5 Ways to Prepare Your Cooling System For the Summer

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In just a few short weeks, the United States will start to feel the presence of summer. During this time of year, temperatures can get extremely humid in certain parts of the country. Many weather experts predict that the summer of 2022 will be extremely dry and humid. Instead of allowing hot temperatures to catch you off guard, it is time to start preparing for summer.

If you want to keep the inside of your home comfortable during the dog days of summer, then you will need a functional cooling system. The last thing you want is to be without your HVAC unit during the hottest time of year. This is why now is the time to start preparing.

Are you trying to prepare your cooling system for summer? If so, here are some tips to help you accomplish this goal.

1. Clean The Outside Portion of Your HVAC Unit

If you are a newcomer to the world of residential HVAC units, you might be unaware of how these systems work. The typical residential HVAC unit has an outdoor and an indoor portion. It is the job of the outdoor portion of an HVAC unit to pull in outside air. This air will then be heated or cooled by the indoor portion of the unit based on the thermostat settings.

During the fall and winter months, lots of debris can start building up around the outside portion of your unit. Leaving this debris in place can affect how well your HVAC system functions during the hotter months of the year. This is why you need to realize the importance of cleaning the outside portion of your HVAC system.

Large amounts of debris can clog up your condenser, which can lead to your unit getting overworked. If you consistently overwork your unit, it will lead to it wearing out prematurely. Taking the time to clear the debris from around the outside portion of your unit can help you avoid problems in the summer months. If you don’t have the time or tools to get this cleaning done on your own, reaching out to a reputable air condition repair company is a good idea.

2. Make Sure Air Is Flowing Through Your HVAC System

A residential HVAC unit needs a few basic things to operate properly. One of the main things it needs is the proper amount of airflow. There are many things that can prohibit the flow of air in and out of your unit. When these obstructions are present, your HVAC unit will be unable to work efficiently. This is why you need to take the time to check things like your vents and air filter to ensure air is flowing properly.

When the outside portion of your unit pulls in air, things like dirt, pollen, and dust will enter your system. It is the job of your air filter to remove these pollutants. You need to realize that most HVAC air filters have a shelf life. Most HVAC repair experts recommend replacing these air filters once every two months.

If you want to improve HVAC airflow, you also need to invest in professional duct cleaning. Not only will this duct cleaning help with airflow, but it can also remove pollutants from your indoor air supply.

3. Check Your Condensation Drain

Most people are unaware of just how much condensation a residential HVAC unit can create. When this condensation is created, it will need to be removed before it enters the ductwork. The condensation drain built into your unit will help to remove the water inside of your unit. If this drain works properly, you won’t have to worry about water making its way into your ductwork or other parts of your unit.

Over time, the lines attached to this drain will start to clog up with dirt and other debris. Allowing your drain to back up can result in lots of water damage. One of the best ways to remove clogs from your condensation drain is by using a wet-dry vacuum. If you can’t remove the clogs on your own, hiring an HVAC technician to address this issue is a great idea.

4. Have Refrigerant Levels Checked

Another important thing your unit needs to help you beat the summer heat is the proper amount of refrigerant. This refrigerant is used to cool down the warm air drawn in from the outside portion of your unit. A number of things can lead to your refrigerant levels getting lower. Before the hot weather of summer arrives, you need to hire an HVAC technician to come in and check your refrigerant levels.

If these levels are low, a technician will be able to pinpoint the source of your refrigerant leaks. Once they fix this leak, they will refill your unit. Attempting to fix this serious problem on your own will only make matters worse. This is why you need to realize the importance of seeking out professional help.

5. Fix Drafts Before Summer Arrives

Allowing all of the air cooled by your HVAC unit to escape through drafts in your home can be extremely expensive. Not only will this lead to higher energy consumption rates, but it will also cause your unit to get overworked. This is why spending some time finding and fixing the drafts in your home is vital.

In most cases, these drafts will be around the doors and windows in your home. One of the most effective ways to seal up these is by using a tube of caulk. You might also want to get a roll of weatherstripping tape to seal up around drafty garage doors and exterior doors. If you can’t seal up these drafts, then you might have to replace the door or window in question.

Now that you know more about how to get your HVAC unit ready for summer, it is time to get to work. Enlisting the help of an experienced HVAC technician can help you ensure your unit is running at peak efficiency.