Beat the heat with our ‘Summer HVAC Maintenance Tips’. Ensure your system’s peak performance and efficiency during the hottest months!
Summer is here, and with it comes the extreme Texas heat. Air conditioners and heat pumps keep you cool during the summer months. You need to maintain them properly. Otherwise, they’ll need repair or replacement sooner or later.
In this article, we put together a list of maintenance tips for your HVAC system to keep your AC running smoothly throughout the summer months.
TL;DR
Summer HVAC maintenance is key to keeping your system running smoothly and avoiding breakdowns. Start by changing the air filter since dust can easily clog it. Cleaning the air ducts and condenser coils also improves airflow and air quality. Check your thermostat’s accuracy and calibrate it properly. Check wiring connections and refill refrigerant levels if needed. Finally, clear and adjust vents so that air can flow freely.
Why Does Your HVAC Need Maintenance in Summer?
Your air conditioner works harder than usual in the intense hot summer. This causes significant stress on the unit.
With regular summer maintenance, you can ensure the following.
- Prevent unexpected breakdowns
- Reduce the risk of costly repairs in the future
- Extend the life of the system
- Improved air quality
- Keep your system running at peek efficiency
- Keep your energy bills in check
Additionally, it gives you peace of mind. Knowing that you can keep your AC along with other HVAC units up and running lets you focus more on the summer plans.
Summer HVAC Maintenance Tips
We’ve established the need for summer maintenance. Now let’s look at how you can maximize your AC’s performance this summer.
A few simple steps can make a big difference. Here are some practical tips to maintain your HVAC system and avoid unexpected breakdowns:
1. Check the Filter
People spend more time indoors as the heat increases. This causes more air pollution and thus more dirt for filters to trap.
Besides, the dampness and humidity levels can cause molds to grow in the system. That can cause air filters to get even dirtier. A dirty filter will reduce airflow and cause your system to overheat.
The frequency of cleaning or changing depends on several factors:
– Type of filter
– Size of your home
– Indoor air pollution
The best way to check for a dirty filter is by opening up your air conditioner and looking inside it. You can check for dust or dirt particles yourself. If you find it too clogged, it’s time for a change!
Try a flashlight if you can’t open the AC. Shine it through the grille of your unit. Look for any dirt or dust particles that have accumulated on top.
The Chill Brothers offer changing air filters along with other HVAC services. They provide service in Tomball along with multiple different areas across the states.
2. Clean Air Ducts
A dirty air duct is one of the most common reasons for a broken AC. Maintain clean air ducts. Investing in a high-quality filter is the most effective way.
Look for MERV ratings. Consider investing in air filters with a MERV rating higher than 8. Although, 13+ is considered a high rank for air filters.
It goes both ways. A high-rated filter can cause reduced airflow. The pores are too small to pass through the air effectively sometimes. As a result, your AC unit can consume more energy than usual.
Regardless, A high-quality air filter will help keep the air in your home clean and fresh overall. Therefore, you can enjoy cool weather without unpleasant side effects.
On the other hand, If your filters aren’t collecting enough dust and debris, they may not be working. As a result, you get dirt and a bad odor in the house.
If you see any dirt or notice a strange smell, hire a residential HVAC company like The Chill Brothers to clean out the air duct and avoid expensive damages!
3. Clean Condenser Coils
The condenser coil plays a major part in the heat exchange process. Refrigerants pass through the condenser coil. They take or dissipate heat from the coil.
A dirty condenser coil can lead to various problems like
– Poor air quality
– Mold
– Mildew buildup
Clean the condenser coils before the summer. The easiest way is by vacuuming them or using a brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner. Make sure you don’t forget about them over the summer months since they will heat up quickly in hot weather.
4. Upgrade the Thermostat
Calibrate your thermostat properly for summer. A poorly functioning thermostat or improper settings can cause major wear and tear on your HVAC system over time.
An accurate thermostat can maintain a healthy HVAC system. So, always make sure your thermostat is functioning properly and efficiently. Check this article for quick diagnoses and fixes for your thermostat.
Or, contact an expert to help install a new thermostat or upgrade your existing one. They’ll help you set it at optimal temperatures throughout the year. If you have questions about how best to use your existing system, don’t hesitate to ask us!
5. Check the Wiring
An air conditioner is usually always connected to a furnace or heat pump. Any fault of those components results in the AC not working efficiently.
Ensure everything is plugged in before calling professionals to fix any wiring issues.
6. Check Refrigerant Levels
Your air conditioner uses liquid chemicals called refrigerants to cool (or heat) your home. It’s a medium that passes the heat to and from indoors.
Ideally, the refrigerants are not supposed to run out. However, leaks, physical damage, dirty filters, etc. can cause refrigerants to deplete.
Check and refill refrigerant levels before the summer start so that your air conditioner can operate at an optimum level.
7. Check the Vents
Vents or registers are outlets of the HVAC system. They allow the conditioned air to pass through into your home. These vents can be on ceilings, on the wall, or on the floor. The primary function of a vent is airflow control and distribution.
The vent checklist can be as follows:
- Adjust vent settings properly.
- Clean the vent regularly, and especially before summer, to remove pollution.
- If the vent is blocked by furniture, curtains, or other obstacles, move them for proper airflow.
Is HVAC Maintenance Worth It?
HVAC systems need routine maintenance to ensure they work at optimal efficiency. It saves you both time and money in the long run.
Yes, routine maintenance is an extra cost. However, the benefits far outweigh this minor inconvenience.
Here at The Chill Brothers, we offer Chill Maintenance Plans, Tune-ups, repairs, and upgrades to HVAC systems. Don’t hesitate to contact us today if you have questions about HVAC repair or maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. How frequently should I maintain my HVAC?
- No matter what type of HVAC equipment you own, it should be inspected, cleaned, and maintained at least once a year. In the ideal case scenario, the heating system should be inspected in the fall, and the A/c should be checked in the spring.
Q2. Can you perform your own HVAC maintenance?
- The good news is that not every maintenance inspection necessitates having a specialist visit your house. Several tasks fall under the category of preventative maintenance for the HVAC system that you may complete right now.
Q3. What is in an HVAC system?
- Heating, ventilation, air conditioning systems are referred to as HVAC. This system, which includes items like furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, ductwork, thermostats, and other house comfort management, is in charge of cooling and heating your house.
I’m Francis Kaspar, a 35-year-old HVAC technician with over 10 years of experience in the industry. I hold a certification in HVAC technology from Texas State Technical College, where I gained hands-on skills that shaped my career.
Currently, I’m working at The Chill Brothers, specializing in AC installation, repair, and energy-efficient solutions. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my wife and two kids.
I’m also passionate about sharing my HVAC knowledge written by articles that provide practical tips and tricks for homeowners.
