The month of May is winding down and summer will be here before you know it. Rather than risking rising temperatures that are too hot for your comfort, spend some time caring for your heating and cooling system before summer hits.

 

There are many factors associated with keeping the air in your home comfortable. If each part of the heating and cooling system isn’t working, your appliances are old, or your windows aren’t sealed correctly, you could be paying much more to heat and cool your home than you need. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to improve the situation. With some preventative summer HVAC ideas and tips from the pros, you can reduce the cost of running your HVAC units and enjoy increased efficiency.

 

Clean Up Your Air Conditioning Unit

 

There are several components of the AC unit that need your attention for efficient operation. For example, look at the base of the AC cabinet for a drainage hole. It is just about the right size to accommodate a paper clip and is located below the evaporator fins. Keep this area clear, and if you’re not sure it’s clean, contact a professional for advice about how to clean it.

 

The second component to clean is the dehumidifier. For this maintenance step, simply remove the outer casing and allow the insides to dry. If there’s visible dust or debris, gently vacuum out the whole unit. Take similar steps for maintaining the evaporator fins and other areas where the air moves in and out of the unit.

 

Finally, clear the area around the air conditioner. This means removing vegetation and maintaining a two-foot section of cleared space around the unit. Removing all vegetation and other debris from the area allows adequate airflow for controlling temperatures within your home.

 

Replace Old Technology

 

There’s a lot of great technology available today to help keep your heating and cooling costs under control. For example, you might swap out older models of appliances for products that have earned an Energy Star certification. This should result in energy and financial savings and open up the possibility of federal tax credits.

 

Another way to benefit from new technology is to invest in a smart thermostat. With these, you can adjust the settings for different times of the day. You can leave the home a bit warmer or cooler than comfortable when you aren’t home and have the system kick into action just before you get home. Smart thermostats are a great way to reduce your energy consumption and reduce wear and tear on your heating and cooling appliances.

 

Clean Bathroom Fans

 

You may wonder what this has to do with your HVAC unit, but the truth is that cleaning anywhere that may gather dust can improve the efficiency of your heating and cooling system. This is because the units cycle air from inside and outside your home. The cleaner the air is, the less wear and tear on your appliances. With this in mind, turn off the power to your bathroom fans and then remove the covers and wash them with soapy water. Rinse them off and let them dry while you gently clean the fan blades.

 

Replace the Furnace Filter

 

You may not plan to use the furnace during the summer but changing the filter each month (or rinsing it off if it isn’t temporary) is a great way to reduce energy usage. A clean filter reduces the amount of energy necessary to heat your home and protects the quality of air in your home. The filter on an HVAC system should be changed once a month all year round.

 

Finally, schedule routine maintenance for your appliances and the HVAC system. Professionals can often pinpoint small problems before they lead to damages and malfunctions. You may find that consistent attention helps your system run smoothly and less expensively. It’s a win/win situation for your family and your heating and cooling system.