Preparing your HVAC system for summer. Summer will be arriving soon and although it is still spring, the East Texas humidity and heat have already said their first hellos. Now, after a long (and unusually cold) winter, where your furnace kept you warm and comfortable, it’s time to prepare your unit to keep you cool and dry all summer long. Fortunately preparing your HVAC system for summer only requires a few simple steps that you can do on your own.
#1 Change Your Air Filters
You probably already know that old, dirty filters can make your unit less efficient, but did you know that they can also cause permanent damage to your system? In fact, the dirtier your filters are, the harder your unit has to work to circulate clean air. This can lead to more frequent mechanical problems and breakdowns than if you switched your filters once per month as recommended.
Additionally, your filters help protect you and your family from harmful allergens, such as dust, dirt, mold, and pollen. This means changing your filters regularly is a matter of personal health!
#2 Replace or Repair Damaged Pipe Insulation
The large pipe that connects your outdoor condenser to your home is where air first enters your home. If its insulation is damaged, you could be losing cooling from your outdoor unit. If this is the case, your whole system could pay the consequences. Many times, damage to pipe insulation occurs from sun rot, pests, freezing temperatures, and humidity.
If you think your pipe may need to be inspected for damage, contact a professional HVAC technician who can diagnose and repair any problems for you.
#3 Clean Your Condenser Coils
Check your outdoor condenser coils for any blockages from debris, trash, or vegetation. These coils play an important role in transferring heat while your unit is running, meaning clogged coils cannot transfer heat effectively and could pose a fire hazard. Make a plan to double-check and clean your coils on a regular basis.
#4 Clean Around Your Outdoor Condenser
Depending on where your unit is located, trash or debris may be sitting too close to it. Typically, most condensers require three feet of space all the way around to run correctly. Make sure to clean up anything in this space, and be sure that grass clippings don’t interfere with your unit when you mow the lawn.
#5 Book a Duct Cleaning
Over the more dormant winter months, it’s likely that your ducts have a build-up of dust and debris. If, after cleaning your vents and grates, you notice there is still a lot of dust in your home, contact your local HVAC professionals for duct cleaning.
HVAC Repair and Maintenance in East Texas
Whether you need help repairing a broken unit, you’re looking to upgrade your unit to something more efficient, or you need something else entirely, the highly skilled technicians at Air Solutions are here for you and your family’s home comfort needs. Armed with a variety of Trane products, like the most-efficient XV20i TruComfort™ Variable Speed, we can offer the solution that serves your home best.
For more information about preparing your HVAC system for summer, or to schedule an appointment for repair or maintenance, contact us today at (409) 962-2476, or visit us at airsolutionstx.com/contact.