Your home’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system has an important job, especially in the summertime. By taking a few steps to prepare your unit for the hottest part of the year, you can effectively boost efficiency, save utility costs and enjoy a more comfortable indoor environment, no matter what the conditions outside are like. Explore our top HVAC tips for summer below.
Prepping your HVAC unit is key to optimal performance throughout the warmer months. And as heat waves become more common, your system must be ready for higher temperatures. A few small tasks and inspections can go a long way in ensuring your system can handle summertime in the Southeast.
Check out these helpful tips for preparing your HVAC for summer:
An important step in ensuring your HVAC system is ready for hot weather is changing the air filters. Clean air filters are crucial for maintaining good airflow throughout the unit, which supports optimal performance.
Clogged or dirty filters can restrict air intake, ultimately straining the system and consuming more energy. They also negatively impact indoor air quality since they play a key role in preventing the spread of dust, debris and allergens circulating throughout your home.
Another helpful tip to ensure the best performance and efficiency of your HVAC unit is to ensure you have clear vents. While you can rely on a professional for full duct cleaning services, it can help to remove any visible debris, such as the following items, from your vent openings:
Take a look around your home and ensure all your vents are adequately opened. Closed or partially shut vents will inhibit proper airflow and may cause uneven temperatures throughout your indoor space.
Don’t forget to go outside and tend to your outdoor air conditioning unit — known as the condenser — to prepare your HVAC for the summer months. Use a garden hose to rinse away any leaves, twigs, dirt, pollen or debris from the grille. Ensure you provide proper clearance around the unit. Remove anything within 2 feet of your unit to avoid blocking airflow. Also, take a look at the different components and reach out to a professional if you notice issues such as bent fins, leaks or loud fans.
Clearing the drain line on your condenser is an essential step in summer HVAC unit prep. If these lines become clogged with dirt, algae or debris, they can cause water backup and leak around the unit. If you do not address blocked drain lines, you might create serious water damage problems in your home, including mold growth and foundation damage.
You can also get your HVAC system ready for summer by cleaning the condenser fan on your unit. This fan plays an integral role in operation and performance by dissipating heat collected from inside your home. You can help it work best by using a brush to get rid of any dirt and dust. Check your air conditioner manufacturer’s recommendation for cleaning the condenser fan, and work with a technician if needed.
Another way to prep your unit for summertime is to tend to your ductwork. Any leaks or improper insulation will negatively impact the unit’s efficiency, use more energy and create less comfortable living environments. Leaking ducts can cost you hundreds of dollars in wasted energy bills every year.
You can use metal tape or mastic sealant — an adhesive similar to caulk — to handle leaks that you can access yourself, such as in your attic, garage or basement. Always turn to a professional for ductwork cleaning services if you notice any signs of mold, vermin or excessive dirt or debris.
You can also prepare your unit by inspecting and combing the coils on your condensing unit. A coil fin comb can help you straighten any bent fins that might restrict airflow, ultimately decreasing the unit’s efficiency and causing it to use more electricity. Perform this step very carefully or call a technician to avoid damaging the coils.
A simple yet important tip for getting your unit ready for high temperatures is to test your thermostat and run your HVAC unit to make sure both are working properly. You don’t want to turn on your unit on the first really hot day of the year and find that you are without cooling capabilities.
Explore the following commonly asked questions regarding HVAC preparation for the warmer months:
Changing the air filters on your HVAC unit is an integral part of ensuring good air quality and optimizing the system’s operation. As a general rule of thumb, you should change the filters every one to three months. Some households need to change the filters more frequently, especially if you have a lot of pets, smoke indoors or have severe allergies.
When prepping your HVAC system for the summertime, do not attempt any tasks that could be dangerous or harmful to the unit. Certain tasks, including the following, are best left to an experienced professional:
Certain maintenance tasks will require expertise and specialized tools to complete safely while preventing damage to the unit.
If you’re considering skipping HVAC preparation, we highly recommend against it. Skipping these tasks can be detrimental to the efficiency, safety and performance of your unit. You may wind up with higher utility bills and reduced cooling capacity, reducing your indoor space’s comfort and coolness.
Explore the key reasons for routine HVAC maintenance and prepping your unit for summer:
Proper care is essential for elongating the working life of your HVAC unit and making the most of your investment. By addressing even the most minor issues as soon as you notice them, you can help your system avoid breakdowns and work more efficiently. Early detection and prompt action are integral, as is keeping your system clean and well-lubricated. Stick to a routine maintenance schedule — regular care is key to ensuring your unit can run smoothly for as long as possible.
HVAC preparation is vital for creating a comfortable home during the hot summer months. Completing maintenance tasks can help you achieve more consistent and enjoyable temperatures. By tackling these activities at the beginning of each new season, you can foster peak performance all year long.
HVAC maintenance and preparation can help achieve optimal air temperatures throughout your home while boosting indoor air quality. Keeping your HVAC unit and accompanying components clean can help you combat common issues, such as:
If anyone with respiratory sensitivities lives in your home, proper HVAC care is essential for maintaining a healthy indoor space where your loved ones can breathe easily.
