How to Prepare Your HVAC System for the Summer Season

Heat and humidity may be tolerable if you’re heading out to the beach. But if you’re staying home or working at the office most days, enduring the summer without a working air conditioner can be a bother! You’ll want to ensure your HVAC system is in great working condition and prepared to handle the longer operating hours.

By following a few AC maintenance tips at home, you can guarantee that your HVAC system is prepared for the hottest season of the year.

How Do HVAC Systems Work?

In case you were wondering, HVAC is an acronym for “Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning.” HVAC systems control the climate and ventilation facilities in your home. These include your furnace, vents, refrigerant lines, thermostat, and condensing unit.

Technically, there are different HVAC systems, from zoned systems, heating, and AC split systems to duct-free split systems, and systems with humidity control. It’s up to you to choose which system suits your needs the best. If you need help, talk to our expert consultants at Air Makers, and they’ll gladly make a recommendation.

Preparing Your HVAC System For Summer

As for regular maintenance, here’s what you can do at your end to ensure your HVAC system is ready for summer:

Check Your Filters

If you use your AC daily, checking your air conditioning system’s filters is something you should do regularly, regardless of the season. Filters can get dirty very quickly, preventing your system from performing at its optimum capacity and therefore need to be cleaned more often.

HVAC systems, in general, do a great job of pulling outside air and pumping clean air indoors. Dirty filters restrict airflow and re-circulate dusty air, which isn’t too great during hot summer afternoons. It’s a great idea to set a reminder sometime in spring to check your filters and clean them before summer rolls around.

Filters may be cleaned or changed monthly, yearly, or at regular intervals. The frequency largely depends on the type of system you specifically have.

Clear Outdoor Areas

Most overlook this basic step, but don’t forget that your unit may still have a winter cover on it! Some people like to cover their units to protect them from the harsh winter weather. If you’ve done so, take the covering off promptly to ensure proper ventilation during the summer months.

After that, inspect the area for trash, snow, or fall debris that may have clogged any of your unit’s drains. Clear away any dead grass, leaves, and branches that are crowding your fan. Maintain at least a two-foot clearance between your unit and its proximity to dead leaves or debris that may easily catch fire.

Pay careful attention to the air conditioning coils as you clear out debris. Accumulated debris might clog the coils and obstruct your system, causing it to malfunction.

Pro Tip: Clean the coils and condenser on your HVAC system, even if it is inside. Regular cleaning of the condenser and coils will ensure your equipment operates more effectively. It will not only help you save money on your energy bill, but it will also extend the life of your HVAC equipment.

Check For Leaks

Another thing to look out for is leaks in your ductwork. Holes or cracks in the ductwork may mean there’s an issue with your HVAC system. Ductwork lasts as long as 25 years, mostly, but they still need to be checked regularly. At the 15-point mark, you’ll start to see wear and tear, which is normal, but it might make your ductwork more susceptible to leaks.

Leaks mean that air is escaping through the ducts, undermining the efficiency of your cooling system. Ductwork should support releasing clean, cool air through proper vents to make sure a room is cooled quickly and efficiently.

Use Blinds, Fans, and Shutters

Overuse is one of the most common causes of air conditioner failure. Not only does operating your air conditioning at full power 24/7 put you at risk of failure – it may also hike up your electricity bill.
There are a few things you can do to make the most of your cooling system all summer long:

• • Use high-quality window coverings such as sun-filtering blinds and blackout curtains. Closing windows during the hottest parts of the day will also help block out the heat.
  • Ceiling fans—both stationary and portable—can also be used to improve air circulation and keep your home or workplace cooler.

Check For Dirty Vents

Clogged or dirty vents can also affect air conditioning efficiency. A comprehensive air duct cleaning service is still the way to go, but you can greatly improve your air conditioner’s efficiency by inspecting and cleaning dirty vents.

Look for any signs of dust, grime, pet hair, or other debris that may be blocking vents. Also, double-check that the vents are operational. While it’s simple to assume so, many home and business owners are usually unaware that some of their AC vents may be partially or fully closed. Opening them up can definitely help improve airflow – and your overall indoor comfort.

Schedule An Annual Tune-Up

An air conditioner tune-up by a professional HVAC expert is the most effective approach to ensure your air conditioner continues to operate properly throughout the summer.
During your annual tune-up, your technician will inspect all aspects of your AC system and ensure that everything is in good working order. This also allows them to get ahead of any minor repairs before they turn into major problems.

Consider An Upgrade

If you can’t wait for summer to arrive, but you also dread the prospect of dealing with another hot season with a subpar air conditioning system, you should think about upgrading your air conditioner. Replacing your cooling system may seem like a major (and pricey) hassle, but it can actually save you time and money in the long run. Modern AC systems, such as inverter units, are typically far more energy-efficient than previous versions, meaning you’ll save money on your power bills and prevent breakdowns over time.

Looking For HVAC Experts In Toronto?

Proper care and maintenance of your HVAC system also entail working with trustworthy experts in your area. At Air Makers, you can rest assured that our HVAC professionals will provide the best service to ensure that your HVAC system provides you with years of good use. We offer 24/7 assistance, and our technicians are also ready to come to your aid in case of emergencies.

We pride ourselves on an excellent team of skilled and experienced technicians. Our pricing is upfront with no unnecessary fees and hidden charges – just a commitment to keeping your heating and cooling systems in great shape!

Our experts will provide honest recommendations to help you save on energy and cost and can help you with the regular maintenance of your HVAC systems to prevent any major issues down the road.

We have various rental plans, rebates, financing, and special promos you can check if you’re considering getting a new unit. If you’re located in Toronto, the installation of your AC unit is on us, too.

If you need any assistance at all concerning your HVAC system, feel free to reach out to us – we’ll be glad to help!