HVAC Summer Checklist
With winter firmly behind us now, our Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) units turn from providing us the warmth and coziness we love, to that coolness we all crave here in the south. This places different demands on our systems. While we benefit from many design improvements to HVAC systems now, they also need to be maintained better to insure they operate at peak efficiency and provide us years of comfort.
Indoors:
Change air filters. This is the most cost efficient and easiest action we can take. Make sure you replace all the filters at specific intervals and with the type recommended. Many systems have both an intake duct filter(s), and another in the main unit. In addition, it’s important not to use more restrictive filters than needed. An intake filter at the vent is only to ensure larger particles do not enter the system, while the filter in the actual unit is much more restrictive to ensure the unit operates cleanly. We will be writing an article on filters next month to help you better understand the different types and what all the numbers mean.
Schedule an air conditioning tune-up. This includes a check of your refrigerant level as well as an inspection of your system’s critical electrical and mechanical components. It’s better to catch some smaller issues sooner so they don’t turn into larger issues later.
Clean floor and ceiling air vents. Typically just a quick and deep swipe with your vacuum cleaner’s brush tool is sufficient. If it’s been a while, you may want to get some warm soapy water and wipe them down as well. If really dirty you can remove them and soak them in a sink full of hot soapy water.
Dust or vacuum ceiling fan blades. If you run them all the time you may not have even noticed how dirty they can get.
Smart Thermostat- Many older thermostats do not allow your system to operate at peak efficiency, and maintain a one size fits all type scenario. A smart thermostat can better monitor your home and system for efficiency and cost savings. Our area now has heat pumps as well as the traditional furnace and central air conditioner units, so make sure to get one that meets your needs.
Outdoors:
Clear the area around your AC Unit. Pine needles, leaves, branches, dead grass, kudzu, or weeds may have grown or been deposited on your unit. It’s very important these do not make it inside to the interior components.
Check the drain line. As part of the normal cooling process, moisture is created by your air conditioner and drained outside your home through a hose. Once you turn on the air conditioner and let it run for a while, look for water flowing from this line.
As always, if you have any questions whatsoever please contact Superior Heating and Cooling at 910-890-2812 for an informal chat or make an appointment for service or repair and we will be happy to come out and make sure your system is working properly!