HVAC Do's and Dont's Before Summer Hits

It’s that time of year when many homeowners are making plans for some fun in the sun. But it’s also a critical time to make sure all of your home systems are ready to handle the added workload that comes with rising weather.

Without a doubt, a home’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system is one mechanism that does an awful a lot of work during the summer season. Here, a Service Experts pro shares seven strategies to take into account when preparing your air conditioner for summer.

Do Get an HVAC Tune-Up

A biannual HVAC tune-up can act as an insurance plan against future breakdowns. While anything can happen when a system is working hard, getting your air conditioner, furnace and other HVAC components tuned up before repair crews get busy during the hot summer season can definitely help you avoid costly repairs later. Plus, it also offers a status check for how your system is currently operating. Annual maintenance also may help keep your valuable manufacturer’s warranty effective, which helps you in case a key component goes bad 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 Put Off Repairs

When a specialist recommends repairs during a tune-up or if they happen unexpectedly, some homeowners think they can prolong the use of the part or component for “just one more summer.” This thinking, however, only leads to more costly 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 said.

Do Upgrade Your Thermostat

If you haven’t already done so, upgrading to a smart thermostat may43 reduce wear and tear on your air conditioner and furnace. Think about this: Energy savings estimates can run from as low as 12% a year to greater 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 habits. In some locations, you also may have the option to take advantage of lower electricity rates during off-peak hours.

Don’t Use an Overly Restrictive Air Filter

Routinely changing your air filter is crucial; however, there are many different filters to choose from. A few of these can be extremely restrictive, promising to remove 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 schedule your tune-up, it’s a good plan to ask the HVAC professional for a recommendation, Carson added.

Do De-Clutter and Remove Obstructions

This is not merely a hint 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 limit airflow into that room or location. That means your air conditioner will have to run longer to get the air temperature to the temperature set on your thermostat.

The other place where obstructions can cause trouble is close to your condenser coil outside the house. Some property owners see these as an eyesore and try to cover them up with bushes 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 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 Ignore Your Air Ducts

Clean air ducts are crucial to the condition of your residence—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 suffering from asthma and allergies.

Here are a couple of signs your home is due for an air duct cleaning:

• Mold has been discovered in the home or inside the air conditioning unit.
• Dust comes from vents when the blower is turned on.
• A renovation involving significant dust has recently been done.

Do Consider a High-Efficiency Equipment Upgrade

If your HVAC equipment is nearing the end of its life, replacing it with a high-tech, high-efficiency system before the hot summer weather is here can be better than waiting for “just one more summer.” Though that has always been the case, it’s more true now than ever before.