It seems like some of us have just taken down our holiday decorations (you know who you are), but the calendar and the weather don’t lie: Summer heat is just around the corner. That means it’s time to think about HVAC maintenance. When the weather heats up, you want cool air, and that requires air conditioning that’s functioning properly.
Besides keeping you comfortable, pre-summer maintenance also reduces your HVAC unit’s energy consumption and lowers your utility bills. That’s important because, according to ENERGY STAR, nearly half of an average household’s energy use comes from heating and cooling. So, it’s well worth your time to act on these 5 tips now to ensure your HVAC system keeps you cool and happy all summer.
Tip #1: Clean or Replace Your Air Filter
Changing your air filter is one of the easiest and most important HVAC maintenance tasks. Dirty filters block airflow, which puts a strain on your air conditioning and makes it work harder. This reduces energy efficiency and shortens the life of your HVAC unit. As a result, you end up paying more in two ways: higher utility bills and more frequent system repairs—or even total system replacement.
How often you need to replace your air filter depends on several factors, such as the type of HVAC system you install, the size of your home, how many people live there (including pets), air quality and if any occupants have allergies or asthma. During heavy air conditioning use, like peak months of summer heat or during and after active wildfires, you may need to change your air filter more often.
Pro tip: To keep your system functioning properly, put the date of your next scheduled air filter change on your calendar to avoid missing this important HVAC maintenance task.
Tip #2: Level Up Your Air Conditioning Game With a Smart Thermostat
Frequently changing your thermostat setting forces your air conditioning to cycle more often than it should and puts unnecessary strain on your HVAC system. This reduces your system’s energy efficiency, makes it work harder and reduces its lifespan. So hands off the thermostat!
One way to minimize energy consumption and maximize energy savings is to install a smart thermostat, which automates cooling and heating. It pays for itself by enabling you to remotely control your thermostat and gain insights to lower your utility bill. Smart thermostats learn your habits and preferences and keep you cool (and warm) with a minimum of effort.
Pro tip: During the summer heat, try setting your thermostat to 78°F when you’re home and higher when you’re away to keep your energy bills down.
Tip #3: Improve Airflow to Beat the Summer Heat
You can extend the cooling effect of your air conditioning with a few easy tweaks. First, take advantage of the power of ceiling fans. They don’t produce cool air, but they move the air in the room, making it feel more comfortable and easing the strain on your HVAC system. (Just make sure the fan is turning the right direction for the season.)
Second, vents should be open and not obstructed by furniture, drapes or other items. Finally, you might benefit from having an air conditioning professional balance your ductwork to ensure steady and proper airflow and to eliminate cold or hot spots in your home. Improving ventilation also reduces humidity, which further improves your HVAC system’s energy efficiency and helps to lower your utility bill.
Tip #4: Prepare Your Outdoor Unit for Peak Performance
As you’re getting your HVAC system ready for the summer heat, don’t forget that a major part of it is outside of your home. Clear debris and vegetation that have accumulated on and around the outdoor unit. Look for leaves, pine needles, moss, twigs, branches and nests: anything that could potentially block airflow.
Aim for at least two feet of clearance around the entire outdoor unit to keep it functioning properly. While you’re at it, check to make sure the unit is still level. If you find a deeper problem, call a reputable air conditioning service company for HVAC maintenance.
Tip #5: Schedule Professional HVAC Maintenance Before Summer Heat Arrives
There are many things you can do on your own to ensure your HVAC system is functioning properly, but some critical repair and maintenance tasks are better left to an air conditioning specialist. These highly trained professionals have the skills and knowledge to inspect and clean coils, top off refrigerants, repair electrical components, calibrate your thermostat, flush the system, inspect and repair ductwork, check and repair your compressor and fan motor and address any concerns you have.
But time is of the essence. This is peak season for HVAC pros, so book now before the summer heats up and you begin running your air conditioning.
The HVAC system team at Universal Refrigeration is here to help with a full range of services to make sure you have the coolest summer ever!
We help families stay comfortable in Auburn, Kent, Renton, Tacoma, Federal Way and Puyallup.
