Picture it. It’s a humid August afternoon in South Florida. You just finished mowing the lawn. Then, you walk into your home to cool yourself off from the hot summer weather. You suddenly realize your air conditioning unit isn’t working and you start to feel the inside of your home slowly roast. It’s a nightmare that many homeowners dread, but it’s also been a reality for others. If you’d like to avoid a scenario like this, then it’s time to learn how to prepare your HVAC for summer. Most homeowners forget that they can take certain actions to prevent issues before they start. That’s why we’ve composed this list of the top five ways to conduct preventative maintenance for your HVAC.

1. Schedule a Check-Up with a Professional

Even homeowners that are knowledgable in how the HVAC system works will still schedule regular check-ups with professionals. It’s always great to schedule these check-ups before summer starts. If you feel unsure about doing an HVAC check-up on your own, then it’s an even better reason to schedule an inspection with professionals. Experienced residential technicians know what to look for and can identify potential issues before they start. They can get your home ready for summer by conducting preventative maintenance for your HVAC that you may not be able to handle yourself.

2. Change Out the Filter Regularly

Filters are used on HVAC units to collect small particles of dust and dirt so they don’t flow through to your home. It helps to keep your air quality clean. It’s one of the easiest ways to maintain an HVAC unit, but unfortunately, the average homeowner doesn’t clean them out as often as they should. There are a few different types of filters. Your unit may have a disposable filter or a filter that should be cleaned and replaced. If you have a disposable filter, it’s highly recommended to change them out once a month. This is especially true during summer months when your HVAC unit is running high and collecting more dirt and dust than normal. This is probably one of the easiest tasks that you can do to conduct preventative maintenance for your HVAC.

3. Clear Condensation Drain Lines

Let’s not forget that HVAC units not only cool your home, but they’re also built to remove moisture from the home as well. There’s a condensation line that collects this moisture through a pipe that runs out of the unit. All that moisture can cause mold and mildew to form around the pipe. It’s important to clean out the line to remove any dangerous mold or mildew that can contaminate your air. You can do this by pouring a cup of bleach through the line to kill any bacteria. Cleaning the line is a very important step HVAC is ready for summer.

4. Check Area Around the HVAC Unit and the Concrete Slab Underneath It

It’s also important to do a quick check around your A/C unit to make sure that there are no obstructions. Tree branches, shrubs, or other debris from storms could be blocking the airflow around the unit. These blockages could cause the compressor to malfunction or overheat. Many homeowners forget to check the concrete slab that’s under the unit as well. If the slab of concrete underneath the unit is off or slanted, it will cause the HVAC unit to work harder. By using a level, make sure that the concrete is even and the HVAC unit is centered and balanced. Sometimes a good way to conduct preventative maintenance for your HVAC is to simply remember to inspect the area around it once a month.

5. Check for Leaky Ducts and A/C Vents Around Your Home

In addition to an uneven slab, leaky ducts can also make your A/C unit work harder than it has to. Make sure you’re sealing any portions of the ducts that appear to be leaking. It’s also important to look for holes or tears in the ducts and seal those as well. Go through your home and check each vent for blockages. This might be a good time to remove the vents and clean each one. This can help assure you and your family that the air flowing through each room is clean.

For More Tips on Conducting Preventative Maintenance for Your HVAC

If you’d like more tips on preparing your home for the summer heat, call the professionals! If you find major issues when preparing your HVAC for the heat, it might a good idea to get an upgrade. The summer temperatures are not only uncomfortable, but they can be dangerous if you live in a place like South Florida. Contact the professionals in residential A/C service and repair in Delray Beach. They can identify any issues and properly repair your HVAC or install a new one. Give them a call today to schedule an appointment!

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