The Top 6 Best HVAC Tips for Summer

To prepare your HVAC unit for the summer, you can follow many HVAC tips to ensure your HVAC unit is running appropriately and maximizing energy efficiency. Once the summer approaches, you don’t want any issues with your HVAC system.

Whether having a barbeque with friends or relaxing in your home, following these summer HVAC tips will help ensure that your AC runs smoothly and that you can enjoy a cool home during the summer.

1. Check Your Filters

One of the most important things to do for summer AC maintenance is to check your filters. Depending on the type of HVAC system you have, you either need a disposable filter or a more permanent filter.

If you have a disposable filter, you must replace your air filter at least once every month. With the more permanent filters, you should clean them once every month to ensure your HVAC system is working efficiently

2. Inspect Your Vents and Ducts

Another one of the most important HVAC tips for homeowners is to inspect your vents and ducts once every three to five years. If your air vents and ducts throughout your home are dirty, it can lower air circulation quality.

The dust and debris in your air ducts and vents due to pets and everyday life can affect your quality of life if not cleaned and prevent clean air from circulating throughout your home.

3. Clean the Outdoor Areas

To prepare your HVAC system for the summer, you should clean the outdoor area surrounding your HVAC system. If tall grass, plants, debris, or weeds get in the way of your HVAC system, it can prevent the AC from working efficiently.

Give the outdoor area a good cleaning before each summer, clearing about a two-foot perimeter around the HVAC system.

4. Maximize Airflow Using Fans

You can maximize the airflow throughout your home by using fans. Positioning fans throughout your house can help your home feel cool without running the AC as often. You can use tabletop, floor, or ceiling fans to maximize the airflow.

When using ceiling fans, set the fan to rotate clockwise, as it prevents any excess heat from rising. Tabletop fans and floor fans are easy to move from room to room and will help keep your home feeling cool.

5. Give Your Unit a Rest When You Aren’t Home

You can save money and energy by letting your HVAC unit rest when you aren’t home. Setting your thermostat to 78 degrees when you are home can help keep your house cool. You can set the temperature several degrees higher when you are not home.

Using a programmable thermostat can help ensure your AC is not running constantly and that your home maintains the temperature you set it at without using too much energy.

6. Schedule Annual Maintenance Checks with a Professional

One of the most essential HVAC tips for summer is to schedule an annual maintenance check or AC tune-up for your HVAC unit with a professional. Finding a reputable company to inspect and clean your HVAC system can help to ensure that things run smoothly.

HVAC professionals can also look for any potential issues that can cause you problems down the road, so you don’t have to deal with a broken air conditioner in the middle of the summer.

HVAC Tips for Summer – FAQs

Should I leave the HVAC fan on in summer?

It is best to leave your HVAC on the “Auto” setting instead of running the fan constantly. When you set your air conditioning to the “Auto” setting, the fan only runs until it reaches your swt temperature and turns off until it needs to cool down your house again. You can safely run your HVAC fan continuously, but it is not energy efficient.

What is the best AC schedule for summer?

The best AC schedule for summer is to set your AC to 78 degrees when you are home and a higher temperature when you are away. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 78 degrees is considered the best temperature for energy efficiency. If that temperature is too warm for your comfort, you can run fans to help your home feel cooler.

Is 72 degrees too cold for AC in summer?

While the Department of Energy states that 72 degrees is too low to set your AC to in the summer, you can set your thermostat to 72 degrees and be comfortable. Any temperature below 72 may feel too cold,

Conclusion

Following these HVAC tips for summer will help you maximize energy efficiency, keep your HVAC unit clean, and keep your system running smoothly to produce cool and clean air throughout the summer. Schedule annual HVAC summer maintenance with Southwest Heating and Cooling today, and rely on us for your HVAC needs!