HVAC Do’s and Don’ts Before Summer Hits

It’s that time of year when many families are making plans for summer festivities. 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 rising temperatures.

Certainly, a home’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system is one mechanism that does some heavy lifting} during the summer. 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 biannual HVAC tune-up can act as protection against future failures. Even though anything can happen when a system is working hard, getting your AC, furnace and other HVAC components tuned up before crews get busy during the hot summer season can definitely help you avoid costly repairs in the future. 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 valid, which supports 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 advises repairs during a tune-up or if they happen unexpectedly, some homeowners think they can stretch out 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 done it already, upgrading to a smart thermostat can minimize wear and tear on your air conditioner and furnace. 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 a Very Restrictive Air Filter

Consistently changing your air filter is critical; however, there are many 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 idea to ask the technician for a recommendation, Carson added.

Do De-Clutter and Clear Away Obstructions

This is not simply 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 obstructed by furniture or household items, that can limit ventilation into that room or zone. That means your air conditioner will be forced to run longer to get the air temperature to the level set on your thermostat.

The other place where obstructions can cause trouble is near your condenser coil outside the home. Some homeowners see these as an eyesore and try to cover them up with shrubs or even build structures or other landscaping. Not a good idea!

“Obstructions to units and vents on the inside and outside of the home can be both an efficiency and safety concern,” Carson said. “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 well-being of your home—and the people who live in it. Pollen and airborne pollutants 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 signs your home is due for an air duct cleaning:

• Mold has been discovered in the home or within the air conditioner.
• Dust comes from vents when the blower is switched on.
• A renovation involving 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 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.