The weather in Texas is already beginning to warm up. That means it won’t be long before summer is here and you have to rely on your AC to help you deal with the scorching heat. As such, now is the time to take some steps make sure your HVAC system is ready to go and able to keep you cool.
Change the Air Filter
One thing you should always do when making the transition from running your heating to your air conditioning is change the air filter in your HVAC system. This is normally something you should do at least every three months. Nonetheless, putting in a new disposable air filter or cleaning your reusable air filter before you turn your air conditioning on will help ensure it works efficiently and cools effectively.
A dirty, clogged air filter is the number one cause of many different HVAC issues. For instance, you may find that ice frequently forms on the evaporator coil and your AC freezes up if the air filter is too dirty. The added strain the HVAC blower experiences due to a dirty filter can also cause it to break down and need some type of repair. A dirty filter also results in poor performance and higher energy bills.
The main issue when you run an HVAC system with a dirty filter is that it greatly restricts how much air the blower can draw in. If there isn’t a sufficient volume of warm air getting drawn across the evaporator coil, all of the condensation that forms on it can quickly freeze. Similarly, a lack of incoming air means the system can’t remove heat from your house as quickly and thus cools more slowly. Your HVAC system will also experience more wear and tear and be more likely to need repairing if you continually run it with a dirty filter. Even worse, not replacing the filter often enough will usually shorten the lifespan of your HVAC system as well.
In addition to regularly changing the air filter, it’s also important that you use the correct filter for your HVAC system. If the filter isn’t efficient enough, lots of dust will get sucked into the HVAC system and start coating or clogging up components like the evaporator coil and blower. If the filter is too efficient, it can restrict the airflow coming into the system. It may do this so much that it leads to the same issues you can get when the filter is too dirty.
The general recommendation for a residential HVAC system is to use a filter that’s rated between Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) 6 and MERV 10. Larger, more powerful systems can sometimes still work properly with a MERV 12 filter. However, it’s important to check with a technician just to make sure your system can handle a filter that’s this efficient.
Clear Debris From Inside and Around Outdoor HVAC Unit
Another essential part of getting your HVAC system ready for the warmer weather is to clean the area around the outdoor unit and get rid of any leaves and other debris. The reason is to ensure that the fan can continually draw air through the unit. There needs to be sufficient air flowing through the unit and over the condenser coil as this is how the heat that got removed from inside the house gets released.
If the airflow is blocked, your AC system won’t cool nearly as effectively. This is due to the refrigerant not fully cooling down before it travels back inside. An even more serious issue is that the compressor can end up overheating if there isn’t sufficient air flowing through the unit. These potential issues are also why you should make sure to keep grass, weeds, shrubs and any other vegetation trimmed back away from the unit.
When cleaning around the unit, you always want to make sure there are no leaves or sticks inside the unit. If there is anything inside it, you’ll usually need to have a professional clean everything out. That’s because the only way you can get to the inside of most units is to disconnect and remove the fan.
Get Your Ductwork Inspected
It’s generally recommended to have a professional inspect your entire ductwork system every few years or even yearly if the ductwork is fairly old. The main concern is that the mastic or foil tape used to connect different ductwork sections deteriorates over time and can end up coming loose, resulting in an air leak. Duct leaks can be a fairly serious issue that hampers an HVAC system’s performance.
If you have any areas where the heated or cooled air can leak out, it reduces how quickly the system heats or cools and causes a decrease in energy efficiency. In severe cases, you can see a drop in efficiency of 20% or more. That’s why most HVAC experts recommend having your ductwork resealed every 10 years or so. If your ductwork is over 25 years old, replacing it can make a major difference in your HVAC system’s performance and how much it costs to heat and cool your home.
Make Sure Your Thermostat Is Still Working Properly
Thermostats can sometimes stop reading the correct temperature for various reasons. Even something as seemingly minor as a buildup of dust inside can cause a thermostat to respond as if the house is warmer than it actually is. This can result in the AC system running more than necessary. That’s why it’s a good idea to use a thermometer and check the temperature of the air near your thermostat. Anything more than a 1-2 degree difference between the thermometer reading and the temperature the thermostat shows means you should have a professional check out your thermostat.
If your thermostat runs on batteries, it’s also a good idea to replace the batteries if they’re more than a year old. That way you don’t run the risk of the batteries suddenly dying during the summer when you’re away and coming home to your house being unbearably hot.
Have a Professional Service Your HVAC System
The best way to be entirely sure your HVAC system is ready to keep you cool when the warmer weather arrives is with professional maintenance. Annual maintenance helps to avoid many common issues that can negatively impact an HVAC system’s ability to cool effectively or cause it to suddenly quit working. Your AC or heat pump will also almost certainly last longer and not need as many repairs if it gets inspected and professionally maintained every year.
HVAC maintenance includes a variety of different tasks like cleaning the coils, lubricating certain parts, checking for loose electrical connections and much more. All of these tasks are critical for ensuring effective operation, improving energy efficiency and avoiding breakdowns. The technician will also measure the temperature of the air coming out of one of the vents to make sure the system is cooling effectively.
Ideally, an AC system should achieve around a 20-degree temperature drop, meaning the air coming out of the vent should be 20 degrees cooler than the temperature the thermostat shows. If the temperature drop is under 15 degrees or so, it generally indicates that the system needs some type of repair or possibly to be replaced.
Contact Us Today
When you need expert air conditioning or heating services in Spring, TX, or the surrounding area, ASAP HVAC has you covered. We offer top-notch maintenance plans, installation and repair services, as well as indoor air quality, and can work on all brands and models of HVAC equipment. We also back up all of our work with a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee.
To schedule an appointment and get help preparing your HVAC system for the coming year, call us today.
