6 HVAC Care Tips During Summer

Taking care of your HVAC system in the summer helps ensure optimal cooling and can prevent breakdowns. Here are a few tips to take care of your HVAC system in the hot and humid weather.

1. Clean Debris Around Your Outdoor Unit

Your outdoor unit – also called a condensing unit - is located outside, and therefore exposed to various elements that can negatively impact performance, or cause damage. The important thing to remember is that the condensing unit pulls air through coils located around the sides and blows air through the top typically. This is how heat is transferred from the inside to outside, ultimately. So, any blockage – whether it be dust, mud, leaves, branches, etc. can clog the coils and obstruct the airflow. This will impact the efficiency of the system and can cause damage as well.

By regularly cleaning the area around your outdoor unit, you will help it operate optimally and you will likely extend its lifespan. 

2. Check and Change the Air Filters

It sounds very basic, but you’d be surprised how often this isn’t done at proper intervals. Dirty filters obstruct airflow, making the system work harder to cool your home. This extra strain can lead to increased energy consumption and higher utility bills. By checking and replacing the air filters, you again help optimize the HVAC system's performance and enhance its energy efficiency.

Also remember that the air filters are an important part of keeping the air healthier to breathe! They can trap dust, pollen, pet dander, and other allergens, preventing them from circulating in your home (Some air filters are better than others) With cleaner air, you and your family can breathe easier and enjoy a healthier living environment.

If you replace your filters every two months and find them very dirty – start replacing them once a month. Every house is different, so find your air filter “sweet spot” and stick to it!

3. Inspect Your Ductwork

You likely won’t be able to see all your ductwork, and we don’t recommend spending too much time in your attic this time of year – but when you do go up there for some reason – take a brief look around. If you see torn, disconnected, crushed, or degraded ductwork of any kind – have us look at it. This will absolutely affect air circulation. Properly sealed and insulated ducts prevent conditioned air from escaping and keep condensation from building up in the wrong places. This is an opportunity to identify and fix potential issues before they escalate. Addressing these problems up-front can also prevent costly repairs and extend the lifespan of your system.

4. Use Summer Thermostat Settings

Your HVAC system(s) are designed to deal with the high temperatures during the summer months. They not only maintain temperature, but also remove humidity. Consistent thermostat settings help prevent excessive wear and tear on your HVAC system, potentially extending its lifespan. But you can set your thermostat(s) to operate at slightly lower temperatures when you are home, and slightly higher when you are away. The benefits do add up over time. The appropriate (for you) thermostat setting also aids in maintaining humidity levels and reduces the risk of Mold growth. Note that the more advanced equipment is not only more efficient but will also do a better job of humidity control. If you don’t already have such a system, it’s something to consider when the time is right to investigate replacing a system. 

5. Check the Condensate Drains

The summer heat puts a heavy load on your HVAC system, and the condensate lines play a vital role in removing the moisture that your HVAC system removes from the air, by draining it to the outside. Condensate lines generally drain to an area outside of the home near the bottom of an exterior wall. During the summer – especially when it’s very humid – you should see a regular water drip from at least one of those lines outside. If you don’t – something is up. Either there is a blockage or restriction which can create problems inside, or the HVAC system is not operating properly. So, look for the draining water! If you don’t see any, call us!

6. Ensure the Vents Are Open and Unblocked

Sometimes we find that customers will close a vent to try and help circulate air differently for various reasons. Please know that closed or blocked vents restrict airflow, causing the system to work harder and less efficiently. This can lead to increased energy consumption and higher utility bills.

If one room is not cooling down – but the others are – check the vents in that room first to see if they’re open. If not – open them! If it’s not that, it may be a ductwork issue (see above). You should regularly check and ensure that vents are open and unobstructed. This optimizes the cooling efficiency of your HVAC system, ensuring a comfortable indoor environment during the hot summer months. 

Environmental Air Systems, Inc., has provided heating, cooling, and refrigeration services for over 40 years. We service and install heating and cooling equipment from all major manufacturers. Contact us to book an appointment.