It’s almost that time of year again. The flowers are flourishing, the sun is shining beautifully, and everyone is heading outdoors to enjoy the warm weather. Summer is fast approaching, and your HVAC unit needs to be ready for the warming temperatures.
Everyone needs a cool retreat after enjoying a day in the sun, but problems with your HVAC unit can turn your summer fun into an uncomfortably hot nuisance. Here are five ways you can make sure that your unit is ready for the hot Jacksonville temperatures this summer.
1. Clean Your HVAC Air Duct
Allowing your HVAC’s air duct to collect unwanted build-up without regular cleaning can result in various problems. Your HVAC unit collects particles that can hurt your air quality. Common particles that could be clogging up your system include dirt, dander, pollen, hair, and dust mites.
Your HVAC unit can also collect chemical residues, and it can build up mold. You’re then breathing in all of these unhealthy particles whenever you enter your home. You need to regularly clean your HVAC’s air duct to clean out unwanted air particles that are both an inconvenience and a health hazard.
In addition to various air-related problems that result from dirty air ducts, your clogged HVAC unit can also result in high electricity bills. Make sure to clean your HVAC air duct and change your air filter once a month.
2. Test and Upgrade Your Thermostat
The reliability of your thermostat and furnace system controls is crucial for the summer months. You need to make sure that they’re working properly before the weather heats up. It’s especially important to test the starting cycles of your thermostat and furnace system to ensure that they start, function, and shut down without difficulty.
In addition to ensuring that your thermostat works properly, you may want to consider upgrading to a smart thermostat. Smart thermostats allow you to automate different temperature settings throughout the day so that you can save money on your electricity bill. You can program your smart thermostat to remain idle while you’re away and to begin operating when you’re about to return home. You’ll experience the comfort of coming home to cool temperatures while also saving money.
3. Address Airflow Leaks and Obstructions
If your air ducts have leaks or obstructions, it will reduce the overall airflow of your HVAC unit. Be sure to check both your air ducts and the connectors of your HVAC unit to ascertain whether your airflow is leaking or if there are obstructions reducing airflow. You need to also check your windows, doors, and walls because they can reduce your home’s insulation. If you find cracks or leaks where cool air is seeping out of your home, seal them up with caulk or weather-stripping.
You should also make sure that your HVAC unit’s blower component is operating effectively. If your blower components aren’t adjusted correctly, your system’s efficiency can drop up to 15%, which will increase your electricity bill and make your home less comfortable during the summer months.
4. Clean Your HVAC Unit
Different outdoor encumbrances, such as leaves, dirt, and sticks, can affect your outdoor HVAC unit. Make sure to clean the area surrounding your outdoor unit because built-up debris can damage it. Built-up blockage to your unit can result in overheating and will ultimately reduce its lifespan.
Whether your unit is indoors or outdoors, you should regularly clean your condenser and coils to optimize their performance. Dirty coils and a poorly maintained condenser can negatively impact airflow, resulting in pricey electricity bills.
5. Call a Professional to Maintain or Repair Your Unit
You may want to call a professional to get the most out of your HVAC unit. You might not have an obvious problem that needs repairing, but scheduling a tune-up with a professional will ensure that your unit is operating at its most efficient, which will reduce your energy bills and improve your home’s temperature. Professionals can also help you keep your unit in optimal working condition to increase its lifespan!
Contact Snyder Heating & Air to Get the Most Out of Your HVAC Unit!
If your HVAC system needs repair or if you want to ensure that your system is operating as effectively as possible, contact our expert team! We’re here to help you optimize your HVAC unit and make your home comfortable and energy-efficient during the hot summer months. Contact us to service your HVAC unit today!