5 Best Summer HVAC Tips for Homeowners

Professional Services Heating, AC & Electric Repair

April 19, 2022

Summer on the horizon means getting ready for outdoor activities and enjoying the warmer weather. But this time should also include preparing your HVAC system for the season.


“HVAC” stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning and refers to your home’s climate control and ventilation system. Regardless of the type of HVAC system you have, keeping it well-maintained is crucial for preventing breakdowns. Good maintenance will also help your HVAC system run at optimal performance.


Regular maintenance also helps keep your energy bill down and saves you money. Spring is the perfect time to schedule a seasonal tune-up of your HVAC services in Germantown by Professional Services. The experts at Professional Services are ready to give your HVAC system a thorough inspection and prepare it for keeping you cool all summer.


Give us a call and schedule your seasonal tune-up today. Before you do, review the five summer HVAC tips below to best prepare your HVAC system for warm weather.


Check Your Filters


One of the most essential summer HVAC tips is to check the air filter. As your HVAC system runs, the filter collects dust, dirt, and other particulate matter from the air that passes through. Over time, more and more particles pass through and stick to each other, creating build-up.


When the filter of your HVAC unit clogs with dust and dirt, the air forces these particles back into the HVAC system. As a result, your indoor air quality will decrease. The unit’s ability to cool your home effectively and efficiently also weakens, and eventually, the strain could damage the machine.


Check your air filter in the spring before powering up your AC. Air filters come in different sizes, so ensure that you purchase the correct size. You should also note the dimensions for your filter and determine the level of filtration you need.


HVAC systems all have different requirements for filters, including how often filters need replacing. Some systems only require a change once a year while others need one every six months. Regardless, it is wise to check your air filters every 30 days during summer to make sure they are clean so your system can keep your home cool.


Reusable filters, which require cleaning to keep them in top form, should have a yearly cleaning. However, you should clean them more frequently if you have allergies or pets.


Inspect Your Ducts and Vents


Spring is also the time to check vents and air ducts. Dirty vents and ducts significantly lower the air quality circulating throughout your home. Clogs in any part of the system can dramatically reduce your HVAC efficiency.


Start by checking the vents throughout your home. Also, clean the exterior and interior surfaces and remove any dust, dirt, hair, or other debris accumulation. When done, make sure all the vents are wide open so that air flows freely.


The air filters keep most of the dust and dirt out of the ductwork, but it is still essential to have them professionally checked before summer arrives. While you can reach a short distance with your vacuum, professional HVAC technicians have state-of-the-art equipment to clean the entire system. They will rid your ductwork of all dust and grime.


Professional duct cleaning can also detect leaks and damage within the ductwork. Moreover, an inspection will locate weak spots that may require professional repair down the road.


Clean the Outdoor Areas


The exterior of your AC condenser unit, which sits outside your home, also needs to be checked and cleaned every spring. After the winter months, old leaves, branches, and other debris may impede the unit’s ability to function in top form.


Clear away all debris from on and around your AC condenser. Furthermore, keep at least a 2-foot perimeter clear around the HVAC unit. Regularly cleaning up around the condenser will prevent debris from blowing into the unit and causing HVAC issues.


Improve Your Cooling Power


When discussing summer HVAC tips, you also want to explore ways to maximize your HVAC system’s cooling power throughout the house. Relying on your AC unit to run all the time can decrease its overall efficiency and potentially damage it.


Tune-up Your Thermostat


Improving your AC’s efficiency is easy by installing a programmable thermostat. A programmable thermostat gives you greater control over your temperatures indoors. A smart thermostat even allows you to program the thermostat from your smartphone.


You can also set a programmable thermostat to specific temperatures day and night. Programming a thermostat can help save money by maintaining higher temperatures when you’re away. Test your thermostat out in the spring and have it professionally checked and calibrated.


Accessorize for Energy Efficiency


You can also increase your cooling power by using energy-efficient accessories. For example, you can invest in energy-efficient window coverings to block the sun’s heat and reduce the indoor temperature. Therefore, the HVAC system doesn’t need to work as hard to maintain cool air.


Standing and ceiling fans also help circulate cool air and improve the airflow inside your home. You can position standing fans to blow cool air on you and promote circulation. You should also set ceiling fans to run clockwise to direct cool air downward and circulate it throughout the room.


Schedule a Professional Services HVAC Tune-up


Preparing your HVAC system for summer use ensures that your home cooling works at the top form. At Professional Services, we take pride in providing you with the highest level of service and comfort. We also feature quality heating and cooling products and the most reliable customer service.


Serving the Port Washington, WI area since 2007, Professional Services can handle all your heating and cooling needs, including seasonal tune-ups. Our team of professional HVAC technicians gives you all the information you need to make the best decisions about your HVAC system. We provide summer HVAC tips and can advise you on the number of hours to run AC during the summer months.


For more information about Professional Services, call us today at (262) 267-9767.

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Compliance With Codes: Many building codes require GFCI outlets in laundry areas specifically. Peace of Mind: Knowing the space is protected allows the household to focus on the task at hand. Quick Reset: They can be easily reset after a trip, without any complicated troubleshooting. Cost-Effective Safety: A small investment can prevent a potentially serious hazard. Tips for Installing and Maintaining GFCI Outlets in Your Home Installing and maintaining GFCI outlets properly goes a long way toward keeping a home protected from electrical hazards, especially in areas prone to moisture like kitchens and bathrooms. Installation Best Practices Turn off power at the circuit breaker before starting any installation work. Follow the GFCI outlet's wiring guidelines closely. Use a voltage tester to confirm there's no power before handling any wires. Install outlets in accessible locations where they can be easily reached for testing and maintenance. Test monthly using the "test" button to verify functionality. Regular Maintenance Tips Testing each outlet monthly by pressing the "test" button confirms it shuts off power as designed. If it doesn't, replacement is necessary right away. Inspecting outlets for signs of damage, like cracks or discoloration, is worth doing periodically, and anything unusual is best evaluated by a professional rather than left unaddressed. Keeping outlets clean and free from moisture helps prevent malfunctions over time, and consulting with a trusted local electrician for any concerns or routine check-ups rounds out a solid maintenance routine. Building a Safer Home With the Right Outlets in Place Having GFCI outlets throughout a home is like putting up a safety net. It catches potential hazards before they can harm anyone living there. 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