8 Tips To Help You Prepare Your HVAC System for Summer

Summer’s nearly here. If you don’t prepare your HVAC system, then you won’t be ready for it. Globally, temperatures are soaring. This is mainly due to global warming. One of the main advantages of HVAC systems is that they also control humidity, unlike air-conditioning units. If you live in a very hot country, humidity can make it seem like it’s about 50 degrees hotter. The best way to counter humidity and heat is to prepare your HVAC system (or invest in one).

Here are eight tips for preparing your HVAC system this summer:

Clean Ductwork

If your ducts aren’t thoroughly cleaned, then blockages could occur. A blockage could result in your AC blowing warm air, which likely isn’t something that you want to have to deal with in the middle of summer. Cleaning out your HVAC’s ducts is very important. It is something that you should do on a regular basis. If you haven’t used your HVAC system over winter, then it’s important that you check your ducts prior to turning it on for summer. If there is a blockage, it will be easy to clear it away. If you turn it on while the blockage is there, it could grow worse.

Fan Belts

In addition to cleaning your HVAC’s ductwork, you also need to replace its belts. With that said, belts aren’t that common in HVAC systems anymore. Most systems don’t have any belts. If yours does, however, then you will need to check your system’s belts at the start of every summer so that you can be sure it is in working order. Sometimes belts can fray or crack. If they do, then they need to be replaced. If they are allowed to run despite being cracked, then your HVAC system could become seriously damaged.

Insulation

You also need to check your HVAC’s insulation. Insulation can usually be found around your HVAC’s cooling pipes. Over the years, this insulation wears away and stops insulating the pipes. Fortunately, it is very easy to replace HVAC insulation—all you need to do is to peel it off and replace it. Make sure that you use the same (or similar) insulation that was used in the first place. If you don’t use the right insulation, then it could fail to be effective. Insulation is essential to your HVAC system’s efficacy.

Air Filters

If you don’t clean out your air filters, then mould and mildew could grow. If you turn your HVAC system on when these things are clogging your HVAC’s filter, then it could result in airborne diseases and infections being spread around your home. Constant exposure to mould and mildew can result in conditions like pneumonia developing. Air filters exist to remove contaminants and toxins from the air. If you don’t clean them and maintain them then they can’t do their job. It is very easy to clean your HVAC’s air filters, all you need to do is to take them out, scrub them down, dry them out, and then put them back on.

Servicing

You need to make sure that you have your unit serviced every season, even if you perform maintenance yourself. If you purchased your unit new from a retailer, then you should be able to get it serviced as part of your purchase arrangement or warranty. If the retailer refuses to service it, then you will have to pay to have it serviced. With that said, HVAC servicing doesn’t cost a lot of money. This is mainly because it is not a lot of work. So visit the nearest HVAC contractor who can help you with maintenance just like RMS Heating and Cooling.

Maintenance

You need to make sure that you maintain and look after your system. If you fail to maintain your HVAC system, then you won’t be able to prevent it from becoming damaged. Regular maintenance is relatively easy– all you have to do is look after your HVAC system, clean it, and follow this article’s previous guidance.

Motor

Your HVAC’s motor is crucial to it working properly. If your system’s motor fails, then so too will your system. Check your motor regularly. If your HVAC system has been turned off for a while, check its motor before running it on full power. If it is damaged, then replace it.

Wiring

Check your HVAC’s wiring often. Because water runs through your HVAC’s pipes, if any wires are loose it could result in electrocution when touching the system. Make sure that your wires are all protected properly and working well. If they aren’t then have a professional replace them and don’t turn your unit on.

HVAC systems save lives. Heat-related illnesses kill millions every year. If you don’t react well to heat then you need to invest in a quality HVAC system. If you already have one, then make sure that you maintain it and look after it.