HVAC Do’s and Don’ts Before Summer Hits

It’s that time of year when many homeowners are making plans for summertime fun. But it’s also an important time to make sure all of your home systems are ready to handle the additional workload that comes with hot temperatures.

Certainly, a home’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system is one component of your home that does some heavy lifting} during the summer season. Here, a Service Experts pro shares seven do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when preparing your HVAC system for summer.

Do Get an HVAC Tune-Up

A twice-a-year HVAC tune-up can act as an insurance plan against future problems. 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 hot summer season can certainly help you ward off costly repairs in the future. Plus, it also provides 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 fails 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 Service Experts Field Operations Manager Mike Carson. “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 suggests repairs during a tune-up or if they come up unexpectedly, some homeowners think they can stretch out the use of the part or component for “just one more summer.” This thinking, however, only leads to more pricey 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 emphasized.

Do Upgrade Your Thermostat

If you haven’t done it already, upgrading to a smart thermostat can decrease wear and tear on your HVAC system. Consider this: Energy savings estimates can range from as low as 12% a year to more than 20%. Your best bet 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 schedule. In some areas, you also may be able to take advantage of lower electricity rates during off-peak hours.

Don’t Use an Extremely Restrictive Air Filter

Regularly changing your air filter is critical; however, there are a wide variety of different filters to choose from. Some can be very restrictive, promising to filter out all viruses and contaminants. While they may effectively remove many contaminants, these highly restrictive filters might also choke airflow and potentially make your unit work harder. When you schedule your tune-up, it’s a good strategy to ask the technician 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 obstructions inside and outside of your home. First, on the inside, if air vents are hindered by furniture or household items, that can restrict airflow into that room or zone. That means your cooling system will need to run longer to get the air temperature to the level set on your thermostat.

The other area where obstructions can cause trouble is near your condenser coil outside the home. Some homeowners see these as an eyesore and attempt to cover them up with bushes 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 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 Overlook Your Air Ducts

Clean air ducts are essential to the health of your home—and the people living in it. Pollen and airborne pollutants from sprays, cooking, candles, fireplaces and off-gassing items can all stay inside your air ducts and cause problems for people who have asthma and allergies.

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

• Mold has been discovered in the home or inside the air conditioner.
• Dust comes from vents when the blower comes on.
• A renovation that caused considerable dust has recently been done.

Do Consider a High-Efficiency Equipment Upgrade

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