When did you last give your HVAC a second look?
Now that summer is creeping up around the corner, you need to start thinking about things you can do that will keep your HVAC unit in the best shape.
Summer HVAC maintenance will help you save more money in the long term. You’ll not overspend on utility bills or need to replace your unit sooner. By being proactive, you can ensure that your unit does not get overloaded and overworked.
This way, you and your loved ones can stay at home wonderfully comfortable enjoying the best temperatures despite the thermostat reading. Here are some HVAC tips that will get you ready this summer.
1. Pay Attention to Your Filters
The most important thing you need to check for summer HVAC maintenance is your air filter. Depending on your current system, you may need to get a permanent or a temporary disposable filter. This way, you can continue keeping your unit in perfect shape by replacing the filter at least once a month.
If you have other types of filters, these should also be replaced and cleaned well enough every month to keep everything in working order. If you are a smoker or have pets who shed a lot of fur at home, you must change your HVAC filters even more often. If you are ready to get a new filter, check out https://www.discountfilters.com/.
When you have a newly cleaned air filter ready to change, you will feel a significant difference. This is because your HVAC ducts will not have any dust or dirt particles that block the cold air from circulating around your home freely.
2. Clear Outdoor Areas
When you have some time, you should go outside and look around your HVAC unit. This will help you consistently check if any debris is blocking the area.
If you notice many plants, broken tree branches, or random items that are close to your air conditioner, you need to clear all this away. Avoid going any plants, trees, or shrubbery near your unit because the leaves and branches can blow right into it.
Even though you are preparing your HVAC system for the summer, you need to know that this is a proactive task that lasts all year. This is why you should never wait till spring or summer to start cleaning debris around your system.
Otherwise, this will get stuck in different parts of your unit’s exterior, and you will need to call a professional.
3. Upgrade the Thermostat
Installing a modern programmable thermostat is one of the best ways to conserve energy. Then your energy bills will be much lower in summer and throughout the year. You can make adjustments and customize your air conditioning schedule.
This way, you can always stay cool on hot days but avoid wasting energy when you do not need the unit. Having a climate-controlled schedule will prevent your HVAC unit from overworking, especially during the hottest months.
4. Use Fans
It is best to get some ceiling, tabletop, and floor fans around the house. These are best because they keep cool air circulating through your home. Then you do not need to rely on your unit too much all day long. Ensure that you rotate your ceiling fans clockwise.
Then the air will flow down to prevent excess heat from rising. The heat levels in your home will remain moderate, and your air conditioner will not have to pick up too much slack. Then you should reverse your ceiling fan the other way when summer is over.
5. Window Treatments
If your home has many windows, the indoor temperature may become higher than usual. This is because the sun’s rays will penetrate through all that glass throughout the day. Your air conditioner will need to work even harder to get rid of all that heat in the afternoon.
It is necessary to get plenty of blinds and curtains to cover all your windows on hot days. When you cover all the sun-exposed areas, the temperature in your house will not rise too much, and your air conditioner will not need to break itself to cool each room.
6. Clear Your Vents
Your HVAC unit can only work if you do not let anything obstruct the airflow in your walls. Besides having a professional go through your whole duct system, you should always check for blockages consistently. Walk around your home and check every vent.
If you see any dust or debris blocking any of your vents, clear this immediately. If anything gets stuck and cannot be removed, call a professional to help.
7. Other Appliances
Avoid using any other appliances that produce a lot of heat during the day. For instance, use an outside grill for cooking hot food instead of your kitchen oven.
This is because switching on the oven can add excess heat indoors. Then your air conditioning unit will be pushed to the brink to cool all rooms again. You should also hang your clothes outside instead of using the basement dryer to keep hot air away.
8. Update Your Unit
If you have tried these tips and nothing seems to work, it may be time to replace or update your unit.
An older unit that does not effectively cool your house down during summer will cost you more money because of excess waste. Some newer models are more energy-efficient and will significantly lower your energy bills.
9. Call the Experts
An HVAC unit is tricky to navigate. There can be numerous problems that many homeowners cannot identify on their own. This is where you will need to call a reputable professional to keep your unit in the best shape.
Even when you’re buying a new unit, you should do plenty of research to ensure you do not buy one that will break down much sooner.
Stay on Top of Summer HVAC Maintenance
It is crucial not to ignore your summer HVAC maintenance. Otherwise, you may risk ending up with an inefficient system that will drive up your utility bills. Implement these tips and you’ll successfully feel comfortable at home during the hot summer days and save money throughout the year.
If you enjoyed reading these HVAC tips, check out some of our other posts for more information.