HVAC Do’s and Don’ts Before Summer Hits

It’s that time of year when many families are preparing 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 extra workload that comes with soaring temperatures.

Undoubtedly, a home’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system is one component of your home that does some heavy lifting} during the summer months. Here, a Service Experts pro 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 protection against future problems. While 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 avoid costly repairs later. Plus, it also includes a status check for how your system is currently operating. Annual maintenance also may help keep your valuable manufacturer’s warranty active, which aids 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 recommends repairs during a tune-up or if they occur unexpectedly, some homeowners think they can stretch out the use of the part or component for “just one more summer.” This mindset, however, only leads to more costly repairs later on.

“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 reduce wear and tear on your air conditioner and furnace. Think about this: Energy savings estimates can range from as low as 12% a year to greater 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 places, you also may be able to take advantage of cheaper electricity rates during off-peak hours.

Don’t Use an Extremely Restrictive Air Filter

Consistently switching out your air filter is essential; however, there are a lot of different filters to choose from. Certain types can be tremendously restrictive, promising to catch or eliminate all viruses and contaminants. While they may effectively remove many contaminants, these highly restrictive filters might also significantly reduce airflow and possibly make your unit work harder. When you schedule your tune-up, it’s a good idea to ask the mechanic for a recommendation, Carson added.

Do De-Clutter and Eliminate Obstructions

This is not merely a hint about household clutter, but more about removing the airflow barriers inside and outside of your home. First, on the inside, if air vents are hindered by furniture or household items, that can limit ventilation into that room or location. That means your air conditioning will have to run longer to get the air temperature to the temperature set on your thermostat.

The other place where obstructions can be a concern is near your condenser coil outside the home. Some homeowners see these as an eyesore and make an effort 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 essential to the health of your home—and the people living 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 living with asthma and allergies.

Here are some indications your home is due for an air duct cleaning:

• Mold has been discovered in the home or within the air conditioner.
• Dust blows out of vents when the blower comes on.
• A renovation that generated considerable dust has recently been done.

Do Consider a High-Efficiency Equipment Upgrade

If your heating and cooling unit is near 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 now than ever before.