Are Your HVAC Units Ready for the Summer?

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Are Your HVAC Units Ready for the Summer?

With summer just around the corner, it’s definitely the right time to think about all the things that you should take care of to ensure that your home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit is in its top form.

When you make an effort to make your HVAC unit and your home complement each other, you will find that saving money on your utility bill is possible. If you are trying to avoid having to replace your current unit, you can make sure that it keeps going for years by regularly checking that it’s not overworked unnecessarily or running overloaded.  Doing so will also result in a more comfortable home with just the perfect temperature, regardless of the temperature outside.

Here are some ways you can ensure you have a summer-ready HVAC unit:

Check the Filter

This is the first thing that you should do when inspecting your HVAC unit. Depending on the kind of system that you have, you may have to use a disposable filter or a permanent one. If yours use disposable filters, you should replace the air filter at least once every month. For other filters, regular cleaning (monthly) can help you keep things running smoothly. If you have pets at home or there are smokers in your house, you may have to clean or replace your filters more often.

Once you have a clean or fresh air filter, your HVAC unit won’t have any dirt or dust blocking the cool air from circulating around your home.

Examine the Outdoor Area

If it’s applicable, you should go outside and check your HVAC unit from there. Make sure that the area is free from any debris. If there are branches, leaves, or other items blocking the area around your air conditioner, you have to clear it away. It will be helpful if you do not grow shrubs near the unit. This is especially important during autumn, but not just during that season. It should be a year-long proactive routine. As a rule of thumb, you should have an open space of about two feet surrounding your HVAC unit to make sure no debris is getting inside the machine.

Maximize Air Flow Inside the House with Fans

Strategically placing different kinds of fans all throughout the house can make a big difference in the level of comfort inside your house. There are various options for you, including desk fans, floor fans, and ceiling fans, among others.

Ceiling fans are among the best things you can have throughout the house. Make sure that they are set to rotate clockwise during the summer so the air will flow downward and prevent heat from rising up. You can reverse the rotation when it begins to cool off again.

Have a Programmable Thermostat

If you want to see positive changes in your energy bill, one of the best things you can do is to install a programmable thermostat. Newer technologies made it possible for you to customize the air conditioning schedule in your home even when you’re out.

Depending on the kind of weather, as well as your personal schedule, you can adjust the temperature inside your house. If you’re going to be out for a while, you can schedule your unit to turn off automatically or allow the indoor temperature to rise a bit. This can both help you save money and prevent your air conditioning unit from working too hard during the hottest months.

When summer starts this year, you want to be ready to enjoy the warmer temperature. Make the necessary adjustments to your air conditioner now to keep your HVAC unit running efficiently during these months.