HVAC Do’s and Don’ts Before Summer Hits

It’s that time of year when many homeowners 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 added workload that comes with rising weather.

Undoubtedly, a home’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system is one component of your home that does some hard work} during the summer. Here, a Service Experts specialist shares seven do’s and don’ts 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 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 crews get busy during the sweltering summer season can certainly help you avoid costly repairs in the future. Plus, it also includes a status check for how your system is currently operating. Routine maintenance also may help keep your valuable manufacturer’s warranty active, which aids 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 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 recommends 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 reasoning, however, only leads to more costly repairs in the future.

“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 may minimize wear and tear on your heating and cooling equipment. Consider this: Energy savings estimates can run from as low as 12% a year to higher than 20%. Your best choice is to go with an Energy Star®-certified thermostat, Carson recommended, and ask an HVAC pro about how to set cooling times that match with your daily routine. In some areas, you also may be able to take advantage of reduced electricity rates during off-peak hours.

Don’t Use an Extremely Restrictive Air Filter

Regularly changing your air filter is essential; however, there are a lot of different filters to choose from. Certain types can be extremely restrictive, promising to catch or eliminate all viruses and contaminants. While they may effectively remove many contaminants, these highly restrictive filters might also slow airflow and potentially make your unit work harder. When you arrange 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 simply a hint about household clutter, but more about removing the airflow obstacles inside and outside of your home. First, in your home’s interior, if air vents are obstructed by furniture or household items, that can reduce ventilation into that room or zone. That means your air conditioner will need to run longer to get the air temperature to the temperature set on your thermostat.

The other area where obstructions can cause trouble is near your condenser coil outside the home. Some residents see these as an eyesore and try to cover them up with shrubs 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 health of your home—and the people who are living 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 indicators your home could need an air duct cleaning:

• Mold has been discovered in the home or on the inside of the AC.
• Dust comes from vents when the blower is switched on.
• A renovation that generated significant dust has recently been done.

Do Consider a High-Efficiency AC Upgrade

If your system is close to 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 a good idea, it’s more true these days than ever before.