5 Essential Tips to Prepare Your HVAC for Summer

July 4, 2024

As the chilly winter months give way to the warmth of summer, it's essential to ensure your HVAC system is ready to provide optimal comfort throughout the season. Proper maintenance not only improves efficiency but also extends the lifespan of your equipment. Here are some expert tips to prepare your HVAC system for summer:

1. Ensure Your Air Duct Receives Thorough Cleaning and Servicing

Overlooked and neglected air ducts become breeding grounds for allergens, dust mites, and even mold. This can drastically impact indoor air quality, leading to respiratory problems, allergies, and asthma attacks.  A professional air duct cleaning service removes this buildup of contaminants, ensuring cleaner air circulates throughout your home.

Professional air duct cleaning services, such as those offered by HVAC Cleaning Technologies, use advanced equipment to ensure a comprehensive clean. Their certified technicians can identify and address any issues within your ductwork, ensuring your system runs smoothly.

Pro Tip: Schedule your air duct cleaning in early summer before pollen counts soar and allergy season hits its peak.

2. Replace the Filter if It Has Been in Use for Over 60 Days

Your air filter acts as the first line of defense against airborne contaminants. It traps dust, pollen, pet dander, and other allergens before they can enter your living space. Imagine a clogged air filter like a blocked straw. When the filter is clogged, your HVAC system has to work harder to push air through, leading to increased energy consumption and potential damage to the system.

Here's a simple rule of thumb: Replace your air filter every 60 days, or more frequently if you have pets or live in a dusty environment. Opt for high-quality MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) 13 or higher filters for maximum filtration and efficiency.

3. Keep a Two-Foot Clearance Around the Outdoor Unit

Your HVAC system's outdoor unit, often referred to as the condenser, works tirelessly to release heat from your home during the warmer months. However, for optimal performance, it needs unobstructed airflow. Leaves, branches, twigs, and even overgrown shrubs can impede airflow, causing the unit to work harder and potentially overheat.

Maintain a two-foot clearance around the entire perimeter of the outdoor unit. This allows for proper airflow and heat dissipation, ensuring your system runs efficiently and avoids unnecessary wear and tear.

4. Maintain Units Free of Leaves, Grass, and Pollen Accumulation

Summer is a time of growth, which means more leaves, grass, and pollen. These elements can clog the condenser coils, hindering heat transfer and reducing system efficiency.  Inspect your outdoor unit regularly, especially after windy days or periods of heavy pollen count. A simple hose-down (with the unit turned off) can remove loose debris. For stubborn grime buildup, consult a professional HVAC technician.

5. Schedule Regular Maintenance

Regular maintenance is key to keeping your HVAC system running smoothly. A professional HVAC technician can spot potential issues before they become serious problems, saving you time and money in the long run. Consider scheduling a summer tune-up with HVAC Cleaning Technologies to ensure your system is ready for the warmer weather.

If you have a central air conditioning system, it's recommended to have a professional technician check and top up refrigerant levels (if necessary) during your summer maintenance checkup, as low refrigerant levels can significantly impact cooling efficiency and lead to system malfunctions.

Other Things to Consider

Test Your Thermostat: After months of relying on your furnace, it's time to switch gears and focus on cooling. Test your thermostat to ensure it's functioning correctly and accurately reflects the desired temperature.

Consider installing programmable shades or window treatments: Blinds, awnings, or solar screens can largely reduce heat gain within your home, allowing your HVAC system to operate more efficiently and keep your energy bills in check.

Identify and Seal Air Leaks Around Windows and Doors:  During the summer, conduct a thorough inspection around windows and doors to identify any air leaks. Common culprits include gaps around frames, worn weather stripping, and loose thresholds.  Sealing these air leaks with caulk, weather stripping, or door sweeps can significantly improve your home's energy efficiency.

Conclusion

By following these tips, you can ensure that your HVAC system is ready to handle the demands of summer. Regular maintenance, including air duct cleaning, replacing filters, keeping clearances, and removing debris, will not only improve your system's efficiency but also enhance the overall comfort and air quality of your home.

For the best results, consider enlisting the help of professionals. At HVAC Cleaning Technologies, we specialize in comprehensive air duct cleaning services in Cumming and all over North Georgia. Our certified technicians use state-of-the-art equipment to provide the highest quality service, ensuring your HVAC system is in perfect condition for the season ahead.

Don't wait until issues arise—take proactive steps today to ensure your home remains comfortable this summer. Contact HVAC Cleaning Technologies now for a free quote and let us help you breathe easier and live better.

Call us at 404-383-5921 or fill out our contact form to schedule your appointment or get a free quote. Remember, a well-maintained HVAC system is the key to a comfortable and healthy home!

