Temperatures in Minnesota can climb into the 90s during the summer, but you don’t have to sweat it. As the summer months approach, ensuring your HVAC system runs efficiently will keep your home comfortable and your energy bills manageable. Proper HVAC maintenance not only enhances cooling efficiency but also extends the lifespan of your system.
Here are some summer HVAC tips from Schwantes to help you beat the heat and enjoy a cool, comfortable home all season long.
1. Optimize Thermostat Settings
Adjusting your thermostat settings can considerably impact your energy usage and the HVAC’s cooling efficiency. Set your thermostat to a higher temperature when you’re away from home and lower it when you return. You can also install a programmable or smart thermostat that automatically adjusts the temperature based on your schedule.
2. Clean or Replace Air Filters
One of the most straightforward summer HVAC tips is to replace or clean your air filters regularly. Clogged or dirty filters can reduce your system’s efficiency, forcing it to work harder and consume more energy. Clean filters improve airflow, enhance indoor air quality, and reduce strain on your HVAC system.
3. Clear Your Outdoor Unit
Over time, your HVAC system’s outdoor unit accumulates dirt, leaves, and debris, obstructing airflow and straining the unit. Keep the area around the unit clear of blockage, and gently clean the fins and coils with a hose. Cleaning the outdoor unit so it’s unobstructed helps maintain optimal cooling efficiency and prolongs its lifespan.
4. Check and Seal Ductwork
Inspect your ductwork for any visible leaks or damage and seal them with duct tape or mastic sealant. Insulating your ducts prevents cool air from escaping and ensures it reaches the intended destination. Properly sealed and insulated ductwork improves cooling efficiency and enhances overall system performance.
5. Check Refrigerant Levels
If you notice that your system isn’t cooling effectively, it might be due to low refrigerant. Low refrigerant levels can significantly impact your HVAC system’s cooling efficiency and ability to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures. Proper refrigerant levels ensure your system provides consistent cooling. Contact Schwantes to check and replenish refrigerant levels.
6. Insulate Your Home
Proper insulation helps maintain a cool indoor environment and reduces the strain on your HVAC system. Check your home’s insulation, especially in the attic and walls, to ensure it meets the recommended levels. Insulating your home helps keep the cool air inside and prevents hot air from infiltrating, enhancing overall cooling efficiency and reducing energy consumption.
7. Perform Regular Maintenance
Routine maintenance keeps your HVAC system running efficiently throughout the summer. While we recommend professional inspections, there are maintenance tasks you can perform yourself.
As mentioned on this list, you can:
- Regularly check and replace air filters
- Clean the outdoor unit
- Ensure that all vents and registers are open and unobstructed
- Maintain ideal refrigerant levels
Regular maintenance improves cooling efficiency and helps prevent unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs. But you don’t have to do it alone! If you’re unsure how to handle your HVAC unit…
8. Schedule a Professional HVAC Inspection!
Before the summer heat hits its peak, schedule a professional HVAC inspection. A Schwantes HVAC technician can thoroughly check your system for any issues, clean critical components, and make necessary adjustments to ensure optimal performance. Contact us at 651-439-3331 to keep you cool during the hottest days of the year.
More Tips for Keeping Cool
Ceiling fans improve air circulation and make your home feel cooler without lowering the thermostat. Using ceiling fans lets you set your thermostat a few degrees higher, reducing the workload on your HVAC system. Remember: ceiling fans should rotate counterclockwise during the summer, creating a wind-chill effect that cools the room.
Sunlight streaming through windows can significantly increase indoor temperatures, making your HVAC system work harder to cool your home. Use blinds, curtains, or shades to block out direct sunlight during the hottest parts of the day. Reflective or blackout curtains are particularly effective in reducing heat gain and maintaining a cooler indoor environment.
Schwantes Can Help!
By following these summer HVAC tips, you can enhance cooling efficiency, reduce energy costs, and enjoy a comfortable home during the hottest months of the year. Regular maintenance and proactive measures will keep your HVAC system in shape and contribute to a more sustainable and cost-effective cooling solution.
Beat the heat this summer by prioritizing your HVAC system’s care and reaping the benefits of a well-maintained, efficient cooling system with the help of Schwantes.
