Summer is one of the most anticipated seasons of the year. People love when the temperature begins to climb, and it is the perfect time for partying, beach visits, vacationing, and more. However, summer isn’t always all rosy, especially as temperatures can reach unprecedented levels. Your HVAC system and cooling units need to be in top shape to neutralize the rising outdoor temperature and keep your indoor space cool.
In preparation for the summer season, you must ensure your cooling unit is in great shape. You also need to ensure that all heating system repair needs are addressed ahead of the next winter. But how do you prepare your HVAC equipment for summer? Follow the tips below.
Clean the condenser unit
Homes and businesses often install their HVAC unit and forget about them until problems arise. Leaving your HVAC system or equipment to break down before attending to them can be dangerous and cause more damage which will be more costly to repair. Ahead of the summer season, you can save money and prolong your equipment’s lifespan by inspecting the area around the condenser unit.
The condenser unit condenses hot air and mixes it with the coolant to supply cool air. This unit often attracts debris over time. Leaving the debris in place can affect the condenser unit’s functionality and place undue pressure on it to function. By cleaning the condenser unit, you’re removing a potential barrier to the HVAC’s efficiency.
Clean the ducts
Your air ducts are important to heating and cooling distribution across your indoor space. A problem with the ducts can alter air distribution and cause cold or warm spots in your home. The ducts can also be a potential playground for pests, especially if an area of your home has been compromised.
Ahead of the summer season, check your ducts to ensure there aren’t any problems. You can also contact a professional HVAC contractor to do the checks, perform repairs, and clean the ducts out. Doing this increases your chance of better indoor air quality during summer.
Replace air filters
Air filters sieve the air in your indoor space and protect you from allergens, dust, and other microscopic substances. Over time, the filters get clogged, and this may affect their function. Leaving the clogged air filters in place can also affect your HVAC’s functionality and increase energy costs.
Ahead of the summer months, take out your air conditioning filter and clean it carefully. Ensure that all dust, dirt, and lint are removed carefully to avoid damaging the filter. You can order a replacement filter if the existing one has been compromised or is too dirty.
Contact your HVAC contractor if you’re unsure how to remove or replace the air filter or whether to replace it.
Check fans and insulation
HVAC equipment is often fitted with thermostats that have a switch to test the fans. Flip the thermostat switch to get a feel of the equipment’s fan. If the fan fails to come on, chances are high that it is bad, and your HVAC isn’t in the best shape for the summer.
While checking the fan, you should also consider the insulation around the coolant lines. Broken insulation can affect your indoor air comfort and quality. It can also lead to air exchange and a higher energy bill during the summer.
Schedule your annual HVAC maintenance and tune-up
Manufacturers recommend that users schedule annual maintenance plans to keep their HVACs working in top shape at all times. Contact your trusted HVAC contractor before the summer months to have your equipment checked, serviced, tuned up, and repaired.
HVAC maintenance offers many benefits, including keeping your equipment under the manufacturer’s warranty conditions, catching problems quickly and solving them early, reducing repair costs, and improving efficiency and energy bills.
Consider upgrading your HVAC
Upgrading your HVAC equipment is often reasonable, especially if you have an older unit installed. It may also be economical if your home has gotten significantly bigger in the last year. By upgrading the system, you stand a better chance of enjoying improved energy efficiency while saving money on energy bills.
Contact your HVAC contractor to discuss your cooling needs and the available upgrade options.
Improve indoor insulation
Insulation is an important factor to consider with regard to heating and cooling your indoor space. Effective insulation is an addition to your home in all seasons. Bad insulation increases air exchange, lowers your indoor air quality and comfort, puts pressure on your HVAC system, and increases your energy costs.
Ahead of the summer months, you can inspect your insulation for compromises and either repair or replace it.
The tips above will help you prepare your HVAC system and home for the summer season. They will also contribute to your energy use efficiency and reduce your energy costs.