HVAC Maintenance Tips For Summer

With an average daily high of 95 degrees during the Georgia summer, staying cool can be a struggle. In addition to loading up on lots of lemonade and freezer pops, you will need your AC more than ever. Parker’s Heating and Air is committed to keeping your family comfortable year-round, even during the scorching summer months. Follow these tips to maximize your cooling and avoid the heat. 

• Check the Filter–Air filters need to be replaced at least every three months. If you have pets or suffer from allergies, you may need to change it more frequently. When your air filter is dirty, your air quality will suffer and your HVAC system will not have the proper airflow. Your entire unit can have problems without proper airflow. Changing an air filter is simple and can be completed DIY style in most cases.
• Make Sure Your Vents and Condenser Are Clear–Your vents and condenser need to be clear to function properly and maintain efficiency. If you have furniture blocking your vents, rearrange to allow for better airflow. Check your condenser outside to make sure that you have two feet of clearance on all sides. You may have to trim back plants if they are growing too close to the unit. This simple step will help you avoid higher energy bills by ensuring the proper airflow. 
• Upgrade To A Programmable Thermostat–A programmable thermostat allows you to save money on cooling costs without cutting into your comfort. For example, you can schedule your unit to come on in time to cool your home before you return from work. This saves money because you will not be cooling your home the entire time you are away for no reason. Some systems can even be controlled remotely, so you can adjust your temperature before you arrive home. A programmable thermostat will help you save money on cooling this summer without asking your family to be uncomfortable in a warm home. 
• Utilize Window Coverings–Do you have a lot of windows in your home? Although they welcome beautiful natural light, they can also allow the heat of the afternoon to penetrate the glass and make your home warmer. This can force your HVAC unit to work harder to cool your home, which could overexert your system and raise your bills. Using curtains or blinds can help minimize the intense afternoon heat.
• Use Ceiling Fans–Your ceiling fans can help circulate the cool air around your home and prevent heat buildup on the top floor of your home. Make sure that your ceiling fans are rotating clockwise, so they can direct the heat back down. Using ceiling fans can help keep your home more comfortable and prevent your HVAC system from becoming overworked. 
• Schedule Maintenance Visit–The summer season is an intense workout for your HVAC system. Scheduling a professional maintenance visit is wise to keep your unit running smoothly all season long. Our team will clean and inspect all aspects of your HVAC system, making certain that your system is functioning properly. We recommend a maintenance visit at least once per year to ensure that your unit is operating properly and efficiently. An inefficient unit will run up your utility bills and may fail prematurely due to overworking. 

If you need help keeping cool this summer, call on Parker’s Heating and Air. We will make sure that your unit is ready to handle the heat.