For some people, Summers is the most delightful season because they're able to make the most of it by spending time with the friends and family, enjoy vacations and most importantly, enjoy the time they spend in the indoors. Contrary to this, there are several Canadians that loathe Summers primarily because of the thought of heat that they'll have to bear. For them, Summer spoils all joys. But after a careful analysis, we've come to this solution that people who have a hard time bearing Summers are the same people that do the least to maintain their HVAC systems. As a result, they've a hard time keeping themselves cool in the indoors. And then, who is comfortable to enjoy himself in an intense heat? None!
All seasons are beautiful. What makes them loathsome is the fact that we are not able to bear their severeness. Ask someone with a poor indoor heating system whether or not he likes Winters and he'll tell you that Winters for him is synonymous to discomfort. The same is true for someone's views about Summers who is having a poor cooling system.
By now, we're able to make sense of the statement that in order to enjoy all seasons, what is important is to follow the rights practices for that season. And when it comes to the indoor heating and cooling, the right HVAC practices are the backbone for comfort. We want you to enjoy all seasons and to make it possible, we're providing some general HVAC tips for Summers as well as some insight into Summer preparation.
General Summer Tips
- Tune-Up
You'll know that Summers have begun when sleeping in an afternoon, you wake up with your skin sweating and a desperate need for cooling. A majority of homeowners rush to turn their systems on as soon as they feel hot, without any prior tune-up and maintenance. But you are not suggested to do the same. Bear the heat for some time, as long as the system is not properly made ready to run. And here's what you need to do for that.
Changing of Filters:
Whether or not the system was active, it is sure that it must have been dusty. Begin with cleaning the filters. Please note that if the Filter seems torn, try to install a new filter. It is recommended to use an improved model of Filters if they're supported by your system.
Cleaning the Condenser coil:
Just like dirty filters affect the efficiency of the system, the same goes for dirty condenser coils. These coils are responsible to throw heat outside in order to cool the refrigerant. The refrigerant that is responsible for cooling the home. When the coil is dirty, it fails to do its work consequently failing to cool the refrigerant. And thus, no or reduced cooling results. In addition, a dirty coil lets your system work harder and raises the energy bills. Clean the condenser coil before turning the system on.
Checking the refrigerant Lines
Refrigerant lines are basically the copper coils that connect the outside condensing unit to the inside evaporator unit. These pipes are made insulated using a foamy material. Over time, the insulation may get old enough to be made again. Carefully check the coils for any repairs and make sure the pipes are properly insulated.
Turning the system on
And now, you're good to go to turn the Air Conditioner on. But even when turning the system on, be alert to suspect any unusual sounds or performance. If the unit makes unusual sounds and they continue to come even after hours or it unusually cools the home/doesn't cool at all, considers contacting an HVAC professional.
HVAC Summer Preparation Tips
Maintenance
The best tip to get your system prepared for Summers is to have it tuned-up. Either call a professional for the maintenance or do it yourself but do it anyway. Systems that are properly made ready and then turned on, work better than those that are randomly turned on on any Summer afternoon.
Turning up Thermostat when you're away
Raising the Thermostat up when you are away helps save a lot of energy and as a result a lot of dollars. HVAC professionals do not suggest shutting the system completely off when you're not at home. That is partly due to the reason that heat and humidity give way to mould, spores and other bacteria in the house, also causing a fishy odour that does not go easily. However, raising the Thermostat to 80-85 F not only keep the home in shape but also create a comfortable temperature easily when you're back.
If you've a programmable Thermostat, you can easily set the temperature to change on the day you're supposed to return. Or if you've a Smart Thermostat, no one has an as comfortable life as you have. Click from anywhere, and set your desired temperature!
Surge Protection
It is always wise to use technology in order to make your home safer and safer. While you're away on Summer vacations and there's a power outage, there's nothing you'll be able to do from miles away. Since the system would be running, it might get damaged. To stay safe and worry free, we suggest installing a surge protector. A surge protector helps protect the system when there's a power outage, power shortage or power over flow.
Filter Maintenance
Enjoy Summers but let your system be at ease too when you're away enjoying on the Scandinavian beaches. When you're home, it's easy to change the filter, but when you're away who will do it? Change/Replace the filter before leaving so that a replacement is not needed for at least 3 months. Hopefully, you'll be back by then. Who spends that long holidays, hmm?
