Introduction
The beginning of spring can be hectic as the days get warmer, plants start to grow, and everything seems to get a little busier. Spring brings along mild weather, and since it’s Missouri, it doesn’t seem like it can ever make up its mind on what temperature it wants to be. One day, you might be forced to run your furnace on full blast because of frigid weather, and the next day, you might find that your air conditioner kicks on because the sun decided to show its face.
While that is true for spring, summer tends to be a little more consistent. Summers are hot and humid, and it’s not uncommon for the weather to reach 90° F. Air conditioning is a must—at least for Bill our mascot. He is far too fuzzy to handle Missouri’s brutal heat, and he shouldn’t have to as a valued Partney Heating and Cooling employee.
While it may be early to think about summer, it’s not too early to start preparing your HVAC system for it. After all, you do not want to be without air conditioning on a hot day. That’s why in this blog post, we discuss three easy ways to prepare your HVAC system for summer. If you have any questions after reading or want more HVAC tips, feel free to leave a comment below.
1. Change Your Filter
Has it been a while since you have changed your filter in your HVAC system? If it has, your filter may be clogged. A clogged filter can reduce the amount of cool air coming from your air conditioner and stop it from working on a hot summer day. Yikes!
Now you might be wondering, “How do I know when to change my HVAC filter?”
That depends on several factors:
- How thick your filter
- If you live in a dusty environment
- If you have health conditions
- If you smoke
- If you own pets (Bill would argue this isn’t an important factor, but we disagree)
- What your filter’s manufacturer says
Now, the first point can be a little hard to explain, but it boils down to this: the thicker your filter is, the longer you should be able to go without changing it. For example, if you have a six-inch HVAC filter, you should only have to change it every six months—excluding other factors. Most HVAC systems have a one-inch filter, and in those cases, we recommend changing it at least once a month.
According to Angi.com, the average cost to replace an HVAC filter in 2024 is $20. Most HVAC systems only have one filter for both the air conditioner and furnace, so you shouldn’t have to worry about buying multiples when it is time for maintenance.
Replacing your filter is a great way to prepare your HVAC system for summer and save you money in the long run. No one likes paying an expensive HVAC bill, especially during summer when most people are taking vacations. You should be spending your summer relaxing in your home instead of worrying about your air conditioner going out.
2. Clear the Clutter Around Your Units
Now, cleaning around your HVAC units may not be what you think of for spring cleaning, but it’s an essential part of making sure your system runs efficiently. So clear away the leaves, wipe off the dust, and help give your HVAC system the best chance it’s got at running well.
For your outdoor units, make sure to keep plants at least two feet away. Trim any shrubs or vines that might be growing too close to them. Also, take advantage of shade! Trane says that “by strategically placing trees, shrubs, or hedges around your HVAC unit, you can create a natural barrier that helps to deflect wind and insulate the system.” These plants can help protect your units from the sun by casting shade on them.
For your indoor units, keep flammable objects, fuel, cleaning products, furniture, and paint away. These items have a chance of getting damaged or catching fire. Furthermore, if they are blocking your units, they are reducing the airflow. Anything that blocks your units and reduces airflow will force your HVAC system to work harder. As your HVAC system is forced to work harder, its lifespan is reduced.
3. Have Your HVAC System Serviced
Before the weather outside gets so hot that you can fry an egg on the sidewalk, make sure your HVAC system is fully ready to handle anything that is thrown at it. You can do this by having your HVAC system serviced once a year—along with regular maintenance. Make sure to go with a reputable company and ask what maintenance they will be doing so you can get your money’s worth.
While paying for maintenance is never fun, it is necessary. It helps your system run as efficiently as possible. It also allows for an HVAC technician to spot a minor problem before it turns into a major one.
If you have warranty on your system, you may be required to get regular maintenance on it to avoid it from being voided. Some manufacturers require proof that your system has been maintained regularly per their specifications. If you do not have proof, they may not replace a damaged part. By not getting maintenance done on your system, you may be saving money now, but you’ll be losing it in the long run.
Conclusion
Preparing your HVAC system for summer now will help you avoid having to deal with it in the summer heat when your AC decides to stop working. Basic maintenance can go a long way in keeping your HVAC system running during Missouri’s extreme weather. That’s why in this blog post, we discussed three easy ways to prepare your HVAC system for summer.
Do you live in Herculaneum or the surrounding areas and need your HVAC system serviced? Call Partney Heating and Cooling at 636-475-9384! We would be happy to service your HVAC system. Want to take it a step further and purchase an affordable maintenance plan? Look no further! Join our Partney Comfort Club. You’ll receive priority service, summer and fall air conditioner and furnace checks, 10% off all parts, and more. You can read more about our Partney Comfort Club here.