How to Prepare Your HVAC for Summer Heat

With summer right around the corner, it’s important to make sure your cooling system is functioning at its best. After all, the last thing you want to deal with is a major malfunction on a sweltering day. If you want to make sure your HVAC is ready to handle the summer heat, follow these steps:

Clean or Replace the Air Filters

Your HVAC uses filters to remove dust and other contaminants from the air. Over time, however, these filters may become clogged or dirty. A backed-up air filter not only lowers your indoor air quality and puts you at risk of respiratory issues, but it also causes your system to slow down. The HVAC will need to work even harder to push air through, which will increase energy consumption and put your system at risk of a breakdown. To ensure your HVAC is fully prepared for summer, clean out or replace your air filters.

Optimize Your Thermostat Settings

Your thermostat controls how your HVAC system functions throughout the day, so it’s important to make sure yours is on the right setting. You want the thermostat to be set to a low enough temperature that your home will be comfortable, but not so low that you’re wasting energy and causing your utility bills to spike. Though it may take some experimenting to find the perfect balance for your home, it’s important to be conscientious about which settings you’re selecting during the warm summer months.

Clean and Seal Your Ductwork

Leaky or clogged ductwork can cause all sorts of problems for your HVAC system, from ineffective cooling to total breakdowns. Dirty ducts can also lower your indoor air quality and cause your air filters to wear out, which may lead to high utility costs and other problems. That’s why it’s important to make sure your ductwork is in great working order before the summer heat hits. An HVAC professional can inspect, clean, and seal your ductwork to ensure it’s prepared for the new season.

Schedule Professional Maintenance

Proper maintenance plays a huge role in keeping your HVAC system in good shape long-term. During professional maintenance, an expert will clean and service your unit while screening for any potential problems that could lead to an eventual breakdown. This will keep your HVAC working efficiently and ensure it is prepared to handle the warmer months. It’s recommended to have your system serviced at least once per year, though an expert can help you set up a regular routine that is right for your home and needs.

Your Local HVAC Experts

If you want to make sure your HVAC is completely prepared to handle the summer heat, the experts at Vanport Mechanical in Vancouver WA are here to help! Having proudly served the Vancouver and Portland OR areas since 1975, we are confident that we can provide you with the very best in quality, service, and price. We also offer 24/7 emergency support to ensure you are always taken care of. Just give us a call to get started!