13 Important HVAC Tips for Summer

1. Focus on Your System’s Air Filter

The air filter is one of the most important components of your HVAC system, as it traps dust, dirt, pollen, and many other contaminants from the air that circulates throughout your home. A dirty or clogged filter can reduce unit airflow, efficiency, and performance, as well as cause health issues for you and your family.

To help prevent this, check your air filter once per month at a minimum, and replace or clean it as needed. Depending on the type of filter you have, you may need to do this more often if you have pets, smoke, or live in a dusty area.

2. Keep Outdoor Areas Clear

Your outdoor unit is routinely exposed to dust, debris, leaves, branches, and all sorts of other objects that could block airflow or damage the components. To protect your unit from these hazards, keep at least two feet of clearance around it and remove any vegetation or clutter that may interfere with its operation. It’s also a great idea to have your HVAC unit inspected regularly by a professional for any signs of wear and tear, such as bent fins, loose wires, or leaks.

3. Use a Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat is a smart device that allows you to adjust the temperature settings of your HVAC system according to your schedule and preferences. By using a programmable thermostat, you can save energy and money by setting your unit to run at a higher temperature when you’re away from home. You can also use a smart thermostat that lets you control your HVAC system remotely from your smartphone or tablet.

4. Maximize Airflow with Fans

Using fans to supplement your air conditioning unit is another effective way to keep your home cool and comfortable in the summer while also reducing the load on your HVAC system. Fans help circulate air throughout your house and create a breeze that makes you feel cooler, even though the temperature stays the same. You can use ceiling fans, floor fans, or window fans to improve airflow in your house. However, remember to turn off the fans when you leave the room, as they will increase your energy bill and may burn out over time.

5. Use Window Treatments

The sun’s rays can heat your home significantly in the summer months, especially if you have large windows or glass doors that face south or west. To reduce solar heat gain and keep your home cooler, consider using window treatments like shades, blinds, curtains, or drapes to block out the sun during the day. Reflective or blackout curtains are most effective at absorbing and reflecting heat from the sun.

6. Clear Out Your Vents

Your vents are the outlets that deliver cool air from your HVAC system to each room in your house. If they’re blocked by furniture, rugs, curtains, or other objects, they can restrict airflow and reduce the cooling efficiency of your HVAC system. To ensure optimal airflow and comfort, clear any obstructions from your vents and make sure they’re open and clean. Keep an eye out for small children’s toys and pet toys, as they have a knack for falling into vents and becoming stuck.

7. Reduce Heat from Other Appliances

Your HVAC system is not the only source of heat in your home. Appliances such as ovens, stoves, dryers, dishwashers, computers, and TVs can also generate heat and make your home warmer in the summer. To minimize this effect, avoid using these appliances during the hottest hours of the day, or use them sparingly. You can also switch to energy-efficient appliances that produce less heat and consume less electricity.

8. Update Your Unit

If your HVAC system is old and outdated, inefficient, or inconsistent, it may be time to update it with a newer model. A new HVAC system can offer better performance, comfort, efficiency, and reliability than an older system, and can also save you money on repairs and energy bills in the long run. When choosing a new HVAC system for your home, look for one with a high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating, which indicates how much cooling output it provides per unit of electricity consumed.

9. Give the Condenser Shade

Providing shade for your outdoor condenser is one of the best ways to ensure your HVAC system works efficiently without being overworked. When your condenser is in direct sunlight for long periods, it gets hot — and the hotter it gets, the harder it has to work. Keep in mind, however, that you want to avoid blocking airflow to the condenser by covering it too closely. You only want to shade the system, not cover it completely.

10. Leave Doors & Windows Shut

The more stable the temperature in your home, the less work your HVAC system has to do. During the hot summer months, do your best to keep windows and doors that lead outside closed. The more frequently you open and close them, the more hot air you let in and the more cold air you let out. This forces your HVAC system to work much harder to cool your home, leading to higher energy bills, unnecessary wear and tear, and inconsistent indoor temperatures.

11. Plant Trees

Planting trees is a natural and effective summer HVAC tip. Your property outside your house has a big impact on the temperature inside it. Materials like rock, asphalt, and concrete absorb and radiate a lot of heat, which can transfer into your home. By planting trees around the hottest areas of your house, you’ll eventually have a natural source of shade to help cool your home and keep your HVAC system from being overworked.

12. Seal or Replace Doors & Windows

Even the smallest gaps around doors and windows can add up to large spikes in your energy bills over time. Small leaks let the cold air out and the hot air in, forcing your air conditioning unit to work much harder than usual and leading to expensive, frequent repairs. Have your doors and windows weatherized, or replace them altogether if necessary. We recommend hiring a trained professional to handle door and window installs to ensure a proper seal and fit.

13. Schedule Maintenance

Stay ahead of the season and schedule HVAC summer maintenance before the hot weather arrives. Having your HVAC system inspected in the springtime — before the intense heat sets in — will keep it running smoothly and help you avoid breakdowns when you need it most.

Trust Autumn Air Heating & Cooling for HVAC Maintenance

By following these HVAC summer tips, you can ensure your system is ready for the high temperatures that summer brings. With proper due diligence, you can enjoy a cool and comfortable home consistently, prevent costly breakdowns, improve your indoor air quality, and lower your environmental impact.

Remember to schedule regular maintenance for your HVAC system with a professional technician at Autumn Air Heating & Cooling to keep it in optimal condition and extend its lifespan. With over 20 years in the HVAC industry in Avondale, we have the knowledge to help keep your home cool this summer season.

Have questions about our summer HVAC tips? Contact Autumn Air Heating & Cooling for more information, or to get your HVAC system maintenance started today.