A working HVAC system is necessary as temperatures begin to rise in Phoenix entering the summer months. After a chilly winter season of keeping homes warm and cozy, it’s time for your HVAC unit to keep your home cool during the heat and humidity of the summer months. You can keep your home safe and comfortable amidst the high pollen and humidity levels by preparing your HVAC system for summer. Preparing HVAC units for summer is not a daunting task. However, it’s vital to keep the unit efficient through the summer heat and maximize its life.
Why Preparing Your HVAC System for Summer Is Important
Even the newest HVAC system needs regular maintenance, mainly before summer, to prevent unnecessary problems and enhance efficiency. Much like you don’t drive your vehicle without an oil change or routine service, preparing your heating, cooling and ventilating system for summer is critical. It prevents regular breakdowns and saves you money in the long run. It’s best to hire a professional to help in the complex aspects of prepping HVAC systems for summer. The HVAC technician will inspect the system for possible repairs, diagnosed, and fix. Read through for tips on how to ensure that the system functions at its peak.
You can save yourself the trouble of dealing with common HVAC summer problems like unusual noises from the AC. Some of the benefits of prepping HVAC systems for summer include:
- Hazard prevention
- Air quality savior
- Saving money
- Avoid AC summer problems
- Extend HVAC’s lifespan
- Protect your warranty
Inspect the Ductwork
The ventilation system is a vital component of an HVAC system. Leaks and cracks in the ductwork could increase your energy bill by a considerable percentage. A professional tests the HVAC ductwork for leaks and fixes the leaks right away to ensure that the system effectively cools your home during the summer. While the air filter plays an integral part in trapping mold, dust, and other debris, it doesn’t block all the particles. Some particles get through the air filters to the ducts. If you have never cleaned your ductwork, it could be time to hire an expert for professional duct cleaning and inspection before the summer weather hits. Ducts can be a breeding site for rodents, insects, and dust mites, especially when not in use; thus, inspecting them is an essential part of prepping your home for summer.
Focus on the Filter
An essential part of prepping an HVAC system for summer is focusing on the air filters. However, this maintenance tip depends on your type of HVAC. Some systems use disposable air filters, while others have a permanent air filter. If your HVAC unit has disposable air filters, ensure that you replace them monthly in summer to keep the system efficient. The other air filter types require a thorough cleaning often, especially before summer, because the system works harder to get rid of the warmth and humidity in the house. Air filters accumulate dust and other particles quickly during the summer months, which could damage the system. Moreover, clogged filters result in high electricity bills during summer because the system works harder than usual to keep the house cool.
Remove Condenser Covers
Homeowners often cover their HVAC condensers during winter to protect them from the harsh weather. Therefore, before turning on the system for summer, ensure that you remove the covers, lids, or blankets. Turning on your HVAC system with the cover or lid can damage it. Also, remember to inspect the system’s exterior unit for damage before switching on the HVAC system.
Clean the Condenser Unit
Debris and other particles accumulate around the HVAC’s condenser unit located outdoors. When preparing the HVAC unit for summer, ensure that the condenser’s top and surrounding are clear of dust and other debris. Cleaning the condenser unit is an integral part of ensuring that the system functions optimally. Also, cleaning AC coils before summer is crucial if you want the system to function optimally. Dirty coils make the HVAC unit inefficient and increase energy costs because the accumulated debris gets into the system and can potentially damage it.
Seal All Air Leaks
Air leaks in the house can make the space uncomfortable during summer. The cool air in the house quickly rushes out through the air leaks as soon as the HVAC produces it, making your home uncomfortable during the summer months. Check your windows and doors for gaps and drafts, and sealing them keeps your home comfortable during the hot summer months and reduces utility bills since cool air produced by the HVAC doesn’t quickly escape the house.
Clean Supply Vents and Registers
HVAC air filters often clog during the winter. Similarly, the vents and registers can easily block during winter. Therefore, when preparing your HVAC system for the summer months, ensure that you don’t forget the supply vents. Clean them by vacuuming to get rid of dust or pet dander from the previous season, even if you have separate supply grills for cooling and heating.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
It’s a good idea to install a programmable thermostat if your HVAC system doesn’t have one. Such thermostats enable you to control indoor temperatures and set different times and zones for rooms throughout the day. It’s time to install a programmable thermostat before summer to even lower energy consumption. Additionally, testing the thermostat before summer keeps the HVAC working in perfect condition during the hot summer months. Test your thermostat controls, especially the starting cycle before summer, because you might have to recalibrate it.
Schedule a Routine HVAC Maintenance
Ensure your HVAC unit is fully functioning throughout the summer by scheduling a maintenance appointment with the professionals. The maintenance ensures that all the critical HVAC components are working in order. An HVAC technician is likely to evaluate some of the components, including drain lines, condenser motor, refrigerant level, and electrical components. The specialists also inspect the transformer, capacitors, lubricates the moving parts and condenser coils to ensure that they are fully functional. Professional HVAC maintenance before summer ensures that all the system’s components work together for the objective of cooling your home.
Remove Any Obstructions From Around the Unit
Ensure that the outdoor AC components are free from any obstructions. Ensure to leave a few feet of clearance around the HVAC system by removing all plants, shrubs, or grass. Insects, twigs, and leaves around the system can easily find their way into the HVAC unit during a bad storm or hurricane during the winter months. Therefore, prepare for summer by cleaning the storm drain too. Also, clearing outside your home allows the outdoor unit to collect air from cooling your home efficiently.
Upgrade the System
If you want to upgrade your HVAC system, the best time is before the summer months. Upgrading the unit is essential if you’re going to enjoy a comfortable and cool home. Replace an old or non-functional HVAC system before summer to realize energy savings and improved efficiency.
Preparing your HVAC system for summer helps to keep cool and cuts energy costs. We have a team of experienced professionals to help with the regular maintenance, installing a programmable thermostat, and cleaning registers and vents. We also provide duct cleaning, indoor air quality solutions, AC repairs, and heating repairs. Contact Champion Air for more information about prepping your HVAC system for summer.
