American StandardSummer is quickly approaching and you want to make sure your A/C can handle it! Here are some practical tips to prepare your HVAC system for the summer. It's part of the steps you can take to avoid having to replace or repair a home A/C unit.
Change the filter
The single easiest, and least expensive thing you can do to help your HVAC system run smoothly is to change the filter regularly. If you order filters online, you can even have the deliveries scheduled ahead of time. This way you don’t have to keep track of when you changed it last. The filter arrives in the mail and you know it’s time to change it. That’s it. Why do you need to change your filter? First of all, filters obviously filter out many of the little particles floating through the air - pet dander, pollen, dust mites, mold, and hundreds of other airborne irritants. As the filter becomes full of these, it can’t filter as well, and air can’t pass through it as easily. A clogged, old filter means you aren’t breathing clean air, and your HVAC system is working harder to pass air through the filter. So not only is it gross, it’s also costing you money on your monthly energy bill.
Smart thermostat
Upgrade your thermostat to a smart thermostat. Programmable thermostats are awesome because you can tell them what temperatures you prefer throughout the day. If you leave your home for the day, allowing the temperature to rise a few degrees in the summer while you are out can help lower your energy bill. However, that’s assuming you remember to program it. If you have a smart thermostat, it will save you even more money. You can remotely control the settings while you are out. If you are on vacation and have to come home early, you can adjust the temperature before you arrive, rather than waiting to do it when you get home. Smart thermostats are also very helpful because they are always collecting data. Maybe you like to lower the temperature a few degrees before bed. After a few days, the thermostat will learn your habit, and automatically start adjusting things. Because smart thermostats can be controlled by smartphones, the thermostat knows when you are driving home, even if it’s not part of your schedule. It can adjust the temperature incrementally to optimize efficiency, while still making sure you are comfortable. There are quite a few models to choose from, so you should talk to an HVAC specialist about which is right for you.
Remove debris
To prepare your HVAC system for summer, you should regularly check and remove debris from your outdoor unit. You know, the big grey box that blows hot air in the summer? Take a quick look at it every week or so to make sure that there aren’t leaves, sticks, or other debris blocking airflow. If the hot air is blocked on its way outside, the whole system will have to work harder. A harder working system means higher energy bills and a shorter lifespan for your air conditioning.
Fix Leaky Ductwork
According to the University of Florida, ducts that leak 20% can cause your system to work 50% harder. That means higher energy bills and a shorter lifespan. A system that was supposed to last 20 years might only work for 10 years, and HVAC units aren’t cheap.
By scheduling routine maintenance, you can catch issues like this before they become more costly. Most HVAC specialists recommend routine maintenance twice a year. Once in the spring, before you start using the air conditioning, and once in the fall, before switching over to heating. Prepare your HVAC unit for summer before things heat up.
Don’t wait until you start to notice issues with your HVAC unit, take preventative measures. Give 360 Air Tech a call to schedule your appointment to prepare your HVAC unit for summer!
