Preparing Your HVAC System for Summer
Summers are often hot, humid, and, without a properly working air conditioner, pretty miserable. If you want to make sure that your HVAC system works reliably and efficiently all summer long, there are a few simple steps you can take to make sure it’s ready for the hottest season of the year. These at-home AC maintenance tips can help you enjoy a cool, comfortable home or workplace, no matter the weather outside!
Check the Filter & Clean or Replace It as Needed
This is one of the easiest maintenance tasks you can do for your air conditioning system. With continued use, AC filters quickly become dusty, dirty, and clogged. This restricts air flow, reducing the cooling power of your air conditioner. It’s a good idea to check your HVAC system’s filter sometime in the spring, before summer really gets underway. Depending on the type of AC system you have, you may need to change the filter once a month, once every six months, or once a year. Regardless, checking the filter before summer starts can help you determine if it needs to be cleaned or replaced.
Check for Visibly Dirty Vents
Another common issue that affects air conditioning efficiency is clogged or dirty vents. While nothing compares to a full air duct cleaning service, performed by an experienced HVAC professional, you can improve the efficiency of your air conditioner by checking the vents throughout your home or business. Look for visible dust, dirt, pet hair, and other debris that may be blocking vents. Also make sure that the vents are open. While it may seem obvious, many home and business owners don’t realize that some of their AC vents might be partially or completely closed. Opening them up can help you improve air flow and your overall indoor comfort.
Schedule Your Yearly Professional AC Tune-Up
By far the best way to ensure that your air conditioner continues to work reliably all summer is to schedule an AC tune-up with a professional HVAC technician. During our multi-point inspection, we’ll take a look at all the components of your AC system and ensure that everything is working as it should. This also gives us a chance to take care of any minor repairs now before they have a chance to develop into a major problem.
Ensure that Outdoor Areas Are Clear
Even if you don’t have central air conditioning but instead rely on a different type of AC system, such as a ductless mini-split or a zoned AC system, it’s important that you make sure the outdoor areas near the AC unit are clean and clear of debris. Check for things like leaves, branches, overgrown shrubbery, and other things that may be too near to the unit. In general, you want to have a clear space of about two feet all around the outside of your AC unit. This can help reduce the likelihood that any debris will get inside the air conditioner and cause problems.
Maximize Your Cooling Power
One of the most common causes of air conditioner breakdowns is overuse. Not only does running your air conditioning at full power 24/7 leave you at risk of breakdowns, it also costs you money. There are a few things you can do to maximize your cooling power all summer long. Invest in high-quality window coverings, like sun-blocking shades, and be sure to keep them closed during the brightest, hottest parts of the day. You can also use fans—both ceiling and standing fans—to boost air flow and cool your home or workplace more efficiently. Just be sure your ceiling fans are turning clockwise during the summer to direct cool air down and throughout each room.
Consider Upgrading Your AC
If summer is coming and you can’t stand the thought of going through one more hot season with a less-than-fantastic air conditioning system, you might want to consider upgrading your AC. Replacing your entire cooling system may seem like a big (and expensive) hassle, but it can actually save you a ton of time, money, and stress. Modern AC systems tend to be much more energy efficient than older models, meaning you’ll likely see lowered monthly bills and fewer breakdowns over time.
