Before you know it summer will be here and it will be time to turn on your air conditioner. However, it is important to do a bit of maintenance and preparation work to help ensure that your system is ready to run efficiently and keep your family cool all summer long. Let the experts at Meade HVAC in Chester Springs help you with our excellent services and these helpful summer HVAC tips.

Maintenance

There are many benefits to ensuring your air conditioner receives preventative maintenance before summer begins. The first is that your system will run efficiently and keep your energy bills low. The second is that you have peace of mind knowing that your air conditioner will work when you need it most. Finally, your system will function properly to keep your home comfortable.

There is nothing like the feeling of walking into a cool home on a hot summer’s day. If you want to reap these benefits, heed these AC summer tips from Meade HVAC.

Change Your Filter

Changing your air filter is an essential part of summer HVAC maintenance that is often overlooked. Your air filter is responsible for removing dust, dirt, and other airborne particles from your home’s air, which not only keeps the air quality high but also prevents your HVAC system from overworking.

Over time, your filter can become clogged with debris, making it harder for your HVAC system to circulate air. This can result in higher energy bills, reduced indoor air quality, and even system breakdowns. By changing your air filter regularly, you can keep your HVAC system running efficiently and effectively all summer long, while also improving the air quality in your home.

As a rule of thumb, you should replace or clean your filter every month. Some higher-quality filters do last longer, but it is still a good idea to at least check them once per month. When the filter is covered in a layer of dust, it needs to be cleaned or replaced.

Schedule Preventative Maintenance with Meade HVAC

Scheduling preventative maintenance for your air conditioner before summer begins is a smart AC summer tip that can save you a lot of headaches down the road. No one wants to be stuck with a broken air conditioner in the middle of a scorching hot summer day, right? By having a Meade HVAC technician perform a thorough checkup and tune-up on your AC unit, you can ensure that it’s running at peak efficiency and catch any potential issues before they turn into major problems.

Additionally, regular maintenance can extend the lifespan of your unit, lower your energy bills, and improve the air quality in your home. So why wait until something goes wrong? Take the initiative and schedule preventative maintenance for your air conditioner today, and you’ll thank yourself later when you’re relaxing in cool comfort while everyone else is sweating it out.

When you schedule air conditioner maintenance with Meade HVAC, a knowledgeable technician will inspect, clean, and make any necessary adjustments to your unit. If we notice any issues, we will alert you and repair it with your permission.

Consider Air Duct Cleaning

While you’re thinking about summer HVAC maintenance, don’t forget to consider air duct maintenance as well. Over time, air ducts can accumulate dust, dirt, allergens, and other debris that can reduce the efficiency of your HVAC system and lower the air quality in your home.

By having your air ducts cleaned by Meade HVAC, you can improve the overall performance of your HVAC system and enhance the air quality in your home. It’s especially important for people with allergies or respiratory issues to have clean air ducts, as dirty air ducts can worsen their symptoms. So, if you haven’t considered air duct maintenance as part of your summer HVAC maintenance routine, now is the perfect time.

Generally, you will need to have your air ducts cleaned every 8-10 years. However, if you have pets, someone with allergies in your home, or if your family tracks in a lot of dirt, you will want to do so more often. It is also important to have this service performed by a professional as only they have the proper tools to reach into your air ducts and retrieve a majority of the debris.

Seal Up Cracks and Air Leaks

Sealing up cracks and air leaks is another important summer HVAC tip that can make a big difference in the comfort and energy efficiency of your home. Cracks and air leaks can allow cool air to escape your home, forcing your HVAC system to work harder to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. This not only drives up your energy bills but also puts unnecessary wear and tear on your HVAC system. By sealing up cracks and air leaks with weatherstripping, caulking, or other materials, you can prevent cool air from escaping and hot air from entering your home.

Clean the Area Around the AC Unit

Over time, dirt, debris, leaves, and other objects can accumulate around your units and clog the airflow. This forces your HVAC system to work harder and use more energy to cool your home. Some objects like sticks can also damage some of the parts of your unit. This not only increases your energy bills but also puts unnecessary strain on your HVAC system, leading to breakdowns and costly repairs. This is a simple step that can make a big difference in the performance and longevity of your HVAC system. So, be sure to keep the area around your units clean and free from debris.

