AC installation June 12, 2024

Preparing Your HVAC System for the Summer Heat

The temperatures are heating up in Northern Virginia. Families should prepare their homes for warmer weather. Ensuring that your HVAC system is ready for the heat can help you stay comfortable and save on energy costs throughout the summer season.

Here are our top HVAC tips for surviving a heatwave.

Change Air Filters

One of the most important steps for preparing your HVAC system for a heatwave is a simple step you should be doing year-round to keep your system running efficiently. Check and change your air filters every 2-3 months and more often if your system is running nonstop during the summer months.

When your filters are dirty your system has to work harder to cool your home, which can lead to a breakdown. Properly cleaning and replacing your air filters can help your system power through the summer heat.

Schedule A Tune-Up

Schedule an AC maintenance and inspection each spring before the heat of summer sets in. During the tune-up, HVAC technicians will clean the condenser coils, and inspect the fan, refrigerant lines, and more. This visit will allow them to detect any underlying issues that could cause your system to malfunction or stop working when you need it most.

After you schedule your seasonal maintenance, be sure to remove debris from around your outdoor unit to allow for better air circulation.

Optimize Thermostat Settings

During a heatwave, your HVAC system is working non-stop to keep your system cool. As a result, temperatures may inch up into the 70s. If you still feel cool air coming from the vents and your home cools off at night, then your system is working fine and there’s no need to call for service.

Follow these recommendations to help your home cool more efficiently.

• The closer the indoor temperature is to the outdoor temperature, the more efficiently your system will work. Set your thermostat as high as you can to still maintain a comfortable living environment.
• Smart thermostats allow you to change the thermostat settings based on your schedule. You can set the temperature higher when you aren’t home and lower when you are.
• Avoid turning the thermostat down drastically when you come home. Doing so will stress your HVAC system and will not cool your house quickly.

Other Ways to Help Cool Your Home

Aside from thermostat settings and AC maintenance, there are other ways to help cool your home during a heat wave. If you have ceiling fans or stand fans, utilize those to help keep your home comfortable, especially at night. The fans won’t actually cool the room, but will create a wind chill effect and can make you feel up to 4 degrees cooler.

Contact Your A Parrish Services HVAC Technician

If you’re AC stops working or experiences issues this summer, contact Parrish Service to schedule AC repair to get your system running efficiently and keep your home cool all season long.