7 Summer HVAC Tips for Homeowners

Hickory Heating and Cooling

May 18, 2022

The summer is right around the corner, and with it, high temperatures. If your HVAC system doesn't work as it could, hot and humid temperatures can make indoor life unbearable. At Hickory Heating and Cooling, we ensure your HVAC system keeps you cool even during the dog days of summer.

For decades, we've been happy to offer our HVAC services in Hickory, NC, to the community. We provide end-to-end coverage of your entire heating and cooling system. Our team keeps you warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

However, it's important for homeowners like you to take proactive steps to maintain your HVAC systems. These steps include scheduling regular maintenance visits from our professionals. You should also look out for warning signs of potential trouble.

Read on to learn our best summer HVAC tips for a well-functioning HVAC system.

Stay on Top of Potential HVAC Issues

In the summer, your air conditioner spends a lot of time in active mode. During the hottest months of the year, your AC works hard to keep your home at the temperature levels you choose. Because it runs so frequently in the summer, you should keep a close eye on anything that might interrupt its operation.

Take the following steps to keep your system running smoothly during the hot season.

#1. Start Your Season with a Check-Up

As your furnace works hard during the winter, your air conditioning system generally takes a long break. Because your air conditioner stays inactive for months, it’s best to test-run it in the spring to ensure it works as it should. Moreover, it's a good idea to have an experienced HVAC technician give the system a spring cleaning and check-up.

Skilled HVAC technicians can find any issues that may have developed over the winter due to inactivity. HVAC experts can also replace any parts that show signs of damage or aging. Plus, they also run the unit to check for any system-related issues or inefficiencies.

#2. Keep Your Ductwork Healthy

Your HVAC ductwork carries air to and from the system. To make sure it continues delivering conditioned air, you should have your duct system cleaned from time to time. Over months of service, the ducts and the filters inside them collect plenty of dust and other pollutants.

Clogged ductwork reduces the efficiency, air flow, and cooling capacity of your entire system. In addition to accumulating debris, your air conditioning ducts can also form leaks. When leaks occur, they allow air to escape from the system, lowering efficiency and raising your energy bills.

When experiencing leaks, it's best to contact a professional who can use air duct sealing equipment.

#3. Upgrade Your System If Necessary

As durable as your air conditioner might be, it will one day stop operating. Before that happens, it may show signs of an impending failure.

If your HVAC system is of middle age, it is probably cost-effective to repair most types of damage. However, if it is decades old, it is probably a smarter financial choice to look into a new system.

Modern systems are more efficient than ever, with many Energy Star models rating especially high. Therefore, even though you’ll pay more upfront, these units will save you ample money in utility costs each year.

#4. Get a Modern Thermostat

If you plan to buy a new HVAC unit, consider a model with the latest smart technology accompanying most new systems. If you have an older system, the thermostat that came with it may not be of the smart variety. To get maximum efficiency and comfort out of your system, you may want to invest in programmable or smart thermostat upgrades.

Programmable thermostats allow your system to maintain different temperature levels at various times of the day. For example, you might set a programmable thermostat to run at its coldest around noon and at warmer temperatures during evening hours. Smart thermostats take this concept further, using predictive technologies that get to know your habits over time.

With smart thermostats, you stay at optimal comfort levels with little effort on your part. Your thermostat will also help you save significant money by automatically modifying the temperature.

#5. Ensure Your Home Is Energy Efficient

One of the top, yet lesser-known summer HVAC tips is making sure your home has robust insulation. No matter how powerful your heating or cooling system, its efforts will not amount to much if your house is badly insulated. Conversely, even relatively small HVAC units can keep well-insulated homes comfortable in both the summer and the winter.

To get more out of your AC over the summer months, ensure that your windows, walls, and attic are properly insulated. If you suspect poor insulation, contact a professional insulation company to outfit your home with modern insulation.

#6. Clean the Filters You Can Reach

Your HVAC system contains filters in various places to keep the system and your indoor air clean. Some of these filters are deep inside machinery or otherwise inaccessible to non-professionals. However, you can reach many filters without needing special tools.

Make sure that you regularly inspect and clean these filters as prescribed by the manufacturer. If you clean them regularly, you can count on increased efficiency and comfort for you and your family.

