Clayton-Englewood Heating & Cooling

Tips to Prepare Your HVAC System for Summer

Tips to Prepare Your HVAC System for Summer

Summers here in the Miami Valley can get hot, humid, and without a good A/C — downright sticky and miserable. If you’re looking to ensure your HVAC system works reliably and efficiently throughout the summer months, you’re in the right place.

In the following, our NATE-certified technicians here at Clayton-Englewood Heating & Cooling present some tips for homeowners heading into the hot season.

Replace Air Filter Often

Replacing the air filter is one of the simplest and most affordable maintenance things a homeowner can do for a residential air conditioning system. Because A/C filters become dusty, dirty, and clogged, keeping them clean and changing them is essential. Dirty air filters restrict air flow, reducing the cooling power of the air conditioner and this can cause problems. Make sure to check your air filters before summer starts, and keep an eye on them throughout the summer.

Clean Dirty Air Vents

Dirty vents that become clogged can also hinder A/C efficiency. Before summer is underway, check for visible dust, dirt, pet hair, and other debris that may be blocking vents and clean them if necessary. Also make sure that the vents are open.

Get A Professional A/C Tune-Up

The best way to guarantee your a/c works reliably throughout the summer is to schedule an AC tune-up with a professional HVAC technician, as part of preventative maintenance. During our multi-point inspection, we look at all the various components of your home cooling system and ensure that everything is working as it should. We can take care of any minor repairs at that time as well, so they don’t turn into a major problem down the road.

Make Sure Outdoor Areas Are Clear

If you don’t have a central A/C but instead use a different type of home cooling system, such as a ductless mini-split or a zoned AC system, it’s essential that you make sure the outdoor areas near the AC unit are clean and clear of debris. Remove things like leaves, branches, overgrown shrubbery, and other things that might be too close to the unit. In general, you want to have a clear space of about three feet all around the outside of your AC unit, to reduce the chances of problems.

Consider An A/C Upgrade

If summer is coming and you can’t stand the thought of going through one more hot season with an older air conditioning system that’s costing too much or not doing the trick, you should consider upgrading your A/C. Replacing your whole system might seem like a big (and expensive) hassle, but it can actually save you a ton of time, money, and stress. Modern AC systems tend to be much more energy efficient than older units, meaning you’ll likely see lowered monthly bills and fewer breakdowns over time.