Derek Cole walks through five summer HVAC prep steps: replace filters every 1-3 months, clean vents and registers, clear debris from the outdoor unit with two feet of clearance, get a professional tune-up, and consider a smart thermostat. Preventive maintenance now stops breakdowns when you need cooling most.
Getting your home ready for summer isn't just about checking your supply of sunscreen or firing up the grill. You need to make sure that your HVAC system is ready to keep you cool when the temperatures start to soar. Here are 5 essential tasks to tackle before the heat is here. Ensuring that you'll stay comfortable, conserve energy, and potentially save on your energy bills. Step 1: Change your air filters. My favorite subject, right? You've heard that many times. Change your air filters. Your HVAC filters might be the unsung heroes of indoor air quality and energy efficiency. Over time, they can become clogged with dust, pet dander, and other airborne particles that can limit airflow, which will cause your system to work harder. By routinely changing your filters, which by the way should be done every 1 to 3 months, 3 months at the most, I encourage you to check them every month you can keep your system running smoothly and maintain basic air quality. Make it a point to switch out those filters before the heat hits. Not only will this help your system's performance, but it also ensures that you're not cycling dust around the house when you turn that AC on. For the first time. Step 2: Clean your AC vents and grill registers. Now you've got fresh filters, right? You changed the air filter. It's time to check your vents and registers. Over the winter, they can accumulate a layer of dust, debris, anything that can probably further limiting airflow. Use a vacuum with a brush attachment to clear out as much as you can. For a more thorough job, or even— you can even remove the register and clean it separately. This simple step helps to ensure that cool air is circulating efficiently, which is critical for keeping the temperature even throughout the home. Step 3: Inspect your condensing unit. This is the unit outside, and it's the heart of your AC system. Check for any signs of damage or blockages around the unit and clear away any debris like leaves that may have falling inside or around the unit. It's always a good idea to cut back any kind of trees or vegetation within 2 feet. 2 feet of clearance is what you want because blockage can affect its performance. The general rule is to keep at least 2 feet of clear space around your unit to allow proper airflow and easy access for maintenance. Number 4 of 5. Number 4: Schedule a professional tune-up. While changing your air filters and cleaning your vents are great kind of DIY measures, Scheduling a professional HVAC tune-up can catch any potential problems before they have a chance to become major repairs. An HVAC tech will thoroughly inspect and clean your system, checking for leaks, testing the thermostat, tightening electrical connections, ensuring that your AC is running at peak levels. This annual checkup is incredibly valuable, and it's not only there to help you prevent breakdowns, but you can also extend the life of your system. You want to help prevent unexpected breakdowns, especially during the hot— hottest months of the year. But again, you can also extend the life of your system. Number 5, and finally, consider an upgrade to a smart thermostat. Have you been considering making the switch to a smart thermostat? Summer is the perfect time to do so. Smart thermostats offer a range of features, from remote temperature control from your smartphone to learning your schedule and adjusting the climate in your home accordingly. They're really convenient, and it's a really inefficient— energy-efficient addition to any home. HVAC system. An upgrade to a smart thermostat can also make you eligible for some local rebates, uh, from your utility company, energy company, and can potentially save you money in the long run by optimizing your energy use. So by taking these 5 steps You're not only ensuring that your AC will keep you cool this summer, but you're also protecting your investment and contributing to a healthier, more energy-efficient home. Make this list a ritual each spring. If you do this, you will breeze through summer with no sweat.
How to Prevent Mold and Odor in Your Air Conditioning System with UV Light #shorts
