recently been done.

Do Consider a High-Efficiency HVAC Upgrade

If your system is near the end of its life, replacing it with a modern, high-efficiency system before summertime is here can be better than waiting for “just one more summer.” Though that has always been true, it’s more true these days than ever before.