When the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system in your house malfunctions, everyone suffers. Whether your air conditioner is not cooling well or your attic fan is not ventilating your house properly, having your HVAC system run smoothly through the hot, summer months is vital to your comfort. Fortunately, these seven tips can help you not to lose your cool all summer long.

1. Start your air conditioner early.

Many problems with an HVAC system can be spotted and treated during the cooler spring weather. This allows you to seek the necessary maintenance and repairs before the high-demand season.

2. Tune it up.

Think of your HVAC system like your car. You would never dream of trying to go 10,000 miles between oil changes, why assume your HVAC system can perform a similar feat. Technicians can change filters, check coils, lubricate the system if needed, and many times spot potential problems before they lead to more costly repairs or replacement.

WITH TEMPERATURES RISING, YOU’LL WANT TO MAKE SURE YOUR HVAC UNIT IS WORKING RIGHT

3. Clean your unit regularly.

While it is recommended that the cleaning process is done by a professional, you can do a lot to ensure the efficiency of your air conditioner by keeping the unit free from debris and changing the filter regularly. Leaves, twigs, dust, and grass clippings can keep your air conditioner from cooling as effectively as it can. Use a shop vacuum or soft-bristled brush to remove obvious debris from your outdoor unit and change the indoor air filter every three months.

4. Mind your condensation.

Water on the floor by your air handling unit or evaporator coil can mean there is a problem with your system’s condensation cooling lines. Mold, mildew, and algae can clog the condensate line and make the drip pan at the bottom of the system to run over. Fortunately, this problem is easy to fix. First, shut off power to the unit, locate the drip pan, and check for water inside. If there is water in the drip pan, you likely have a clog in the line. Remove all water from the drip pan with rags or a wet/dry vacuum and clean away any mold, algae or other contamination with mild soap and warm water. Using a wet/dry vacuum, remove all clogs from the condensate drain line, clean the drain lines at the access point, and put the system back together.

5. Keep the registers clean.

Your HVAC system depends on airflow to work properly. The registers and vents in your home are essential to that process and must be kept free from dust, dirt, and debris. Having your vents professionally cleaned can allow air to flow through your HVAC system, keeping your air conditioner running smoothly and efficiently.

HERE’S AN EXAMPLE OF A REGISTER

6. Think long term.

If your HVAC unit is no longer meeting your needs, it may be time to consider replacing it with a newer, more efficient model. With energy efficiency tax credits and rebates that are available and long-term power savings, many times a new system is not as costly as you may think.

Farnen & Dermer offers 0% APR For 60 Months on a new HVAC unit. Learn more, HERE!

7. Call a pro at the first sign of a problem.

It is not often that an air conditioner quits without warning. Failing to cool a room adequately, making new or strange noises or taking a long time to cool your home are signs that there is a problem with the system. A professional technician can often diagnose and fix a problem in its early stages before it becomes a costly replacement. To have your HVAC system inspected or serviced, call the professionals at Farnen and Dermer.