Top 5 Tips To Get Your AC System Ready For Spring & Summer
Whether you’re looking to use your HVAC system more during the spring and summer months, or if you want to avoid excessive energy costs by turning off your AC, follow these tips for getting your HVAC prepared for the warmer weather.
Five Ways To Prepare Your Air Conditioner For The Spring And Summer
- Check and replace filters regularly - You should replace air filters between 3-5 months, or even sooner, depending on how often you use your HVAC. If you know there will be a large increase in airflow through these filters as outside temperatures rise, it may be beneficial to change them more frequently.
- Check and replace belts - If your HVAC system runs on belts, you’ll want to check and replace them accordingly before summertime. We recommended doing this at least once a year, but if your HVAC is older than ten years or so, it may be best to have an air conditioning tune-up.
- Check for and repair leaks - Leaks can waste hundreds of dollars annually, yet they are often undetected by homeowners. Check for air leaks or other signs of leaks (such as uneven air pressure) in the system, ducts, blower motors, and coils. In addition to wasting energy, these leaks can cause mold growth if left alone for too long.
- Adjust speeds and temperatures - Over the course of the spring and summer, you may set your HVAC system at higher or lower speeds to control airflow and keep your home cool. An easy way to do this is to use a programmable or manual thermostat. Be careful of adjusting too much as this will lead to higher electric bills.
- Check on your system - It doesn’t take an electrical engineering degree to look at whether or not your HVAC is working properly or whether it needs repair. Check airflow and temperature readings regularly before summer arrives. (If you have a programmable thermostat, this shouldn’t be necessary.)