Top 5 HVAC Summer Tips to Keep Your Home Cool and Comfortable

It is important to keep your house cool during the summer season so that you don’t have to worry about the extreme heat waves that can often roll through. To do this, you will have to make sure you prepare your HVAC system for the summer heat and hot outside temperatures and will be able to offer efficient cooling that can bring your home to a comfortable temperature without having to spend an unnecessary amount of energy and money on utility bills. Extremely hot indoor temperatures can be dangerous, so to avoid this, we have some of the best tips that can help you maintain your HVAC system and keep the rooms in your house cold this summer without any troubles!

1) Schedule HVAC System Maintenance

The first step to prepare for the summer season is to schedule a professional HVAC technician to inspect and maintain your air conditioning during the spring before the cooling season officially begins to ensure it’s operating properly and efficiently. They will ensure your air conditioner is prepared for the hot summer months by checking for other signs of wear and leaks, cleaning the coils, and inspecting refrigerant levels to see if there are any signs of leaks. Cooling system specialists can find any underlying issues during routine maintenance before they grow into serious and expensive problems in the middle of the cooling season. They can change AC filters and test the thermostat system. They can also recommend any repairs or upgrades that could benefit and expand the lifespan of your system. Sealing air leaks around doors, windows, walls, and other openings in the house is also important in keeping in the cool air your air conditioner system provides. Have your AC ducts inspected to make sure no air is leaking into the attic or crawlspace, requiring sealing or repair.

2) Regularly Change Air Filters

The AC filter is one of the most important parts of your AC system. Regularly check and replace your air filters to maintain good air quality and energy efficiency in your HVAC system. You should check on your air filters once a month to see if they need to be cleaned or replaced. The air filters collect particles such as dirt, pet hair, dust, and other allergens in the air to stop them from circulating through your system and back into the air you breathe. The air filter can become clogged over time if it is not attended to, leading to poor airflow, hot air coming from your vents, and low air quality, as well as a strain on your air conditioner unit. Good air quality is important in the summer heat, so replacing the air filter is a task you do not want to skip in cooling system maintenance.

3) Outdoor Unit (Condenser Unit) Maintenance

Clean around your outdoor unit throughout the summer to ensure proper airflow and prevent debris from blocking the condenser unit. Trim any vegetation or trees that may be obstructing your outdoor unit to give it plenty of space, check for signs of damage or wear and tear, and schedule repairs if necessary. Ensure your outdoor unit is level and secure to prevent damage from wind or other external factors. You can also take a garden hose and spray down the AC unit to remove any lingering dirt and debris. You should also check things like the drainage line to make sure it is not clogged. A clogged drain line in an AC can prevent the moisture from leaving the unit, therefore making it more difficult to operate efficiently.

4) Thermostat Settings

Set your AC thermostat setting to a comfortable indoor temperature to balance comfort and energy efficiency. Consider using a smart thermostat to learn your schedule and preferences and optimize your cooling temperature. Adjust your thermostat setting at night or when you’re away from home to save energy and reduce your energy bill. You can use a programmable thermostat to set different temperatures for different times of the day, even programming it to begin cooling the house a half hour before your return. The recommended thermostat setting to begin with is 78 degrees Fahrenheit, and you can experiment with different thermostat settings from there to find the best temperature for your home comfort level.

5) Supplemental Cooling for Your Air Conditioning

Finding alternative methods to assist your AC during a particularly strong summer heat wave can be helpful in keeping your house cold and not overusing your air conditioner. Use ceiling fans to supplement your air conditioning system and reduce energy consumption. Consider installing a whole-house fan to circulate cool air and reduce the strain on your air conditioning system. You can also use window treatments, such as blinds or curtains, to block out hot summer sun and reduce heat gain when the sun is positioned at certain rooms of the house. Planting trees or vegetation outside your windows to provide shade and reduce heat gain can also be helpful. Consider using a dehumidifier to reduce humidity and improve home comfort.

Get Your Air Conditioner Ready For the Summer

Make sure your cooling system is prepared to tackle any heat wave this summer by following these HVAC tips to keep the heat out. When outdoor temperatures reach the extreme in the summer months, it is vital to have a properly working air conditioner in your home to prevent a warm house from becoming unbearable and even dangerous. By performing tasks such as changing air filters, setting programmable or smart thermostats to an efficient cooling temperature, and keeping debris out of your outdoor unit, you can save money on energy expenses and increase the efficiency of your air conditioning. Using methods such as ceiling fans or a whole-home fan to supplement the air conditioner can help put less stress on the central AC unit. And having an HVAC technician to help inspect your air conditioner and keep hot air out of your home during the summer can help you save on energy and utility bills, as well as get any AC repairs done before the busy season starts.