HVAC Tips For Summer
The long and incredibly hot summers in Texas push AC units to their limits. Summers in the Lone Star State consist of sweltering days with temperatures in the high 80s beginning in late April, that rise consistently into the 90s from June through September—usually with upwards of 30 triple-digit days along the way! Temperatures do not begin melting into the 80s again until October. And that means that Texas HVAC systems really get their workouts!
When your air conditioning unit works overtime, it requires some extra tender love and care during seasonal maintenance. Most professionals recommend a cooling tune-up in the spring so that the air conditioner is ready to fend off the heat of summer, and a heating tune-up in the fall so that the system can keep the chills at bay. From tightening electrical connections to inspecting and cleaning system controls, coils, fans, and other component parts, regularly scheduled maintenance will keep your HVAC system running smoothly through every season.
Seasonal HVAC system maintenance is preventative in nature. That means it is intended to prevent problems as the system is in use. It helps guard against unexpected issues such as dirty air filters, rusted components, corroded electrical contacts, faulty wiring, poorly connected and leaky air ducts, and more; this is significant because pop-up issues—even small ones—can lead to major problems later.
A great benefit of maintenance for your HVAC system is that it allows for consistent efficiency. That is, it keeps the system running at the level of peak performance for longer (which is a key factor in energy cost management as well). The first step in maintaining the efficiency of your AC unit is to routinely clean or replace the air filters, which is important because dirty filters block airflow (and that’s what decreases overall system efficiency). Usually, cleaning or replacing the air filter in your air conditioner on a bi-monthly schedule is a good rule of thumb to use. However, since air conditioners operate almost continuously during the hottest months of summer in Texas, air filters need to be cleaned or replaced more frequently.
It is extremely important to attend to the different AC unit coils. The evaporator and condenser coils can become very dirty over time. Cleaning the coils and the areas around them that might be contributors to the build-up of dirt and grime will keep your system’s airflow at an appropriate level.
Another thing to consider is ductwork maintenance. Ductwork should be inspected at least once a year, though it would be a good idea to do so more than once a year in Texas if possible. Ducts can become blocked, develop tears or holes, and have loose insulation and air leaks; these problems cause your AC to work harder than it should have to. Should any of those issues be uncovered, they must be remedied via targeted maintenance to keep your system running smoothly and cost-efficiently.
The Coolest is a professional HVAC system company in Austin, Texas. We specialize in HVAC installation and maintenance. Regular maintenance is crucial for prolonging the life of your HVAC system and managing associated energy costs, especially during the summer. Contact The Coolest for more information and a free quote from the experienced team.
