7 Summer HVAC Maintenance Tips

Summer is nearly here, and with the season comes the heat. Summer heat can be dangerous or life-threatening without proper care and protection. A properly working air conditioning unit is your first line of defense in protecting yourself from the heat.

Everyone needs a place to cool down and recharge safely after extended heat exposure or to prevent excessive heat exposure. Contact A Custom Services, Inc., your local Niles HVAC company, for more information regarding summer HVAC maintenance tips.

WHY REGULAR HVAC MAINTENANCE IS IMPORTANT

There are several benefits to conducting regular HVAC maintenance. Most importantly, you’ll prevent early breakdowns in your system. Regular maintenance allows for early detection of problems.

Efficiency and cost are other reasons to conduct regular maintenance. Inefficient cooling units fail to cool the home, causing higher energy bills. Regular maintenance ensures an efficient system, saving money throughout the year. 

There is no specified time on when to conduct regular maintenance. Most technicians consider spring the perfect time to perform air conditioning maintenance. In spring, technicians have more availability to schedule appointments. Furthermore, the system is less likely to break down when needed if assessed before its full-time use.

REGULAR MAINTENANCE STEPS

Air conditioning maintenance involves the following summer HVAC maintenance tips.

Change Filters

On average, air filters in the home require monthly replacement. Their replacement frequency depends on manufacturer brands, filter materials, and home conditions.

However, you should replace air filters more frequently in homes with pets, heavy dust, or exposure to pollutants such as smoking. Homes with little foot traffic, no pets, and reduced exposure to pollutants likely require less frequent replacement. Manufacturer specifications on filter packaging also have recommendations for replacement frequency.

Check Refrigerant Levels

Refrigerant is what cools the air entering your home. This material absorbs outdoor heat from the air before circulating the air to the compressors and evaporators. Without refrigerant, the cooling unit will not cool the air before entering the home, and the air will remain hot.

Check refrigerant levels yearly, ideally before summer. You want to have enough refrigerant to cool your home for several months of higher-temperature weather.

Clean Condenser Coils

Condenser coils are a part of the exterior cooling unit. Due to their location, they are susceptible to debris build-up and damage throughout the year. Blocked or damaged coils can prevent the efficient running of air conditioning units.

Examine the condenser coils for cracks or breaks while removing debris and dirt build-up. Call a technician for servicing if any of those conditions exist.

Clean Air Ducts and Vents

Clogged, blocked, or obstructed air ducts and vents result in less efficient cooling units. The physical cooling unit has to work harder to push cool air into the home. Obstructed airways also reduce the cooled air, increasing the heat of the air entering the house.

Check and clean the vents entering the home regularly. Clean air ducts by vacuuming out dirt and debris. If unable to fully clean or examine air ducts, schedule a professional cleaning.

Check for Leaks in Windows and Doors

Caulking usually seals windows and doors from the outdoor elements. Over time, however, caulking will dry and crack, causing leaks.

Leaks in the caulking allow cool air to escape the home faster. As a result, the  cooling unit must work harder to maintain the home’s temperature.

Check seals for leaks and cracks regularly. Most leaks and cracks are repairable with fresh caulking. If the damage is more significant, speak to a professional.

Inspect the Electrical Wiring

Inspecting the electrical wiring is one of the most important aspects of regular maintenance. A faulty electrical system prevents the cooling unit from functioning correctly. If left unattended, faulty wiring can become a fire hazard for the home.

While many homeowners can handle minor electrical repairs, it’s best to seek assistance from professional air conditioning technicians. Attempting to resolve electrical issues independently can be extremely dangerous without proper training and experience.

Calibrate the Thermostat

Check thermostats regularly to verify that they read and adjust the temperature correctly. This inspection is essential if you have a programmable thermostat. Like clocks and other battery-powered appliances in the home, thermostats slow and degrade with time.

Maintaining the thermostat begins by replacing the batteries. Replace batteries yearly regardless of whether you believe they’re still working. Low batteries will prevent the thermostat from reading properly.

After replacing the batteries, calibrate the thermostat to ensure it is reading the temperature correctly. If the thermostat reading is off by even a few degrees, the cooling unit will not function optimally. Air conditioners must also work harder to cool air if the thermostat is reading high.

REGULAR MAINTENANCE IS THE KEY TO EFFICIENCY

Cooling units that do not run efficiently will not adequately cool your home. They will have to work twice as hard to maintain ideal temperatures.

Your system’s working harder increases your monthly energy bills. They can also result in early breakdowns, frequent repairs, and even early unit replacement.

Regular maintenance extends the life of HVAC systems. At the same time, it saves money and maintains better air quality in the home.

GET EXCELLENT HVAC MAINTENANCE FROM A CUSTOM SERVICES, INC.

A Custom Services, Inc. is a family-owned and operated business with nearly 30 years of experience. We strive for 100% customer satisfaction and care.

A Custom Services, Inc. has a team of highly trained and certified technicians with the experience to fix any problem quickly and efficiently. Our team uses only the highest quality equipment from top-rated manufacturers to keep HVAC systems running all year long.

While we recommend a maintenance appointment each spring, it is also wise to learn about HVAC tips before winter comes. Implementing our HVAC tips before winter will help you protect your HVAC units throughout the year. Therefore, you’ll prevent degradation of the unit in the off-season.

Contact A Custom Services, Inc. at (773) 831-4891 for more information on regular summer HVAC maintenance tips in Niles, IL. You can also schedule an appointment with one of our friendly staff members.