There are two types of reactions to the news of an impending heat wave.
Some of us dig out our sunglasses, hats, and shorts and find the perfect place to soak up the sun. And some dread the humidity and stifling heat that’s about to hit.
But whether you are a sun worshipper or not, we all have one thing in common: we want a cool haven to return to at the end of a long summer’s day, which is why nothing is worse than a broken HVAC unit.
Don’t let that happen to you. Here is our HVAC guide on how to get ready for summer heat waves in Noblesville.
Air Filter Replacement or Cleaning
Clean air filters are always important, and no more so than before the hot summer hits. You need your air conditioning to work efficiently. Start by checking for any blocks or debris in the air filters.
Replacing them might be a wiser option than trying to clean them if they look dirty or worn. Proper, clean air filters will help improve your home’s air quality and extend your HVAC’s life, so they are always a worthwhile investment.
Clean the Outdoor Unit for Improved Air Circulation
The outdoor unit is prone to dirt and debris, so it needs a thorough inspection and cleaning before the summer starts. Depending on the surrounding landscape, leaves and grass clippings may begin to clog the unit.
All that material needs careful removal. Check the surroundings to ensure nothing in the vicinity could block the ventilation. Your outdoor unit should have a gap of at least two feet between it and any object or plant.
Check the Refrigerant Level
Your HVAC needs high refrigerant levels to ensure it cools your home to the correct temperature. When this level is too low, it will strain your HVAC system and cause it to work harder.
This causes the system to wear more and increases the likelihood of a breakdown. It also reduces the lifespan and leads to higher energy bills.
Before the summer months start, get a professional to inspect and top up the refrigerant.
Check the Thermostat for Temperature Regulation
It’s always helpful to check the thermostat. If your rooms are not cooling correctly, that could signal a problem. It’s best to get this sorted before the hotter summer months.
To test the thermostat, adjust the settings and take note of how the unit responds. If you can’t hear a response, check the temperature in your home to see if it reduces as it should. Remember to check the batteries.
Check all Ductwork
It’s essential to inspect the ductwork. As with any part of your HVAC system, if you aren’t sure what to look for, then it’s best to hire an expert to do this for you. But it’s a vital check to do before the summer.
You’re looking for leaks or cracks in the ductwork, such as gaps between sections. If you find any issues, use sealant to fix the problem. Fully sealed ductworks give you efficient and balanced airflow, a vital part of a working HVAC system.
Get a Professional Tuneup
Did you know that a professional can perform a complete tuneup of your HVAC system? The period before summer is the ideal time to get this done.
During a professional tuneup, an HVAC engineer will check, clean, and lubricate parts, adjust belts, and inspect refrigerant levels. It’s often the most efficient way of getting your HVAC in excellent working order before the summer and helps extend its lifespan.
Clean Operating Parts of Your HVAC Unit
If you hire a professional, one of the tasks they’ll do for you is clean the evaporator and condenser coils.
That’s an essential task because these coils will experience a buildup of dust and debris, which can impact the performance of your HVAC system. In the worst-case scenario, it can cause the system to overheat.
Clean coils help to keep the air flowing properly.
Inspect the Drain Line
The next inspection to prioritize is your drain line. Over time, this can become blocked, causing overflowing water or major leaks. You could also find mold growth, creating a potential health hazard.
Check the drain line and flush it. If you don’t have a professional drain cleaner, a mixture of water and vinegar is a good substitute.
Keeping your drain clear is an essential part of maintaining your HVAC and preventing expensive breakdowns, so you should always get it done before the summer starts.
Improve Your Insulation
The best way to get the most from your HVAC unit is to ensure the rest of your house is well-maintained with effective insulation.
That will help retain cool air inside, putting less pressure on your air conditioning and reducing your energy bills. Without good insulation, heat will seep through the walls.
You might mistake this warmth for a broken air conditioner.
Upgrade Your Thermostat
If you don’t have the budget for a brand-new HVAC unit, there are other ways you can upgrade it to improve your summer air conditioning. For example, you can install a smart, programmable thermostat.
That helps you maintain control over the indoor temperature so you aren’t wasting money or energy leaving the system on when you are out of the house for the day. It’s a worthwhile long-term investment.
HVAC Prep: Get Ready for the Summer
It might feel like a broken HVAC unit on the hottest day of the year is sheer bad luck. But it’s a matter of statistics. When the HVAC unit works hard, minor issues are more likely to become big problems.
Prepare for this and get ready for summer the smart way by inspecting and repairing your air conditioner now.
Our team is here to give you the expert help you need. Stay Comfy HVAC is different from other engineering teams. We place as much importance on our customers as on the units we fix in Noblesville, IN.
We are here to help, and you can take the first step by booking a maintenance service with us.