In many cases, an HVAC system’s manufacturer requires regular upkeep to maintain warranty compliance. By tending to your unit before the summer months, you can prepare it for the changing temperatures and ensure your warranty stays valid.
Failing to adhere to the guidelines outlined in your system’s warranty could void it, making you responsible for expensive repairs and replacements in the future.
Summer preparation is key to helping your unit operate as efficiently as possible. When your unit has updated and clean components, it can perform at its best, require less energy and ultimately save costs on your monthly utility bill.
Choosing eco-friendly ENERGY STAR products can also help ensure your HVAC system uses minimal energy to achieve a comfortable indoor space for you and your family. Plus, you can help the environment in a small but impactful way.
Proper HVAC care is crucial for ensuring safety in and around your home. Having a professional inspect and tend to your unit is key to detecting and correcting issues before they evolve into bigger, more costly problems. For instance, you can help prevent malfunctions that could result in potentially unsafe situations by tackling seasonal upkeep and taking measures to avoid electrical, gas or temperature troubles.
Preparing your HVAC system for summer can give you more peace of mind. Knowing that you’ve taken care of your unit and had a professional inspect and tend to it means you can have confidence that your space will feel great throughout the highs and lows of the hottest season.
In addition to the summer HVAC tips outlined above, you can optimize your HVAC system’s efficiency with a few tips and tricks to save energy and costs during the balmy summer months:
One way to help your HVAC system operate more efficiently is to install a programmable thermostat. You can use this device to set specific temperature schedules that align with your daily routines and optimize energy consumption.
Some smart thermostats also have special features that allow you to track energy usage and adjust temperatures remotely.
We cannot emphasize the importance of clean air filters enough. If you really want to supercharge your HVAC unit’s efficiency during the hot summer months, consider changing your filter at the beginning, middle and end of the season to promote more airflow and air quality within the system.
If you live in an area with a high pollen count or pollution, cleaning and changing your filters can help you improve system performance.
If your home features old, dirty or inadequate ductwork, consider replacing it before summertime to boost your HVAC system’s efficiency. Leaks and debris can negatively impact your system’s performance.
By updating your ducts or having a professional clean and seal leaks, you can increase airflow, reduce wasted energy and ensure every area in your home is cool and comfortable when the heat and humidity hits.
An element of HVAC efficiency that many people overlook is insulation. A well-insulated space retains cool air better, which helps reduce the workload on your unit and boost overall energy efficiency.
Proper insulation also helps reduce heat gain from the sweltering outdoor air, making insulation crucial for Southeast homes during the summertime.
If you want to take every opportunity to supercharge HVAC efficiency, consider closing your blinds and curtains in the afternoon when your home sees the peak hours of sun and high temperatures. Blocking out the sunlight during the hottest part of the day can help combat excess heat and trap the cool air from your unit, keeping your space cooler all day long.
Consider shutting your blinds and curtains before leaving for work during the day to keep the hot outdoor conditions from heating up your home while you are away.
Another way you can support peak HVAC efficiency this summer is by making energy-efficient upgrades. If your current HVAC unit is not performing as well as you’d like, consider investing in a newer, more advanced system that features the latest technologies to lower your energy bill, create a more comfortable environment and run as smoothly as possible.
You may even enjoy a quick return on investment after an upgrade, thanks to these monthly energy savings.
The home comfort experts at Strada Air Conditioning & Heating are eager to help you tackle pre-summer HVAC prep. We proudly offer repair, maintenance and installation services to ensure your system is ready to compete with high temperatures and humidity.
Our expert technicians are highly trained and can ensure the proper installation of your equipment for optimal performance. We sell and service HVAC systems from all major brands, so you can always find the unit that suits your home’s specific requirements best.
We also make scheduling super simple with a convenient online tool that allows you to book anytime, from anywhere. Strade Air Conditioning & Heating is family-owned and operated, and we treat our customers like family, too. You can count on us for reliable HVAC service when you need it.
If you’re looking for dependable HVAC services in the Southeast, turn to Strada Air Conditioning & Heating. Our team of highly skilled professionals is eager to help you keep your home feeling cool and comfy all year long.
We’ve been in business helping homeowners achieve optimal indoor conditions since 2003, and we have 41 locations throughout Alabama, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. When you need repairs or routine maintenance, our technicians are here for you.
Are you ready to ensure your HVAC system is ready for the steamy summer months? Schedule an appointment for service from Strada Air Conditioning & Heating today!
Joe Strada, owner of Strada Electric, Security & Air Conditioning, started working at the young age of 14. He’s never attended college, but he has spent his life dedicating his time and energy to his trade and providing high-quality services to his customers. At 19, Joe started working at a well-known air conditioning company and developing his commitment to excellence. He has state certifications in electric, plumbing, air conditioning, residential building and general contracting. During his years of training and experience, Joe noticed a sincere need for a dependable electrical contractor in Florida who embodied the same dedication to customer service in which he believed. In 2003, Joe co-founded Strada Electric, Security & Air Conditioning. Since then, the company has been in the business of providing peace of mind to customers. We offer expert electric, security and air conditioning solutions for homes and businesses, leveraging our experience to deliver professional and responsive service with reliability and respect.
