The summer months are quickly approaching. That means that thousands of families across the country are about to fire up their air conditioning systems for the first time in months. And if they haven’t done the necessary HVAC maintenance, many of them will find that their AC doesn’t work the way it should.
Don’t let this happen to you! Here are seven summer HVAC maintenance tips that everyone should know.
1. Clear the Area Around Your HVAC Unit
The standard rule is that you should keep two feet of clear space all the way around your HVAC unit. Allowing for clutter or debris to accumulate alongside your HVAC system can have negative results. Not only will your unit not work efficiently, but certain debris can even present safety hazards.
If your unit is inside, make sure to clear any clothes or children’s toys away from the unit. Keep an eye out for these things all year round. If your unit is outside, you will have to maintain the area around the HVAC system to keep it clear.
Keep your lawn mowed, and trim any branches that may be in the way. If it rains, look for leaves, dirt, and other debris that might accumulate next to your unit. Summer is the season when everything grows and blooms, so you will need to pay special attention to outdoor units during the summer.
2. Change Your Air Filters
Experts recommend that you change the air filters in your HVAC unit every ninety days. During times of high use, you may need to change it even more frequently.
But air filters are easy to change or clean on your own. Your HVAC unit either has washable or disposable filters. Remove the access panel on your unit to pull out the filter and check.
If you have a washable filter, either vacuum or rinse your filter to get all of the grime off of it. Then allow it to dry thoroughly before you replace it.
If it is disposable, make note of the size and type of filter. You should be able to get a replacement easily at the hardware store. Ask an HVAC professional if you have questions.
It is crucial to stay on top of air filter replacement. Otherwise, your HVAC unit will not be able to filter air efficiently.
3. Look for Leaks
Your HVAC unit’s job is to heat or cool your house. If there are cracks or leaks in your doors and windows, your system will have to work unnecessarily hard to be successful.
Wait until it is dusk, and the contrast between indoor and outdoor air is the greatest. Hold your hand an inch away from the edge of your door, and slowly move it around the perimeter. Do the same with windows.
If you find areas where a substantial amount of air is getting through, you should try to eliminate these holes. For windows, you can probably caulk the window pane and solve the problem. You may need to call an expert to refit your doors, though.
4. Test It Out
Be sure to give your AC system a go at least one month before you will need it. You have probably been using your HVAC system in the winter, but it has been months since you fired up the AC. Something may have happened during these months of use, and you won’t know until you check it out.
Why test it a month before you need it? In the summer months, HVAC repair technicians are in high demand.
You don’t want to be left without air conditioning for longer than necessary. To avoid this problem, test your AC well in advance of the hot summer months.
5. Check the Vents
Air ducts go through your walls, floor, and ceiling. They transport air from your HVAC unit into the rooms of your house through vents. As spring turns to summer, pay special attention to what these vents look like.
It is hard to see what is going on inside of your air ducts. But the vents can be an indicator of what is going on inside. If there is a lot of dust or mold around your air vent, it is a sign that there is something wrong with your air ducts.
If this is the case, call a professional to help you clean your air ducts. For reference, experts recommend having your ducts cleaned every 3-5 years.
6. Upgrade Your Thermostat
The more efficient your thermostat is, the more exact your HVAC unit can be. This makes a big difference when it comes to energy expended, as well as the amount you spend on your energy bills.
Smart thermostats are programmable to the degree and can be controlled from your smartphone. Often, you can even choose different temperatures for each room.
If you have had problems with HVAC efficiency in the past, this summer may be the right time to upgrade your thermostat.
7. Schedule a Check-Up
Right before the summer is in full swing, consider scheduling a routine maintenance appointment for your HVAC system. A professional technician will be able to look over your unit and make sure it is ready to handle the hot months of summer.
Check out https://www.schneidermechanical.com/ to get connected with an HVAC technician in Austin and the surrounding area today.
HVAC Maintenance Is Key to Having a Great Summer
It’s almost summertime, which means you need an AC system that works. By following these HVAC maintenance tips that everyone should know, you can ensure that your unit will be able to keep you cool this summer.
Do you need more solid advice for your house and home? Visit our Home Improvement section and keep reading.