Settings

When the days get hotter, you will want to find the perfect settings to balance keeping your home comfortable, but also keep your energy bills low. If you have a Smart Thermostat or programmable thermostat, you will also want to adjust the daily schedule as needed.

Where Should I Set It?

Setting your thermostat during the summer in Pennsylvania can be a bit of a balancing act. You want to keep your home cool and comfortable, but you also don’t want to run up your energy bills. As a general rule of thumb, you should aim to set your thermostat to around 78 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer months. This temperature is comfortable enough to keep you cool, but not so cold that you’re wasting energy and money. Of course, everyone’s comfort level is different, so you may need to adjust your thermostat up or down a few degrees depending on your personal preferences.

Another tip is to use a programmable thermostat, which can automatically adjust the temperature when you’re not home or sleeping, helping you save even more on your energy bills.

Program a Schedule

Creating a schedule for your programmable thermostat during the summer can help you save money on your energy bills while keeping your home cool and comfortable. The key is to program your thermostat to adjust the temperature when you’re not home or sleeping. For example, you can set your thermostat to automatically raise the temperature by a few degrees during the day when you’re at work or running errands, and then lower it back down before you come home. This helps your HVAC system run less often, which can reduce your energy bills and prolong the lifespan of your system.

You can also program your thermostat to adjust the temperature at night while you’re sleeping, so you don’t have to worry about waking up in a hot, stuffy room. By creating a schedule for your programmable thermostat that fits your lifestyle and preferences, you can enjoy a more comfortable home while saving money on your energy bills all summer long.

Air Quality

The final aspect to pay attention to when it comes to summer HVAC tips is air quality. When the quality of the air is good, you and your family can live happier and healthier. There are multiple ways to improve the air quality in your home.

Dehumidifiers

Using a dehumidifier during the summer can be a great way to improve the indoor air quality of your home. High humidity levels can make your home feel stuffy and uncomfortable, and can even contribute to the growth of mold and mildew. By using a dehumidifier, you can remove excess moisture from the air, making your home feel cooler and more comfortable. This can also help reduce the growth of mold and mildew, which can improve the air quality in your home and reduce the risk of respiratory issues. Additionally, using a dehumidifier can help reduce the workload on your HVAC system, which can help prolong its lifespan and reduce your energy bills.

Fans

Fans can be a great way to improve the airflow and air quality in your home during the summer months. By using a fan, you can help circulate the air in your home, which can make it feel cooler and more comfortable. Additionally, using a fan can help improve indoor air quality by circulating stale air out of your home and bringing fresh air in. This can help reduce the concentration of indoor air pollutants like dust, allergens, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making your home a healthier and more comfortable place to be.

Windows

Investing in new windows or window treatments can be a great way to prepare for summer and save energy in your home. New windows with energy-efficient features like low-e coatings and multiple panes can help keep the heat out during the summer months, which can reduce the workload on your HVAC system and save you money on your energy bills.

Additionally, installing window treatments like shades, blinds, or curtains can also help block out the sun and keep your home cooler. This can help reduce the amount of energy needed to cool your home, which can lead to significant savings over time.

When the weather is still cool enough, you can also open your windows to improve the airflow and get some fresh air flowing throughout your home. This will give your air conditioner a break while helping you save on your utility bills.

Cleaning

Cleaning your home can be a great way to improve the air quality inside your house during the summer months. Dust, pollen, pet dander, and other indoor air pollutants can accumulate in your home over time, leading to poor air quality and potential health issues. By vacuuming, dusting, and wiping down surfaces regularly, you can help remove these pollutants and improve the overall air quality in your home. Additionally, washing bedding and other textiles can help remove allergens and pollutants that can accumulate in fabrics.

Meade HVAC Has the Summer HVAC Tips You Need!

Taking steps to maintain your HVAC system during the summer months can not only help you stay cool and comfortable but can also help save you money and improve the air quality in your home. From scheduling preventative maintenance with Meade HVAC to using a programmable thermostat and cleaning your home regularly, there are many simple things you can do to keep your HVAC system running smoothly and efficiently all summer long. So if you want to stay comfortable and save money this summer, be sure to follow these summer HVAC tips and make the most of your system!