Is your HVAC system ready for the summer?
It’s no secret Florida’s summers can get blazing hot, which means you never want your air conditioner to break down or not work efficiently. To help ensure these next few months are comfortable for you and your entire household, we’ve compiled a brief HVAC maintenance checklist you can easily follow to ensure your HVAC system is ready for the summer season.
Schedule HVAC Maintenance
If you want your cooling equipment to run smoothly throughout the summer season and prolong its operational lifespan, then scheduling annual HVAC service with a professional technician is a necessity. They will give your system a tune-up and identify any potential problems that could crop up in the future. It’s also a good idea to ask them about their regular ac maintenance plans, which will save you time and money.
Clean or Replace the Air Filter
The air filter used in your air conditioning system is essential in its operation because it removes harmful contaminants from your air. Once a filter gets clogged up, the system won’t run as smoothly and won’t catch pollutants. Check the unit once per month to see if you have a dirty filter and then either replace or clean it, depending on the type your system uses.
Refill the AC’s Refrigerant
As you use your air conditioning unit in the summer months, it will begin to run low on refrigerant. It’s important you periodically top it off so you don’t face a situation where the system is no longer able to cool your home. Before you fill it up, check to make sure that the line doesn’t have any leaks.
Clean and Repair Air Ducts
Your home’s air ducts act like your body’s veins, except instead of delivering blood, they deliver air to each room. When these air ducts you get dirty or experience damage such as holes and tears, your air conditioner will run longer than it should. A licensed HVAC technician will thoroughly inspect the ducts and repair them as needed to help ensure proper airflow at all times.
Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat
The way your HVAC system operates depends heavily on the type of thermostat installed. If you’re still using an ancient manual thermostat or even an older programmable model, then it might be time to upgrade to a smart thermostat. Depending on the model, options will include remote access, energy usage reports, local weather information, energy usage reports, and other features that will help lower your energy costs.
Check the Thermostat Settings
If you haven’t been using your air conditioner too much during the spring season, then you may need to adjust your thermostat settings. The general guideline is to set the thermostat at 78°F while you’re home during the day, which will optimize your energy savings. If you’re going to be gone for a short period of time, change the setting to the temperature outside so that your house won’t be scorching hot when you return but you also won’t be cooling off empty rooms.
Locate and Repair Air Leaks
Air leaks caused by cracks, holes, or gaps around your home force your air conditioning system to run longer and work harder to cool the air. You’ll never be able to remove all of the air leaks, but you’ll definitely be able to reduce their numbers by sealing them with weather stripping, spray foam, or caulk. Two of the most common places to find leaks are the edges around your doors and windows.
Clean Up the Outdoor Unit
If your air conditioner uses an outdoor unit, then you need to check this piece of equipment as well. It’s very common to find it covered with dirt, leaves, branches, birds’ nests, and even trash that has been blown onto the unit, which will clog it up and reduce its efficiency. Clean off what you can by hand and then spray everything else off with a hose.
Open/Clean All of the Vents
First of all, you want to make sure that all of your vents are open so that you can achieve proper air flow throughout your home. The second thing to know about vents is that since air moves through your them on a regular basis, it’s common for debris to clog them up a bit. Before summer arrives or just after, wipe down each one with a microfiber cloth to remove any dust or debris they’ve collected.
Contact ACHV Services for More Help with Your HVAC Maintenance Checklist
ACHV Services can help you complete your HVAC maintenance checklist for the summer season and beyond. As the most reputable HVAC company in the area, we can take care of all your heating and cooling needs. If you have any questions about our HVAC services in Pinellas or the surrounding areas, give us a call at (727) 453-2432 today to schedule a free consultation.
