Summer is quickly approaching and so is the hot weather. Here are 3 important summer HVAC maintenance tips to make sure your air conditioner is ready to go when you need it. Click on each link below to learn more.
If you are looking for HVAC maintenance, repairs, or replacements in Cambridge and the surrounding areas, contact Service 1st. We would love to put our over 30 years of experience helping homeowners get the very best HVAC products and services to work for you. When you call Service 1st, you won’t have to worry about having to navigate a complicated messaging systems and being put on hold for long periods of time. You will be able to talk with one of our friendly and helpful staff right away. Contact us today to book an appointment.
Summer HVAC Maintenance Tips
1. Have an HVAC Yearly Inspection
Summer HVAC maintenance can save you money as it can catch a small problem before it becomes a larger, more costly one.
Having your HVAC system inspected and maintained once a year will help to ensure that is it working properly and efficiently. An annual inspection can also save you money by keeping your repair costs down as it can catch a small problem before it becomes a larger, more costly repair for you. In addition, you will benefit from the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your system has been monitored for safety as well as performance.
A Yearly Inspection Is Necessary:
What a Central A/C Safety Inspection & Maintenance Should Include:
A thorough summer HVAC maintenance and inspection should include the following:
- Getting your thermostat cleaned and calibrated
- Checking your refrigerant charge level
- Inspecting all visible refrigerant lines for any leaks
- Monitoring and inspecting the starting capabilities of your system
- Checking the volts and amp draw on your compressor and motor
- Monitoring the air temperature for proper cooling
- Inspecting all your accessible ductwork for any leaks
- Lubricating all the moving parts of your system
- Inspecting and adjusting the blower and blower components
- Inspecting and tightening all the electrical connections
- Inspecting all the safety controls for any defects
- Servicing any drain pump that is present
- Inspecting the electrical circuit breakers and fuses for the proper size and checking that there are no defects
- Checking your system for any fire hazards
- Inspecting your drain lines for proper drainage and leaks
Advantages of Maintenance Plans:
Because having your HVAC system regularly maintained is so important, it is a good idea to invest in a maintenance plan. That way you can not only make sure that you keep your warranty valid and that your system is always ready when you need it, but you can choose a plan that will suit your specific needs and budget.
Depending on the maintenance plan you choose, it can include some very helpful services such as:
- Discounts on furnace and air conditioning parts and repair service
- Discounts on filter replacements for your furnace, air cleaner or humidifier
- Priority service
- After-hours emergency diagnostic calls are included at no charge
- No overtime charges for repairs on weekends or holidays
- Up-front pricing on all repairs before any work is done
For a complete list of services and benefits included in a maintenance plan from Service 1st click here.
2. Program Your Thermostat
Another great summer HVAC maintenance tip is to program your thermostat to 24ºC or 25ºC
Programming your thermostat to an appropriate temperature for the Canadian summer, is another important summer HVAC maintenance practice.
What Temperature Should You Set Your Thermostat At?
According to Statistics Canada, the Ontario Ministry of Energy (OME), recommends that you cool your home to 24ºC or 25ºC in the summer. The Office of Energy Efficiency (OEE), on the other hand, recommends that you set your thermostat between 25ºC and 27ºC when you are at home.
In fact, each degree below 26ºC will make a noticeable increase to your electricity usage and resulting charges, so the warmer temperature you can tolerate, the more energy you will save.
When Should You Turn Off Your AC?
The Office of Energy Efficiency (OEE) recommends that you set your thermostat at 28ºC if your home will be empty for more than four hours. If you are going to be away for more than 24 hours, you should turn your AC off completely. According to the OME, you will actually use less electricity if you turn off your AC when you are not at home than if you keep the AC constantly maintaining your home at a cool temperature.
If you are turning your AC back on, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat to a cooler temperature than normal. It won’t cool off your room any faster and it will only waste energy.
If you have a hard time remembering to adjust your thermostat, then investing in a programmable one is a great idea. You can program it to adjust to a higher temperature when everyone is away during the day and to come back on just before you get home. In addition, smart thermostats can be adjusted remotely through an app on your mobile device or desktop computer so if you forget to change your thermostat you can do it from wherever you are as soon as you remember.
Smart thermostats can help you save on your energy bills. For example, with the Bryant Housewise Wi-Fi® thermostat, you can save an average of 20% on your heating and cooling costs each year. Watch the following video to learn more.
With the Bryant Housewise Wi-Fi® thermostat, you can access your system 24/7 and view detailed energy reporting.
3. Get Your Air Ducts Cleaned
Getting your air ducts cleaned is another important summer HVAC maintenance task. Your ductwork is also an important part of your HVAC system and like your air conditioner, it needs to be maintained as well. Keeping your ducts clean will help your HVAC system run more efficiently.
All winter long, the air that has been travelling through your ducts has been picking up dust, debris, cobwebs, fungus, chemical pollutants, allergens, and mould. These contaminants have been building up inside your ducts and as your AC is operating the air circulation will move these particles out into the air you and your family breathe.
Having your ducts cleaned will mean that the air you breathe will be of better quality and will also smell better all summer long.
Air duct cleaning is another great summer HVAC maintenance task that will keep your system functioning properly.
Here are some additional benefits to getting your air ducts cleaned:
- It will help to ease allergies and reduce the risk of illness by helping to eliminate common allergens and irritants in the air.
- It will remove mould and mildew spores from your air.
- It will get rid of drywall dust.
- If you have pets, it can remove the fur and dander they leave behind.
- It will mean you won’t have to dust your home as often.
If you would like to learn more about the great benefits of duct cleaning, check out our recent post, “Duct Cleaning: How To Avoid Scams, Is It Worth It, And More.”
Need Summer HVAC Maintenance? Trust Service 1st!
If you need any HVAC services, including services for your air conditioner unit, you can rely on the experts at Service 1st.
We have been serving homeowners in Cambridge and the surrounding areas for over 30 years and have a proven record of excellence. Whether it’s time to replace your air conditioner or you want to learn more about what unit to buy in the future, we can help.
We are a locally owned and operated business that prides itself on the highest quality work and installation of the highest quality products. We have received the prestigious Circle of Champions award from Bryant – an honour that highlights our commitment to quality, leadership, and excellence in the HVAC industry. We are an Elite Bryant Factory Authorized Dealer and offer our customers the highest quality products and services.
“Chris was absolutely amazing!! He took the time to explain exactly what my issue was with my furnace. Very knowledgeable and very patient in his explanations. Service 1st you have a valuable team player. Will definitely recommend Service 1st to family and Friends!!”
