Let’s review the five summer HVAC tips below to best prepare your HVAC system for warm weather.
Check Your Filters
One of the most essential summer HVAC tips is to check the air filter. As your HVAC system runs, the filter collects dust, dirt, and other particulate matter from the air that passes through. Over time, more and more particles pass through and stick to each other, creating build-up.
When the filter of your HVAC unit clogs with dust and dirt, the air forces these particles back into the HVAC system. As a result, your indoor air quality will decrease. The unit’s ability to cool your home effectively and efficiently also weakens, and eventually, the strain could damage the machine.
Check your air filter in the spring before powering up your AC. Air filters come in different sizes, so ensure that you purchase the correct size. You should also note the dimensions for your filter and determine the level of filtration you need.
HVAC systems all have different requirements for filters, including how often filters need replacing. Some systems only require a change once a year while others need one every six months. Regardless, it is wise to check your air filters every 30 days during summer to make sure they are clean so your system can keep your home cool.
Reusable filters, which require cleaning to keep them in top form, should have a yearly cleaning. However, you should clean them more frequently if you have allergies or pets.
Inspect Your Ducts and Vents
Now is also the time to check your vents and air ducts. Dirty vents and ducts significantly lower the air quality circulating throughout your home. Clogs in any part of the system can dramatically reduce your HVAC efficiency.
Start by checking the vents throughout your home. Also, clean the exterior and interior surfaces and remove any dust, dirt, hair, or other debris accumulation. When done, make sure all the vents are wide open so that air flows freely.
The air filters keep most of the dust and dirt out of the ductwork, but it is still essential to have them professionally checked before summer arrives. While you can reach a short distance with your vacuum, professional HVAC technicians have state-of-the-art equipment to clean the entire system. They will rid your ductwork of all dust and grime.
Professional duct cleaning can also detect leaks and damage within the ductwork. Moreover, an inspection will locate weak spots that may require professional repair down the road.
Clean the Outdoor Areas
The exterior of your AC condenser unit, which sits outside your home, also needs to be checked and cleaned every spring. After the winter months, old leaves, branches, and other debris may impede the unit’s ability to function in top form.
Clear away all debris from on and around your AC condenser. Furthermore, keep at least a 2-foot perimeter clear around the HVAC unit. Regularly cleaning up around the condenser will prevent debris from blowing into the unit and causing HVAC issues.
Improve Your Cooling Power
When discussing summer HVAC tips, you also want to explore ways to maximize your HVAC system’s cooling power throughout the house. Relying on your AC unit to run all the time can decrease its overall efficiency and potentially damage it.
TUNE-UP YOUR THERMOSTAT
Improving your AC’s efficiency is easy by installing a programmable thermostat. A programmable thermostat gives you greater control over your temperatures indoors. A smart thermostat even allows you to program the thermostat from your smartphone.
You can also set a programmable thermostat to specific temperatures day and night. Programming a thermostat can help save money by maintaining higher temperatures when you’re away. Test your thermostat out in the spring and have it professionally checked and calibrated.
ACCESSORIZE FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY
You can also increase your cooling power by using energy-efficient accessories. For example, you can invest in energy-efficient window coverings to block the sun’s heat and reduce the indoor temperature. Therefore, the HVAC system doesn’t need to work as hard to maintain cool air.
Standing and ceiling fans also help circulate cool air and improve the airflow inside your home. You can position standing fans to blow cool air on you and promote circulation. You should also set ceiling fans to run clockwise to direct cool air downward and circulate it throughout the room.
Schedule a Professional Services HVAC Tune-up
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