The Heat Is On The Way, Don’t Get Stuck In It

If you would like to keep your air conditioning system running smoothly all summer, you’ll want to follow our Browning Heating and Air 6 step summer air conditioning prep tips.

1. Clean or Change Air Filter

Depending on many factors, such as filter type and the size and cleanliness of your home, you will want to replace your HVAC air filter every 30-90 days. Never wait more than 90 days to replace your filter, and it is highly suggested to check it every 30 days.

A dirty air filter can restrict airflow, causing comfort and efficiency problems, such as a frozen evaporator coil. To keep your HVAC system clean and energy-efficient, remember to regularly check and change your air filter.

For better indoor air quality and air filtration, use air filters with a MERV rating above 7. MERV ratings 1-6 are considered “low efficiency.” For homeowners with bad allergies or kids with them, a 5” MERV 11+ media filter might be something you want to consider having installed on your system. Speak with a professional at Browning Heating and Air for a professional air filtration run down.

2. Upgrade the Homes Thermostat

If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, you could be missing out on a lot of energy savings. A programmable or “smart” thermostat allows you to schedule your comfort without having to manually adjust anything. Newer models allow you to control the thermostat settings right from your smartphone with Wi-Fi connection.

3. Inspect Outdoor Heat Pump or AC Condensing Unit

Check the outdoor heat pump or condenser unit every 2-3 months (and after every storm) to ensure that there isn’t anything clogging the coils or blocking airflow in any way. If you have grass clippings, leaves, twigs, and other debris clogging the condenser coils, your system efficiency and comfort will suffer.

Besides grass clippings, dust, and debris, your outdoor condenser unit could also develop airflow problems from encroaching plants. If you have any plants growing near the cooling fins, cut them back to give your outdoor unit a minimum 2-foot clearance.

If you are thinking about hiding your outdoor HVAC unit, make sure you allow enough room (2-foot clearance minimum) around the unit to allow proper airflow and technician access.

4. Clean Outdoor Heat Pump or AC Condenser

In addition to checking the outdoor heat pump or condenser unit, removing pieces of debris and cutting back encroaching plants, it’s also a good idea to clean the unit or any smaller particles, such as dirt, dust, pollen, and other small debris.

If you scheduled a professional air conditioning maintenance make sure a full condenser coil cleaning is part of the deal. If not, you will either want to choose an HVAC company that does include this service or you can clean the outdoor unit yourself. First, turn off power to the unit or pull the outdoor disconnect. Remove whatever large debris you can by hand. Then use your garden hose to wash it down. A professional cleaning will be safer and more effective of course.

5. Schedule a Professional Maintenance on System

You don’t want to come back from a long vacation to a broken HVAC system. Particularly in Gainesville, Florida it is crucial to blow out condensate lines at least two times a year.

If you have not scheduled your annual air conditioning maintenance appointment, you are missing out on all of the benefits, extended lifespans, increased comfort, and efficiency, valid warranties, savings on maintenance and repairs.

Be sure that before you leave your home for an extended period, you have scheduled a tune-up from a qualified HVAC professional.

6. Clean and Dust the Whole House

Avoid a dirty house by cleaning before you leave. By dusting and getting rid of other contaminants in the home, you’ll not only thank yourself later, but you’ll also be helping increase the efficiency of your air conditioning system.