Preparing Your HVAC System for the Summer

Your home’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system has an important job, especially in the summertime.  By taking a few steps to prepare your unit for the hottest part of the year, you can effectively boost efficiency, save utility costs and enjoy a more comfortable indoor environment, no matter what the conditions outside are like. 

8 Tips for Getting Your HVAC Ready for Summer

Prepping your HVAC unit is key to optimal performance throughout the warmer months. And as heat waves become more common, your system must be ready for higher temperatures. A few small tasks and inspections can go a long way in ensuring your system can handle summertime in the Southeast. 

Check out these helpful tips for preparing your HVAC for summer:

1. Change the Air Filters

An important step in ensuring your HVAC system is ready for hot weather is changing the air filters. Clean air filters are crucial for maintaining good airflow throughout the unit, which supports optimal performance. 

Clogged or dirty filters can restrict air intake, ultimately straining the system and consuming more energy. They also negatively impact indoor air quality since they play a key role in preventing the spread of dust, debris and allergens circulating throughout your home.

2. Check Your Vents

Another helpful tip to ensure the best performance and efficiency of your HVAC unit is to ensure you have clear vents. While you can rely on a professional for full duct cleaning services, it can help to remove any visible debris, such as the following items, from your vent openings:

• Dust
• Pet hair
• Dirt

Take a look around your home and ensure all your vents are adequately opened. Closed or partially shut vents will inhibit proper airflow and may cause uneven temperatures throughout your indoor space.

3. Inspect Your Outdoor Unit

Don’t forget to go outside and tend to your outdoor air conditioning unit — known as the condenser — to prepare your HVAC for the summer months. Use a garden hose to rinse away any leaves, twigs, dirt, pollen or debris from the grille. Ensure you provide proper clearance around the unit. Remove anything within 2 feet of your unit to avoid blocking airflow. Also, take a look at the different components and reach out to a professional if you notice issues such as bent fins, leaks or loud fans.

4. Clear Your Condensation Drain Line

Clearing the drain line on your condenser is an essential step in summer HVAC unit prep. If these lines become clogged with dirt, algae or debris, they can cause water backup and leak around the unit. If you do not address blocked drain lines, you might create serious water damage problems in your home, including mold growth and foundation damage. 

5. Clean the Condenser Fan

You can also get your HVAC system ready for summer by cleaning the condenser fan on your unit. This fan plays an integral role in operation and performance by dissipating heat collected from inside your home. You can help it work best by using a brush to get rid of any dirt and dust. Check your air conditioner manufacturer’s recommendation for cleaning the condenser fan, and work with a technician if needed. 

6. Tend to Your Ductwork

Another way to prep your unit for summertime is to tend to your ductwork. Any leaks or improper insulation will negatively impact the unit’s efficiency, use more energy and create less comfortable living environments. Leaking ducts can cost you hundreds of dollars in wasted energy bills every year. 

You can use metal tape or mastic sealant — an adhesive similar to caulk — to handle leaks that you can access yourself, such as in your attic, garage or basement. Always turn to a professional for ductwork cleaning services if you notice any signs of mold, vermin or excessive dirt or debris. 

7. Check and Clean Your Coils

You can also prepare your unit by inspecting and combing the coils on your condensing unit. A coil fin comb can help you straighten any bent fins that might restrict airflow, ultimately decreasing the unit’s efficiency and causing it to use more electricity. Perform this step very carefully or call a technician to avoid damaging the coils.

8. Test Your Thermostat

A simple yet important tip for getting your unit ready for high temperatures is to test your thermostat and run your HVAC unit to make sure both are working properly. You don’t want to turn on your unit on the first really hot day of the year and find that you are without cooling capabilities.

What if You Skip Summer HVAC Preparation?

If you’re considering skipping HVAC preparation, we highly recommend against it. Skipping these tasks can be detrimental to the efficiency, safety and performance of your unit. You may wind up with higher utility bills and reduced cooling capacity, reducing your indoor space’s comfort and coolness.