A red truck is parked in the snow in front of a snowy forest.
By Scott Sneddon January 29, 2025
Discover why January is ideal for air duct cleaning. Ensure efficient HVAC performance and healthier indoor air. Read more now!
A man wearing a hard hat is working on air ducts.
By Scott Sneddon December 6, 2024
Is air duct cleaning a scam? Learn the facts, debunk myths, and find reliable services. Avoid scams and improve your home's air quality! Discover more here.
A man is cleaning a vent with a vacuum cleaner.
By Scott Sneddon November 15, 2024
Ensure a healthier start in your new home with air duct cleaning. Learn why cleaning air ducts before moving in is crucial for better air quality and energy efficiency.
A man in a yellow hard hat is working on a pipe.
By Scott Sneddon October 29, 2024
Learn why air duct cleaning is crucial in humid climates like North Georgia. Discover how to protect your home and health with these essential tips.
A man is working on a pipe in an attic.
By Scott Sneddon September 26, 2024
Are you worried about air quality in your home? Learn the key questions to ask before hiring an air duct cleaning company.
A man on a ladder is working on the ceiling of a building.
By Scott Sneddon August 20, 2024
Keeping your air vents clean is essential for a healthy home. If you ignore them, dust and dirt can build up and cause several problems. In this article, we will discuss different factors that determine how often you will need air duct cleaning . By the end, you'll know exactly when and why you should clean your air vents, making your home a safer place. Pets That Shed Fur or Dander Pets bring joy and companionship to our homes, but they also bring fur and dander (tiny skin flakes). This gets sucked up into your vents, building up inside, and reducing the quality of the air. The more pets you have, the more they shed, and the faster your air ducts will clog up with fur and dander. Here are some examples to help you understand: Dog Fur: If you have a dog, you know how much they can shed. Imagine all that fur getting stuck in your air vents. This can block the airflow and make your heating and cooling system work harder. It can also make the air you breathe dirty. Cat Dander: Cats shed tiny flakes of skin called dander. This dander can get into the air and make it hard to breathe, especially for people with allergies. According to a study by the Mayo Clinic, pet dander can worsen asthma symptoms in children. If you have a cat, it’s important to clean your air vents regularly to keep the air clean. Air duct cleaning can help reduce pet dander circulating in your home, making it easier for everyone to breathe. Family Members with Allergies or Asthma If someone in your home has allergies or asthma, clean air vents are very important. Here’s why: Pollen and Dust: Pollen and dust can get into your air vents and spread throughout your home, every time the air conditioner is turned on. This can make allergy symptoms worse. Cleaning your air vents can remove these allergens and help everyone breathe better. Asthma Triggers: Dust mites, mold, and pet dander can trigger asthma attacks. If you have someone in your home with asthma, it’s very important to keep the air vents clean to avoid these triggers. If you finally get a handle on your allergies with medication, but for some reason, your symptoms keep coming, back, your dirty air ducts might be the culprit. Post Home Renovations or Remodeling Renovations and remodeling can create a lot of dust and debris. All that dust can easily get sucked into your air vents and reduce the air quality in your home. Let’s look at some examples: Drywall Dust: When you cut or sand drywall, it creates fine dust that can get everywhere. This dust can clog your air vents and make your air dirty. Cleaning the air vents after a renovation can remove this dust and improve the air quality. Wood Shavings: If you’ve had work done with wood, such as new cabinets or flooring, tiny wood shavings can get into your air vents. These shavings can block the airflow and make it hard for your heating and cooling system to work properly. Water Damage and Signs of Mold Water damage can cause mold to grow in your air vents. This mold can be very dangerous to your health, so it’s important to clean your air vents if you notice any signs of mold, such as a musty smell, black spots, or discoloration. Mold exposure can cause a variety of health problems. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , mold can cause health problems like coughing, wheezing, and even lung infections. Cleaning your air vents can help prevent these health issues. How Often Should You Clean Your Air Vents? Now that you know the factors that can affect your air vents, you might be wondering how often you should clean them. Here are some guidelines: Every 3-5 Years: As a general rule, you should have your air vents cleaned every 3-5 years. This can help keep your air clean and your heating and cooling system running efficiently. More Often for Pet Owners: If you have pets that shed fur or dander, you should clean your air vents more often. Every 2-3 years is a good rule of thumb. After Renovations: If you’ve had home renovations or remodeling, you should clean your air vents as soon as the work is done. This can remove any dust and debris from the work. If You Notice Mold: If you notice any signs of mold, you should clean your air vents right away. This can help keep your air safe to breathe. Conclusion In this post, we covered the factors that determine how often you should clean your air vents. We talked about pets that shed fur or dander, family members with allergies or asthma, post-home renovations or remodeling, and water damage and signs of mold. By considering the factors we've discussed in this guide, you can determine how often you should schedule air duct cleaning for your home. Regular cleaning can help: Improve indoor air quality Reduce allergens and irritants Make your home more comfortable Extend the lifespan of your HVAC system Reduce your energy bills Remember, a healthy home starts with clean air! If you have any questions about air duct cleaning in Cumming , Georgia, or if you'd like to schedule an appointment, contact HVAC Cleaning Technologies today! Our team of certified technicians uses state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to ensure a thorough and effective cleaning. Let us help you create a cleaner, healthier, and more comfortable home for your family.
A man is cleaning the air duct of a living room with a vacuum cleaner.
By Scott Sneddon June 4, 2024
Is your home dusty? Are your energy bills rising? Dirty air ducts could be the culprit. Learn the 6 signs you might need air duct cleaning right now!
A flashlight is shining and dust are flying around it.
By Scott Sneddon May 14, 2024
Is your home's air making you sick? Learn about 5 hidden culprits lurking in your air vents and how air duct cleaning can improve indoor air quality.
A woman is sitting on a couch holding a cat.
By Scott Sneddon April 12, 2024
Cumming pet owners: Struggling with endless pet fur? Learn how air duct cleaning can eliminate fur, improve air quality & breathe easier in your Cumming home!
A man in a red shirt is standing on a ladder in an office .
By Scott Sneddon March 25, 2024
Discover 4 unbelievable ways a clean duct can supercharge your HVAC system. Improve airflow, optimize performance, and more!
More Posts
Share by: