Your HVAC system plays a major role in your comfort. It improves airflow around your entire house and pulls warm air from your living space during warm weather. However, the AC unit isn’t just one appliance. It is a whole system made up of several moving parts.
If you want to keep your AC unit running in the long run, then you need to take steps to care for it. Follow these helpful tips to protect your AC unit.
1. Schedule regular maintenance.
Just like your car, your HVAC system needs regular maintenance to keep it running at its best. As a homeowner, it is a good idea to schedule a maintenance appointment with a technician at least twice each year. This maintenance appointment is an important step towards prepping your HVAC system for hot weather and cold weather alike.
During your HVAC maintenance appointment, the technician will change your filters and inspect your vents and ducts for any potential issues. The HVAC professional will listen for any strange noises that could be signs of major issues. They will also evaluate your refrigerant and coils to make sure they are in good condition. This AC system check is the best way to stay cool during the summer months.
2. Invest in a programmable thermostat.
Programmable thermostats like Google Nest allow you to manage your HVAC system from your phone and set up scheduling for easier maintenance. For example, if you forget to turn off your air conditioner before you leave the house, you can adjust the settings at work. This way your AC unit won’t keep running all day.
Smart thermostats also learn your behavior and will set different temperatures based on your activities. They will push out cool air during times when you are known to be home and when there is a streak of hot weather in your area. Programmable thermostats are a good way to control your energy usage and gain insights into how you can save money.
3. Improve your insulation.
If you want to lower your energy usage, then create less work for your air conditioning system. Houses with poor insulation will be hotter in the summer. They will have higher levels of humidity as the cool air leaves the house and the summer heat seeps in. As a homeowner, you can take steps to improve your insulation and feel more comfortable at home.
The spring months are a perfect time to seal up any cracks or drafts in your home. You don’t have the deal with the cold air of the winter months and can fix your home before mold starts to grow in the summer. Good insulation is the first line of defense against hot air and humidity.
4. Check the landscape around your outdoor unit.
There are two key parts to your air conditioner: The outdoor unit and the indoor unit. While you want to protect your indoor system from debris and mildew growth, you also need to protect your outdoor unit. Make sure you set aside time each week for basic landscaping around your AC unit. Remove any grass clippings or twigs that fall from bushes onto the system, while maintaining three feet of clearance around the unit.
The upcoming warm weather means plants grow quickly, and you can avoid potential problems with your HVAC system by keeping the outdoor condenser clear of debris.
There are many benefits to scheduling HVAC checkups and practicing basic maintenance. You can catch small problems before they become big issues – potentially avoiding a costly repair. An HVAC professional can also help you improve your air quality and identify ways to lower your energy usage. The last thing you want during the warmer weather months is an HVAC breakdown. Take steps to protect your unit and ductwork today.