#7. Invest in Regular Maintenance Services

Because air conditioners work so frequently during the summer months, their moving parts and other components can wear down more quickly. Even though these units are durable, certain components wear out more quickly than others. By scheduling regular maintenance visits from HVAC technicians, you ensure performance monitoring of your entire system.

As you can see from these summer HVAC tips, you can do a lot to keep your AC system healthy. However, you don't need to go it alone. At Hickory Heating and Cooling, we'll put our seven decades of experience at your service.

Want the best quality for jobs like duct repair and replacement services in Hickory, NC? Want to learn more about our AC repair services? Call us now at 828-618-4887.

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Are you wondering why your heating system isn't as efficient as it should be? It might be something as simple yet crucial as a missing component in your HVAC system. For instance, does a furnace condensate drain need a trap? In short, yes, your furnace condensate drain does need a trap. Whether your furnace is malfunctioning or you want to learn more about how your heating system works, it's important to know about the different components in your furnace. In this guide, our team at Hickory Heating & Cooling will explain the importance of a trap in a furnace condensate drain. If you're looking for " furnace replacement near me ," our team is just a phone call away. The Role of the Trap for Condensate Drains A trap for a condensate drain is not just an add-on; it's a necessity for your furnace's efficiency and functionality. This small device plays a significant role in maintaining the pressure balance within your HVAC system. The condensate drain trap prevents air from entering or escaping the drain line, ensuring that your furnace operates as intended. Without it, you're essentially leaving a window open while the AC runs, leading to energy loss and decreased efficiency. Why Your HVAC System Needs Proper Condensate Removal Effective condensate (moisture) removal is critical in HVAC systems, especially in high-efficiency gas furnaces. The process of heating generates condensation, which the system must drain away. Without a proper drainage system, including a trap, this condensation can cause water damage, mold growth, and reduced system efficiency. Ensuring your system has a well-functioning condensate drain and trap is a key aspect of furnace maintenance. Understanding Plumbing Requirements for HVAC Systems Does a furnace condensate drain need a trap? Your furnace relies on several different components to deliver the heat your home needs to remain comfortable when the weather chills. The plumbing requirements for HVAC systems encompass a range of critical factors that contribute to the overall performance and safety of your heating and cooling units. These requirements are designed to address various aspects of system operation, from water management to air quality control. Here's a closer look at the key components and their roles: Condensate Drain and Trap: The condensate drain channels moisture away from the HVAC unit, while the trap prevents backflow. This setup is essential for preventing water damage and maintaining the system's integrity. Vent Pipes: These pipes are crucial for safely expelling exhaust gases and fumes outside the home. Proper installation and maintenance ensure harmful gases do not accumulate indoors. Air Filters: Positioned within the HVAC system, air filters capture dust, pollen, and other airborne particles. Regular replacement or cleaning of these filters is vital for maintaining air quality and system efficiency. Ductwork: This network of tubes is responsible for distributing air throughout the home. Leaks or poor installation can lead to energy loss and uneven heating or cooling. Pressure Relief Valves: These valves are safety features that prevent excessive pressure buildup in the HVAC system, reducing the risk of damage or accidents. Each of these components plays a crucial role in the overall functionality of your HVAC system. They work together to ensure not only the efficient flow of water and air but also to safeguard the system against potential hazards like gas leaks and pressure buildups. Understanding and maintaining these aspects of your HVAC plumbing are key to ensuring a safe, efficient, and comfortable home environment. Furnace Maintenance: More Than Just a Check-Up Regular furnace maintenance goes beyond simple check-ups. It involves ensuring all components, including the condensate drain and trap, are functioning correctly. This not only prolongs the life of your furnace but also ensures it runs efficiently, saving you money on energy bills in the long run. For more detailed insights on maintaining your furnace and boiler systems, explore these energy-saving tips . Contact the Furnace Experts at Hickory Heating & Cooling So, does a furnace condensate drain need a trap? Absolutely. A trap is essential for maintaining the efficiency and safety of your HVAC system. At Hickory Heating & Cooling, we understand the intricacies of furnace systems and the importance of every component. If you need furnace repairs , our team is here to ensure your system runs at its best. Our expertise in HVAC systems ensures that your heating and cooling needs are met with the highest standards. For more information, give us a call at (828) 373-8896 . Hickory Heating & Cooling is here to answer your questions, like "Does a furnace condensate drain need a trap?" and more.