Summer is finally here.
Whether that’s music to your ears or you feel the sweat beading on your forehead at the thought of “highs in the mid to upper 80s,” you need to know your HVAC system is ready for the season.
So, before you crank up your air conditioning, here are some simple steps to keep your HVAC unit running at peak performance.
Check your thermostat settings
Don’t let perceived trouble with your heating and cooling result in an embarrassing phone call to a service tech. Incorrect settings on a thermostat are both common and easy to make. So, before you do anything else when an issue with your AC comes up, be sure to check if your system is on “cooling” and set to your desired temperature range.
Replace your air filter
This is another easy way to make sure your HVAC is running as well as possible. A good routine is to change your filter every season to ensure the air circulating in your home is clean and free of harmful allergens and contaminants.
Clear area around your HVAC unit
After a spring filled with pollen, seeds, and “good Lord where did those come from” weeds, clear any debris or plant growth around your outdoor HVAC unit. This will allow clean air to flow freely from the unit into your home. A good rule of thumb is to keep two feet around the unit clear and sweep or spray with a water hose to remove debris attached to the unit itself.
Open all vents
Your AC unit was installed and sized to fit the exact spaces in your home. That means your HVAC system is built to accommodate very specific air pressure ranges for particular rooms. If the vents are closed, it restricts air flow and drops performance as well as creates the possibility of overheating. Open up the vents, don’t block them with furniture, and let your valuable system get to work for you.
Perform a test run
If you haven’t already, turn on your air conditioning and listen for noises that sound suspicious or aren’t in line with a smooth operating system. Identifying areas of your home where air is not easily flowing can go a long way toward identifying a potential issue.
Check and clear HVAC unit drainage line
Your HVAC unit removes moisture through a small drain pipe, which over time can become blocked with debris. This prevents the unit from reducing the indoor humidity, which we all know can be brutal in East Tennessee.
You can address a clogged line with a shop vac, or by pouring a cup of bleach in the access opening for the drain line to prevent a buildup of algae and mildew.
Schedule a maintenance appointment
This is the best and simplest way to get the summer started right. Your annual maintenance appointment with a certified technician from a reputable HVAC company is the most important thing that you can do to prolong the life of your air conditioning system and increase its efficiency.
HVAC Company in Knoxville, TN
At City Heating and Air Conditioning, we offer an annual service plan that is unrivaled in East Tennessee. So, whether your heating and cooling needs routine maintenance or you’re ready for a new HVAC installation, City Heating and Air Conditioning has everything you need to enjoy the summer season.
We’re proud to provide Knoxville, TN, and the surrounding areas with exemplary heating and cooling services and have worked hard to build a reputation of outstanding customer service and satisfaction. Our HVAC company offers HVAC maintenance, installation, and repairs for a variety of HVAC systems. Learn more about our HVAC services by calling us today at 865-938-1005.