HVAC Do’s and Don’ts Before Summer Hits
It’s that time of year when many homeowners are preparing for some fun in the sun. But it’s also an important time to be sure all of your home systems are ready to handle the added workload that comes with soaring temps.
Certainly, a home’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system is one mechanism that does some heavy lifting during the summer season. Here, a Service Experts specialist shares seven strategies to take into account when preparing your air conditioner for summer.
Do Get an HVAC Tune-Up
A biannual HVAC tune-up can act as protection against future problems. Even though anything can happen when a system is running a lot during extreme weather, getting your AC, furnace and other HVAC components tuned up before maintenance crews get busy during the sweltering summer season can certainly help you head off costly repairs in the future. Plus, it also offers a status check for how your system is currently operating. Annual maintenance also may help keep your valuable manufacturer’s warranty active, which aids you in case a key component goes bad during the warranty period.

“Tightening electrical components, cleaning condensate lines, cleaning the outdoor and indoor coils, and lubricating necessary components, it’s all part of the annual checkup we do,” said Service Experts Field Operations Manager Mike Carson. “And, we’ll change your air filters and answer any questions you may have too. It’s the best small investment any homeowner can make this time of year.”
Don’t Postpone Repairs
When a specialist advises repairs during a tune-up or if they occur unexpectedly, some homeowners think they can stretch out the use of the part or component for “just one more summer.” This mindset, however, only leads to more pricey repairs in the future.

“Clogged lines, dirty filters, low refrigerant (Freon), loose or broken parts, you name it, it all contributes to how efficiently your system runs. It’s always best to address problems when they arise to keep it operating to its full potential,” Carson emphasized.
Do Upgrade Your Thermostat
If you haven’t already bought one, upgrading to a smart thermostat may minimize wear and tear on your heating and cooling equipment. Consider this: Energy savings estimates can run from as low as 12% a year to greater than 20%. Your best option is to go with an Energy Star®-certified thermostat, Carson advised, and ask an HVAC pro about how to set cooling times that align with your daily habits. In some locations, you also may have the ability to take advantage of lower electricity rates during off-peak hours.
Don’t Use an Overly Restrictive Air Filter
Consistently changing your air filter is critical; however, there are a wide variety of different filters to choose from. Some can be tremendously restrictive, promising to remove all viruses and contaminants. While they may efficiently remove many contaminants, these highly restrictive filters might also slow airflow and very well could make your unit work harder. When you schedule your tune-up, it’s a good idea to ask the mechanic for a recommendation, Carson added.
Do De-Clutter and Eliminate Obstructions
This is not simply a tip about household clutter, but more about removing the airflow obstructions inside and outside of your home. First, in your home’s interior, if air vents are hindered by furniture or household items, that can restrict the flow of air into that room or location. That means your air conditioning will be forced to run longer to get the air temperature to the number set on your thermostat.
The other location where obstructions can cause trouble is around your condenser coil outside the residence. Some homeowners see these as an eyesore and try to cover them up with shrubs or even build structures or other landscaping. Not a good idea!

“Obstructions to units and vents on the inside and outside of the home can be both an efficiency and safety concern,” Carson remarked. “Covering up or blocking return air vents, where the system draws in the air inside the home is another common problem we see. These things can be like asking your system to work harder while wearing a very heavy face mask.”
Don’t Ignore Your Air Ducts
Clean air ducts are indispensable to the condition of your property—and the people who are living in it. Pollen and airborne contaminants from sprays, cooking, candles, fireplaces and off-gassing items can all reside inside your air ducts and cause issues for people living with asthma and allergies.
Here are a few indicators your home could need an air duct cleaning:
- Mold was found in the home or on the inside of the AC.
- Dust blows out of vents when the blower is turned on.
- A renovation involving considerable dust has recently been done.
Do Consider a High-Efficiency AC Upgrade
If your HVAC equipment is close to the end of its life, replacing it with a modern, high-efficiency system before the hot summer weather is here can be better than waiting for “just one more summer.” Though that has always been true, it’s more true today than ever before.