SUMMER HVAC MAINTENANCE TIPS
While the calendar may not indicate summer yet, the temperatures certainly do! Air conditioners throughout the country have been fired up and are working around the clock to keep Americans comfortable as temperatures and humidity rise. Since these systems are working around the clock, summer HVAC maintenance is very important to their longevity.
These summer HVAC maintenance tips will keep your air conditioner in top shape this season. Don’t risk costly breakdowns inside the home while you wait for help – take proactive measures for summer HVAC maintenance and reduce your risk of malfunctions and discomfort.
SUMMERTIME HVAC MAINTENANCE TIPS
During this summer, incorporate these HVAC maintenance tips into your household routine, and you will benefit from lowered utility bills plus better comfort control indoors!
HVAC Tune-Up for Summer
A tune-up on your HVAC system should be performed before the first day of cooling system use each year, even if it is nearing summer.
When your technician performs a maintenance tune-up, they thoroughly examine, troubleshoot, and maintain important system components to ensure their efficient performance and prevent breakdowns in the future.
A preventative tune-up for your HVAC system is an investment that pays off greatly – if you haven’t had one, move this task to the top of your summer to do list!
Summer Thermostat Settings
Summer can cause household schedule changes, especially if you have children who are no longer in school or are traveling during this time. With the cooling system on, you need to adjust the thermostat settings to accommodate your family’s new schedules and any vacations.
Think about your household’s potential summer schedule changes and program your thermostat accordingly:
- No bus to catch in the morning will mean later wake-up times for kids.
- Whenever possible, adjust setbacks so that occupied homes are home from 8am to 5pm instead of a vacant home during these hours.
- Summer sports and activities require you to be outside the home for a few hours during the day.
- Bedtimes that are later
The hold or vacation feature on your programmable thermostat should be activated when you leave the house to deliver energy savings. A smart or Wi-Fi thermostat eliminates the human error element – save money on cooling while away so you can better enjoy summer!
BETTER AIR FLOW
You can improve airflow through your air conditioner this summer by following these HVAC maintenance tips:
- Consider upgrading to a higher MERV filter during the summer to lessen summer allergy symptoms. Each month, check the filter to determine if a change is required. It is important to know how often you need to change the air filters. In the summer, filters are commonly filled with debris quicker than in the spring because the HVAC unit runs more frequently.
- Clean your outside air conditioner as you mow the grass or cut the leaves. Debris like grass clippings and mulch can accumulate on your condensing unit and block heat from leaving the system. Gently brush it away.
- Make sure there are no plants or other items in the two feet of space around the unit. Prune shrubs, branches, and any vegetation that has grown around the base of the unit. Move outdoor storage away from the unit to eliminate airflow obstructions.
- Walk around your home and check all vents, register, and return air grilles. All vent and register louvers should be open — closing them to try and stop the air from reaching the unused areas is not a good idea. Air needs to freely circulate between your house and the air conditioner, so place rugs, furniture, and other items away from the vents and grilles.
AC CARE TIPS FOR BETTER AIR QUALITY
A high humidity level indoors during the summer months is a major issue for many households throughout the country. The natural rise in humidity that causes you to feel sticky outdoors can also invade your indoor living areas and cause discomfort if left untreated.
Feel better inside your home this summer by following these HVAC maintenance tips:
- Dehumidifiers pull out moisture as air circulates through your HVAC system. While air conditioners do some dehumidification, summer humidity levels are often too high for them to handle on their own.
- Install a drainage system which drains all the moisture that is created by your cooling system. Condensation backup can lead to excessive humidity and water damage to your equipment.
Conclusion
Our HVAC maintenance tips will help you make sure your system runs smoothly and in great condition. If you haven’t already, call CoolPro Heating & Cooling to schedule a routine maintenance appointment.
