8 Tips to Protect Your HVAC System From the Summer Heat

Keeping your home’s HVAC system in good condition is essential to maintaining your family’s comfort during the summer heat. But with hot, humid days and blazing temperatures, it can be tough to ensure that your system will stay up and running throughout the entire season.

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect your HVAC unit from common wear and tear so you get maximum performance without worrying about frequent repair or eventual replacement costs. Here, you’ll find some best practices for maintaining an efficient and reliable HVAC system all summer. From preventive maintenance strategies to tips on avoiding damage, these beneficial hints will help make sure your HVAC system is up to fulfilling its task all summer.

1. Schedule Preventive Maintenance

Routine maintenance can help identify and fix any potential issues before they become bigger problems that could cause your system to break down or become less efficient. A professional technician can thoroughly inspect and clean your HVAC system, replace worn parts, and make necessary adjustments to ensure it operates at peak performance. For residents of Charlotte and the surrounding areas, our crew at Integrity Heating & Cooling provides quality maintenance services.

Proper maintenance can save you from expensive repairs and help your system run more efficiently, ultimately saving you money on your energy bills. Additionally, some manufacturers’ warranties require regular maintenance to remain in effect.

2. Keep the Air Filter Clean

A dirty air filter can wreak havoc on your system and not only cause it to work harder but also significantly reduce its efficiency. Regularly check and replace your air filter as necessary throughout the summer months. This will help keep indoor air quality optimal and ensure that your HVAC unit is running as efficiently as possible.

When replacing your air filter, you should always use the same size and type of filter as recommended by the manufacturer to ensure that it fits properly and does its job correctly. If you have pets, opt for a higher quality filter that will capture more airborne particles so that unwanted fur or dander doesn’t get into your system and cause damage.

3. Make Sure Outdoor Units Have Adequate Clearance

Any obstructions near the outdoor components of your HVAC system can cause various problems, so make sure to keep any bushes, trees, or other plants at least two feet away from the unit. This will prevent debris and dirt from clogging up the air intake and damaging your system. Additionally, trimming back nearby foliage can help protect it from extreme temperatures and improve airflow.

Finally, always keep the area around your outdoor unit free of snow and ice during winter. This will help prevent moisture from entering the system, causing it to malfunction or become less efficient. You can also create a shadow for the unit by placing a protective cover over it when the temperatures are particularly hot. This will provide some needed relief and help prevent your HVAC from overheating.

4. Invest in a Programmable Thermostat

Programmable thermostats are not only more convenient, but they can also help save money on energy costs by ensuring that your system isn’t running when no one is home or while everyone is sleeping. With the push of a button, you can easily set comfortable temperatures for different times of day and automatically cut back on cooling costs when family members aren’t around to benefit.

These thermostats may also have other helpful features like built-in timers to alert you when to change your air filter or schedule preventive maintenance. Some models even have remote access so you can adjust settings from anywhere with just a few taps on your smartphone.

5. Inspect for Leaks

HVAC systems have a variety of seals and gaskets to help keep the air in and contaminants out. However, over time, these components can wear down or become damaged, leading to air leaks. Regularly inspect your system for any signs of damage, and have them fixed as soon as possible. This will not only help reduce energy costs but also keep the indoor air quality comfortable.

Additionally, if you notice any water pooling around your unit or if you smell a musty odor coming from the vents, such a sign of a problem with the condensate drain line should be checked by an HVAC professional.

6. Clean the Drainpipe

The drainpipe is part of the HVAC system that removes condensation from your air conditioner, and it should be inspected and cleaned regularly to prevent clogs. Over time, algae can build up in the pipe and cause it to become blocked, resulting in water damage and mold growth. To help keep your drainpipe clear, pour a mixture of bleach and water down it once or twice a year to disinfect and remove any buildup. Moreover, inspect the pipe for any signs of corrosion or cracks, and have them fixed before they cause more serious damage.

7. Check the Refrigerant Levels

When the refrigerant in your HVAC system is low, it can cause a number of issues such as decreased efficiency or even complete failure. To prevent this from happening, you should have a professional technician check the levels once every year and top it off if necessary.

Replacing lost refrigerant is not only important for performance but also legally required and must be done by an experienced professional certified to work with refrigerants. To avoid any potential damage or other problems, the technician should always use the same type and amount of refrigerant as recommended by the manufacturer.

8. Insulate Your Home

If your home is not properly insulated, hot air from outside can seep through the walls and roof, making it difficult for your HVAC system to keep up with demand. This can result in frequent cycling and increased energy costs, so make sure you check the insulation levels of your home regularly and add additional layers as necessary.

Proper insulation will also help regulate indoor temperatures more consistently so that you don’t have to run the air conditioner as much or set it at a lower temperature than recommended to keep cool. Not only will this help keep energy costs down, but it will also reduce strain on your system and prolong its lifespan.

Protecting your HVAC system from the summer heat is an important part of keeping it in good working order and extending its life expectancy. Following these tips ensures that your air conditioning unit runs smoother and more efficiently all season. With regular maintenance and inspections, you can catch any potential issues before they become major problems that require expensive repairs or necessitate a replacement. Ultimately, by taking a few simple precautions now, you’ll enjoy cool summer temperatures without worrying about unexpected breakdowns or costly bills.

At Integrity Heating & Cooling, we provide indoor air quality services, ductwork inspection, repair, and sealing, and both residential and commercial heating and cooling installation, repair, and tune-ups. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment.