HVAC Tasks to Take Care of before Summer Starts

June 1, 2021

Summer is right around the corner, and the temperature is going up, up, up. Soon it will be pretty hot and keeping cool will be a priority. Now is the time to think about your ventilation and air conditioning unit operating at its peak performance. Before turning on the air conditioning for the season, use this spring-cleaning checklist to prepare your system for the summer heat. Continue reading this blog post to learn the top tasks you should get done relating to your heating and cooling systems:

Top 8 HVAC Tasks to Get Done before Summer Starts in MA & CT

Change the HVAC Filter

The first thing to check when it comes to your HVAC unit is your air filter. As a general rule of thumb, the changing of seasons signifies that it’s time to change your HVAC filter. It’s something that is easy for you to do yourself! Depending on your air conditioner, you may need to use a disposable filter or a more permanent one. If it is a disposable filter, it’s important to replace your air filter at least once a month. Replacing a dirty HVAC filter can make the unit up to 5% more energy efficient. For pet owners and allergy sufferers, filters can be changed out more frequently to improve air quality.

Clean around the A/C Unit

Before you start using your air conditioner, make sure the space around the outdoor condenser is clean. It’s common for winter debris, leaves, or even trash to build up during the months you’re not using it. All those things can bog down the A/C and affect your air quality. As organic matter breaks down from the leaves or other debris, it breeds bacteria and other particles. You don’t want that stuff in the air that eventually circulates through your house. If your A/C unit is indoors, remove items around the unit to ensure easy access and proper airflow.

Clear Out Your Vents

Once you changed the filter and cleaned around the unit, the next step is to clean out your vents. Your HVAC unit can only work at its best if there are no obstructions to the flow of air inside of the walls of your home. Clear out any dust or debris and make sure the vents in the rooms where you want to use your air conditioning are open, and close off the rooms you don’t need or want air flowing into. This can help your HVAC get an even amount of coverage throughout the square footage of your home.

Vacuum Refrigerator Coils

Save energy by vacuuming your refrigerator coils. Dust builds up, causing the motor to work harder and consume more energy. Cleaning this once a year helps the appliance operate more efficiently, and spring/summer is the best time to do it.

Clean up the Bathroom Fans

Bathroom fans can also get dirty and use up more energy, so you’ll need to clean those as well. Turn the power off before you start anything. Then you can just remove the covers, wash them with soap, and rinse with water. Dry them and put them back together. It’s that easy!

Invest in Professional A/C Maintenance

Calling in a professional HVAC service technician is the best way to ensure your air conditioning system is ready for the workload ahead this season. They should conduct a thorough inspection to make sure your A/C system is in peak condition. You should get your air conditioning or heating system maintenance done by a licensed, trusted, local company.

Consider Updating Your Unit

If you’ve tried all of these tips and your HVAC unit is still not sufficiently cooling your home, it may be time to invest in a new system. An older unit may actually be costing you more money each year due to cooling loss and excess waste. Choosing a new HVAC system is something that you can do with help from PayLessForOil.com.

Get an HVAC Service Plan

Don’t forget this final HVAC task for your Western MA or Northern CT home. Get an HVAC service plan from a local, dependable heating service company, such as PayLessForOil.com. It’s a simple way to protect your air conditioning system, heating system, and wallet through the warmest days of the year. If you have an oil furnace with an attached air conditioner, we highly recommend that you opt for one of our heating/cooling combo plans. This will give you the most value for your home comfort systems. Our stand-alone cooling service plan is designed for customers with a central air conditioning system independent of their heating system.

Contact PayLessForOil.com for Heating & Cooling Maintenance or Installations in MA & CT

As you go through this checklist, if you notice something odd, be sure to call a professional for HVAC maintenance assistance. If something needs replacing or repair, try to take care of it as soon as possible. The summer heat comes on quickly in Western Massachusetts and Connecticut, and we know you want to keep cool. That way, you can prevent any more damage to your A/C unit. Contact us if you have any questions!