Professionals recommend that you prepare your HVAC system for the seasons during which you’ll use it the most. This is particularly important for summer because of the significant workload for your air conditioner or heat pump.
Taking the steps we’ll discuss here will provide you with many benefits. These include a more consistently comfortable home, lower month-to-month cooling costs, better indoor air quality (IAQ), and a much lower chance that you’ll need repair services.
Schedule a Spring HVAC Tune-Up
The best time to schedule a tune-up for summer cooling is in spring before you run your AC. Your HVAC technician will have inspected, cleaned, and tested the system before you need it. This process helps you avoid many of the summertime HVAC problems that homeowners experience.
When your technician performs spring service, there are a number of key components they focus on.
The outdoor unit houses the condenser coil. Your technician will use coil cleaner to remove all built-up grime from the coil. This is important for optimal efficiency. Other steps include testing the disconnect switch, testing and lubricating the condenser fan, and testing refrigerant pressure.
Other HVAC Maintenance Services to Consider
Regular maintenance of your HVAC system’s blower and evaporator is essential for optimal performance and several key benefits. First, blower maintenance ensures efficient airflow throughout your home, reducing energy consumption and lowering utility costs. It also contributes to better indoor air quality by circulating clean air and preventing the buildup of allergens and pollutants. By keeping the blower in good condition, you can extend its lifespan and avoid costly repairs or replacements.
Similarly, cleaning the evaporator coils is crucial for maintaining peak efficiency. Over time, these coils can accumulate dirt, dust, and debris, hindering heat transfer and reducing cooling efficiency. Regular evaporator cleaning not only restores performance but also helps prevent issues like freezing and system malfunctions.
Investing in routine blower maintenance and evaporator cleaning not only improves energy efficiency and indoor air quality but also extends the lifespan of your HVAC system. Schedule these maintenance services with us to ensure your system operates reliably and efficiently year-round.
Clean the Outdoor Unit
Even if you schedule a spring HVAC tune-up, you’re responsible for some care of the outdoor unit. Make sure to remove all leaves and other debris from the appliance, as these can lead to inefficient operation. You may need to hose down or otherwise clean the metal housing.
The industry recommendation is to maintain a 1.5-to-2-foot perimeter around the unit. This includes grass, bushes and overhanging tree branches. Ideally, you shouldn’t need a cover on the outdoor unit. If for some reason you do need a cover, choose a raised one that won’t impede airflow from the fan.
Swap Out HVAC and Other Air Filters
If you scheduled a spring tune-up, your technician may have swapped out your HVAC filter for you. If not, spring is a great time to replace it. This is also a good time to think about the minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) rating of your filter. Many homeowners use a lower MERV than their system supports. Upgrading is often a good idea as it improves IAQ and protects the HVAC equipment. This is also a good time to check any other air filters in your home, such as those for air purifiers. If you have integrated air purification equipment, your technician can check this for you during the tune-up.
Check Your Thermostat
During a tune-up, your technician will also check your thermostat. This includes removing the faceplate and tightening the electric contacts. Your technician will also check to make sure your thermostat is providing an accurate temperature reading. If you don’t have a programmable or smart thermostat, consider investing in one.
Smart thermostats can reduce your cooling costs during summer by 15% on average. If you do have one, this is a good time to reassess your programming and other features. Even raising or lowering the temperature by several degrees while sleeping or at work can make a dramatic difference.
Test Static Pressure
The final step in a seasonal HVAC tune-up is to test static air pressure. This is the amount of airflow in the ducts. Not enough means that you have a problem. Even if the problem is minor, you may deal with an uncomfortable home and higher cooling bills. This is a step you can do yourself, but you’ll need to purchase a manometer. You’ll also need to check what the optimal range is for your system based on the MERV of your filter. If the value is not in the appropriate range, turn off the system, and call in the pros.
Consider Upgrading Your HVAC System
Spring is also an excellent time to reevaluate your HVAC system. Perhaps it’s time for a new AC or heat pump because your current system is old and inefficient. You may also want to consider a ductless AC as an add-on to your central system.
It’s a great way to provide cooler sleeping temperatures in bedrooms while maintaining a more efficient temperature setting elsewhere. Ductless mini-splits are also a great choice for sunrooms, detached garages, garage apartments, work sheds, and so on.
You may also want to consider air purification. One option is activated carbon and/or UV filtration on the supply side of the system. Other options include UV lamps in the ducts and high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration on the return side.
Local HVAC Pros in Solano and Yolo Counties
Greiner Heating, Air, and Electric serves Dixon, CA, and the surrounding areas, and we can prepare your HVAC system for the summer heat. We offer replacement, conversion, maintenance, and repair services for all types of ductless and ducted HVAC systems. Those include central AC, heat pumps, furnaces, and mini-splits.
Our technicians service tank water heaters, tankless water heaters[SH1] , and heat pump water heaters. We have electricians who upgrade electrical panels and install solar panels, EV chargers, generators, and lighting. Our company can install a new programmable or smart thermostat for you and program it. We also perform energy audits and install attic insulation, air purifiers, and ventilation systems.
Contact us at Greiner Heating, Air, and Electric today to schedule an appointment or learn more about our many products and services.
