Summer is approaching, which means you'll need your HVAC system in top condition. With a few simple tips, you may ensure your unit will get you through those long, hot months. Read this blog to learn about four important steps when preparing your HVAC system for summer.
1. Clean Around Your CompressorYour central air conditioning's compressor is outside of your home. It serves the purpose of creating the cool air that enters into your ducts. Unfortunately, leaves and other debris can accumulate around this part and even enter it. As this happens, your unit may not work as effectively.
Before you start using your HVAC unit this summer, you should clear away branches, leaves, and any other debris on and around your compressor. You should also routinely inspect around the device to ensure it remains clean throughout the summer.
2. Check Your FilterYour filter accrues dust and other airborne particles. Ultimately, this accumulation affects how efficiently your unit works to cool your home. Prior to running your air conditioner, you should check the filter. Depending on your system, you'll either need to replace a disposable one or clean a reusable one.
How frequently you change or clean your filter throughout the summer depends on the minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) of the filter. This number ranges from one to 16, and the general recommendation is to use a filter with a MERV rating between six to 12. Your furnace manual will specify the ideal MERV rating to use if you're unsure.
If you have a filter with a MERV rating between six to nine, you'll need to change it every 90 days. On the other hand, you should change or clean filters with a MERV rating between 10 to 12 every 60 days.
You may need to change or clean your filter every 30 days, which you can determine by looking at the information that comes with your filter. If you smoke, have allergies, or have pets, you may need to change or clean your filter once monthly as well.
3. Clean Your VentsEven if everything is working properly with your HVAC unit, you may still experience reduced airflow if your vents aren't clean. For this reason, when you're preparing your air conditioning for summer, you should also clean your vents.
4. Schedule a Routine HVAC Maintenance AppointmentEnsure your air conditioner will keep you cool throughout the summer by scheduling a routine maintenance appointment before you begin using it. The appointment ensures the major components of your system are in working order.
Components Evaluated During an InspectionSome examples of components an HVAC specialist will evaluate include:
- Refrigerant level
- Electrical components
- Condenser coils
- Condenser motor
- Capacitors
- Thermostat
- Transformer
- Drain lines
Importance of an EvaluationEvery part of your air conditioning system serves a purpose. For instance, the refrigerant in your AC unit cools the air before it enters your home. Without refrigerant, your air conditioning can't blow cold air.
Debris and grime can collect in your system and prohibit your electrical component from making contact, ultimately leading to your system not functioning.
Your compressor is necessary to convert the gas, so the cool air may propel into your home. When it doesn't work properly, your entire system can't function. A specialist checks to see if the air pressure may be too high or too low, which could indicate a problem somewhere in your cooling system.
Schedule a routine maintenance appointment before you start running your air conditioning this summer by contacting
A-1 Finchum Heating & Cooling. Not only do we serve Knoxville, TN, and the surrounding area, but we have useful information to help you prepare and maintain your HVAC unit.
