In many parts of the US, summers can be surprisingly hot and humid. Waiting until the last possible moment before preparing your HVAC for summertime is not the best idea. Let’s have a closer look at a couple of easy ways in which you can prepare your HVAC system for those long, hot days.
Look For Leaks In The Ductwork
Inspecting the ductwork for leaks is one of those have-to-do things like replacing the HVAC filter (see below). Just look for any clear breaches in the design, e.g. cracks or holes. Also, watch out for signs of escaping air around the ductwork. If you find a spot where the air is escaping, make sure it’s sealed properly.
Check The HVAC Filter And Clean It Or Replace It If Necessary
Over time AC filters get quite dirty. Eventually, this will obstruct the airflow and diminish the system’s cooling power. That’s why it’s such a great idea to check the filter during the spring months before the weather really starts getting hot. With some systems, you will have to do this more regularly. Depending on what type of HVAC system you have, you might have to replace the filter every month, every six months, or every year. If it’s dirty, clean it. If it’s very dirty, replace it.
Get A Professional To Install A Programmable Thermostat
If your HVAC system still uses one of the older types of manual thermostats, do yourself a favor and get a professional HVAC company to install a programmable one before summer arrives. It will give you a lot more control over the temperature inside your home. Plus, it could reduce your electricity usage because it will enable you to pre-set the system temperature so it’s lower during the times when you are usually at home and somewhat higher when you are at work.
Test The Thermostat To Make Sure It’s Working Properly
If your HVAC unit already has a programmable thermostat installed, test it before summer to make sure it’s working properly. Start by replacing the batteries and making sure there are no override programs that are preventing it from responding.
Next, set the temperature to a very high level and after that very low. The unit should respond accordingly and you should be able to clearly feel the difference as the temperature goes up and down. If that does not happen, you will most likely have to get a professional HVAC technician to install a new thermostat.
Remove Debris Around The AC On The Outside
If you do not have central AC but something else, e.g. a zoned or mini-split system, it’s vital that you ensure the outdoor areas in its immediate vicinity are kept clean and free from things like branches, leaves, shrubs, and anything else that could obstruct the flow of air. You should typically have a clear space of at least two feet on all sides of the unit. This will make it much less likely that any debris could get inside the unit and block the airflow.
Check For Any Obvious Damage On The Outside
While you are clearing the area on the outside around the unit, also look for obvious signs of damage. You might e.g. have had an unwelcome visitor such as a rodent that enthusiastically chewed away on the wires. This could reduce the efficiency of your HVAC system and even cause it to break down eventually. While removing debris, pay close attention to the unit’s coils. Debris that found its way into the unit and now covers the coils can damage the whole system. Even if you have an indoor unit, the condenser and coils should be cleaned regularly to make sure the system runs efficiently. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this type of work, rather get a skilled HVAC technician to do it and save yourself a lot of effort and sweat.
When it comes to maintenance and repairs, trust Hoot to take care of you! Contact us today to schedule your system maintenance and get ahead of the summer heat.
