Proper maintenance and care are critical throughout the year to maintain your HVAC system, but they are particularly important during the hottest days of the summer. How can you stop the risk of AC failure at your home this summer? Here are some of our best tips.
Schedule Annual Maintenance
Just like any other appliance or machine that you rely on, proper maintenance will extend the lifespan of your system and decrease the likelihood of unplanned downtime. Additionally, annual maintenance is a great way for an experienced HVAC technician to spot potential problems with your air conditioner that might worsen in the future. Identifying problems early can prevent additional wear and tear and save you money.
While it’s best to have annual maintenance performed in the late spring or early summer, late is better than never. During your maintenance visit, your HVAC technician will take care of essential tasks like:
- Testing various parts of equipment and the safety controls
- Adjusting thermostat settings
- Cleaning the condensate drain
- Replacing air filters
- Lubricating system components
- Inspecting the equipment
- And more!
Change Your AC Air Filters
HVAC air filters stop hair, dirt, debris, and indoor allergens from entering your home’s air supply. However, the filter becomes clogged over time and needs to be changed. If you don’t change the filter regularly, it forces your air conditioner to work harder and leads to increased wear and tear. Additionally, some of the pollutants that you want to be filtered out will be in your air supply.
It’s a good idea to change your AC air filters at least once a quarter. If you use your unit heavily, have pets, or have indoor allergies, changing them every month is necessary. If you are not sure what type of filter is best for your unit, consult the manufacturer’s recommendations or ask your HVAC technician during your annual maintenance appointment.
Ensure Your AC Unit Is the Right Size
Did you know that your AC unit might be too big or too small for the square footage of your home? All units are not created equally, and using a unit that is the wrong size can lead to sky-high bills, poor cooling performance, and a shorter lifespan. To get the most out of your unit, check the square footage of the space you are cooling and how much space your unit is designed to cool.
Clean and Maintain Your Ductwork
The ducts running through your home deliver air from point A to point B, and the ducts can grow very dirty over time due to dust, debris, mildew, and pest droppings. Anything in your ducts might be coming out of your vents, and many people who suffer from indoor allergies do so as a direct result of dirty ductwork.
To lower your risk of AC problems and ensure there are no obstructions that are preventing you from breathing clean, fresh air, have your ducts cleaned and inspected. A professional can patch over any tears or leaks with aluminum tape or replace the ductwork entirely. A great air conditioner can be rendered useless with poor ductwork, and heating and cooling professionals know how to spot the signs.
Use Your AC Responsibly
Finally, it’s important to use your air conditioner responsibly in the summer heat. Systems that are running nonstop or cooling the home to extremely low temperatures are more prone to breaking down and needing to be replaced. There are many simple ways to maximize energy efficiency and run your unit less without any discomfort, including:
- Using a smart thermostat to adjust the temperature throughout the day
- Having an energy audit performed to identify where cool air is slipping out, like around windows or doors
- Drawing the curtains in rooms that face the sun
- Turning ceiling fans counterclockwise and using them while you are in the room
When in doubt, call Hoot to keep your system running smoothly & efficiently so you stay cool this summer! Contact us today, 443-309-8420 or click here.
