Maintaining a comfortable temperature demands a properly functioning heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system during the summer season. Unfortunately, far too many homes take their HVAC systems for granted, focusing exclusively on system failures. It isn’t easy to know where to begin when it comes to heating and cooling system maintenance if you’ve never done it before.
A well-maintained HVAC system is meant to keep your home at a comfortable temperature all year, especially throughout summer. If you don’t perform routine maintenance on your system, it may result in higher monthly utility bills or inefficient operation.
If you’re considering preparing your HVAC for the summer season, here are some HVAC maintenance tips you should know:
1. Examine The Thermostat
While this is a task best left to professionals like MSCO or other HVAC service providers in your area, checking the thermostat is essential if you want your HVAC system to function effectively. Whether your system is on or off, having a properly calibrated thermostat can significantly reduce your energy costs. Additionally, programmable thermostats are an excellent way to conserve energy. However, they do require more maintenance due to their sophistication compared to a conventional thermostat.
A technician will examine the thermostat’s electrical systems and connections along with the rest of the HVAC system. Additionally, a professional is required for this type of work because they are entirely aware of what they see and how things should be.
It’s also an excellent opportunity to install a smart thermostat, enabling you to operate your thermostat from anywhere globally using your smartphone. While a professional needs to check and adjust the thermostat required, the energy savings will make it worthwhile.
2. Clean Condenser Coils
Cleaning the condenser coils improves the ability of the air conditioner to collect heat from the air while also lowering the condenser’s energy consumption. Complete this task as quickly as possible before the summer heat begins. To start, use the thermostat to switch off your home’s central air conditioning system. Then, locate and turn off a metal box connected to the outside of the house near the air conditioner’s condenser unit.
Then clean the condenser unit of any dried leaves, overgrown grass, or other debris accumulated on or around it. Then, carefully rinse the condenser coils with water using a garden hose without a spray attachment.
Avoid making any connections to the electrical connections on the rear. Furthermore, flush the area between the coils. Reintroduce the condenser to its original location and allow the coils to dry completely before turning on the air conditioning via the thermostat.
3. Utilize Fans To Increase Airflow
By installing a variety of fans throughout your home, you can dramatically increase the comfort and feel of the air. Ceiling fans, tabletop fans, and floor fans are all viable alternatives.
During the summer, ensure that your ceiling fans are programmed to rotate clockwise. It allows air to flow downward, preventing excessive heat from entering your home’s upper levels and requiring your air conditioner to adjust. When the weather begins to cool down again, you can reverse the direction of your ceiling fan.
Additionally, you should install several smaller fans throughout your home to maximize the volume of cool air circulating.
4. Replace Or Clean Filters
Summer is the time to clean your filter if you haven’t done it in a while. The frequency to change or clean your filter varies according to the circumstances. If you have several pets or your location is within an area that’s full of dust and smoke, you should replace it every three weeks if you can.
If you are not a heavy user of your air conditioner and do not suffer from allergies, you can put off replacing it for an extended period. Regular filter replacement is critical because it protects you from dust elements that can cause such allergies. More so, your HVAC system’s filter collects airborne contaminants and keeps them from circulating throughout your home.
5. Check The Vents
While nothing matches a professional air duct cleaning, you may improve your air conditioner’s effectiveness by inspecting the vents in your house or workplace. Examine visible dust, dirt, pet hair, and other obstructing material in the ducts.
Be certain all the air vents are open as well. A lot of home and business owners are unaware that several of their air conditioning vents are partially or entirely closed. By adjusting them, you may improve air circulation and overall home comfort.
Takeaway
If you fail to inspect and maintain your HVAC system, you may eventually experience having an inefficient unit. Prioritizing your HVAC maintenance before the summer season begins will ensure that you’ll have the much-needed cool temperature inside your home throughout the summer. Take this article as a guide for a stress-free and systematic approach to maintaining your HVAC system in time before the summer heat strikes your home.
