Summer is fast approaching, which means it won’t be all that long before you need to start running your air conditioning throughout most of the day. The Texas heat and humidity can take a real toll on an HVAC system due to how much work the system has to do to keep the building cool.
This is especially the case if the system isn’t properly maintained and you don’t take the necessary steps to prepare it for summer.
Replace the Air Filter
It’s recommended that you replace the air filter in a central HVAC system every one to three months. If not, the system won’t perform nearly as well, leading to increased wear and strain and a higher chance of breakdowns. Even if the filter doesn’t look that dirty, you should still replace it before you turn your air conditioning on for the first time. That way, you can lessen the chances of any issues occurring once the system starts running.
Most ductless mini-split HVAC systems have a reusable filter in each indoor unit instead of a disposable filter. These filters can quickly get clogged with dust, so it’s a good idea to remove and clean all of them monthly. You can often just use a vacuum with a brush head to clean all of the dust off the filter. However, you should also make sure to thoroughly wash the filter with warm, soapy water at least once every few months.
Check Your Thermostat
Thermostats, especially older units, can develop various issues that prevent them from accurately reading the air temperature in the building. In some cases, this can lead to the HVAC system cycling on more or running longer than needed. Cycling on and off too much can be especially problematic, as it puts a lot of added strain on the system’s motors and can easily lead to a breakdown.
You can test whether your thermostat is reading the right temperature by using a kitchen thermometer. If the thermostat is off by more than 1-2 degrees, you should have an HVAC company check it before the summer heat arrives. When checking your thermostat, it’s also a good idea to replace the batteries just to make sure they don’t suddenly die during the summer.
Clean the Outdoor HVAC Unit
It’s common for leaves and debris to pile up around an outdoor HVAC unit over the winter or get stuck to the sides of it. If you don’t clean everything up before you start running your AC, the unit may not receive sufficient airflow and could quickly start overheating and getting damaged.
It’s also important to remove any debris that’s collected inside the unit for the same reason. However, this may not be something you can do yourself, as you often need to disconnect and remove the fan to access the inside of the unit.
Schedule a Seasonal Maintenance Service
The best way to prevent breakdowns and keep your air conditioning costs as low as possible is to schedule a seasonal maintenance service before summer arrives. This type of service takes the hassle out of getting your HVAC system ready for summer.
That’s because the technician will check the air filter, test the thermostat, clean the outdoor unit and take care of everything else that needs to be done. This includes things like lubricating all of the moving parts, inspecting the coils and testing the voltage and amperage draw of the motors. It also involves checking the refrigerant charge, calibrating the system’s controller and cleaning out the condensate drain lines. All of these tasks are important for ensuring safe, effective operation.
The technician will also be able to identify any potential issues like damaged wiring or failing components that could lead to a sudden breakdown over the summer. If they find any issues, they can typically fix the problem then and there so that you don’t need to pay for another service call later on.
Your HVAC Specialists
For the best HVAC services in South Central Texas, look to the team at GVEC Air Conditioning & Heating. We have locations in Gonzales, Seguin, Schertz, La Vernia, and Cuero, and serve residential and commercial customers in all of the surrounding areas as well.
You can count on our dedicated service technicians to take care of all of your seasonal maintenance needs and ensure that your HVAC system is up to the task of handling the summer heat. To set up a time to get your system serviced, contact us today.
