Throughout the year, your HVAC system is hard at work keeping your family comfortable, but it could be working overtime during the summer months. If you want your HVAC system to last as long as possible, it’s important to take a few steps to minimize strain on it. Here are five tips for how you can do that this summer.
Have Your System Serviced
The best way to avoid the summer heat is by having your HVAC system checked regularly. This is especially true if you live in an area that experiences high heat and humidity for long periods.
What are some of the services that can be done on your HVAC?
An HVAC service technician can address any number of issues with your system, including:
Dirty or clogged air filters: Dirty air filters restrict airflow and cause overheating in your unit. They also increase the risk of fire because they restrict airflow even more, when they get dirty.
Faulty thermostats: A faulty thermostat can cause improper temperature control in your home and lead to higher energy bills. Thermostats should be replaced every 10 years or so, depending on how often they’re used and how many cycles they go through each day.
Excess condensation: Condensation can build up inside ducts and cause mold growth if not addressed quickly enough. Mold growth can damage the components and materials used in your HVAC unit, resulting in costly repairs down the line.
How often should you have your HVAC system serviced?
The answer depends on several factors, such as how old the unit is, how frequently it has been cleaned and maintained, and whether or not it is still under warranty. If you have an older system that is no longer under warranty, then it’s best to have it serviced at least once a year so that you can keep tabs on any potential problems that may arise in the future.
Why should you have a professional service for your HVAC system?
There are many reasons why having a professional service for your HVAC system is better than doing it yourself. Here are some of the most common reasons:
- To avoid an emergency (such as a fire)
- To make sure that your unit is operating efficiently and at peak performance
- To help prevent expensive repairs and replacements down the line (which could lead to even more expensive repairs)
- To make sure that everything is in working order so that you can enjoy cool temperatures all summer long
Use Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans are designed to move air around a room to provide comfort by cooling down hot spots and circulating air throughout the room. This helps reduce the time your air conditioner runs and reduces strain on it by reducing the load placed on it. Ceiling fans also have the added benefit of lowering energy costs since they don’t draw electricity when they are not running.
Replace Air Filters Regularly
Air filters are mesh screens that remove dust particles and other contaminants from the air passing through them. They are used in heating and cooling systems to keep them clean. Air passes through an air filter and is cleaned as it moves through the mesh screen. This helps improve indoor air quality by removing dust and other particles from the air before it circulates through your home.
A dirty or clogged filter can cause problems for your HVAC system because it cannot properly circulate cleaned air throughout your home. If you have allergies or another condition that requires filtered air, then replacing your filter often — at least every three months — may help relieve symptoms of those conditions. You should check your owner’s manual for instructions on how often you should replace your filter based on its type.
Close Blinds and Shades During the Hottest Part of the Day
Close blinds and shades during the hottest part of the day. If you have windows that face south or west, close them during the afternoon when the sun is at its peak. This will help prevent excess heat from building up inside your home. You may also want to consider installing window films or shades to help block out heat and glare before entering your home.
Keep indoor temperatures consistent with outdoor temperatures. To prevent your HVAC system from working harder than necessary, try keeping indoor temperatures between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and around 65 degrees Fahrenheit at night (when it’s cooler outside). This will allow your home to stay comfortable without damaging your HVAC system.
Clean the Outdoor Condenser Coil
If you have an air conditioning unit that has been in place for a few years, you may notice that it does not cool as well as it did when it was new. One of the reasons for this is that dust, pollen, and dirt build-up on the coils. This accumulation reduces their efficiency and makes them work harder to keep your home comfortable during summer. You might also notice that your air conditioner runs longer than usual, which adds to its operating costs over time. The dirtier these coils get, the harder they must work to cool your home properly, so it’s important to keep them clean by cleaning them annually at least once every three years or so.
When you combine an incredible amount of energy expended by our bodies to fight the heat with a lack of air circulation in most homes, it’s a recipe for disaster when trying to cool down. The five tips provided above can help you cut your cooling costs, as well as your AC repair bills. By following these tips this summer, you are helping the environment and your wallet at the same time.