Is your air conditioning going to leave you stranded without cool air this summer? If you aren’t sure, it might be time to schedule a maintenance check with SM Mechanical Services!
It’s springtime! And If the flowers are blooming and the sun is shining, you’re likely getting ready to start using your air conditioning at home. If you haven’t scheduled your spring HVAC maintenance appointment yet, there’s still time, but is it really necessary?
Is your system ready? If not, a tune-up from a professional HVAC company in West Hartford, CT, could keep everything running smoothly when you need it most.
Below, SM Mechanical Services provides some key tips for how to keep your cooling system working optimally all through the spring and summertime.
Test Your Unit
Many homeowners don’t bother testing their air conditioning units before the hot weather hits. However, firing up the system during hot weather doesn’t leave much time to fix things if the system isn’t functioning as it should.
Test your air conditioner a month or two before you know you’ll need to use it. That way, you can schedule repairs if the unit’s performance isn’t up to standard.
Inspect Your Ductwork
Air ducts transport controlled air throughout your home to each room. If debris or dust blocks these ducts, cool air won’t reach the rooms you need to cool. Restricted airflow also puts extra strain on your air conditioning system, leading to mechanical and electrical problems.
Look for these signs that your ducts aren’t working right:
- Skyrocketing energy bills. Poor-quality ductwork makes a unit work harder to cool your home, increasing energy expenditures and costs.
- Allergies or respiratory illness. Without functioning ducts, your cooling unit cannot circulate clean, cool air or filter contaminants or allergens. You’ll have poor indoor air quality as a result.
- Mold growth. Is there mold visible near your ducts or grates? Mold spreads fast and is a health hazard, so don’t wait to call a team like SM Mechanical Services for help.
HVAC experts understand how to clean ducts and optimize your indoor air quality. Why not ask local professionals about duct cleaning services for your home? Frequent checkups could prevent ductwork issues before the warm weather gets going.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
Modern air conditioners are truly amazing, especially when coupled with a modern, programmable thermostat. Unlike older models that handled one fixed temperature, programmable thermostats automatically adjust based on specific conditions. A smart thermostat also has the capability to only run when you’re at home, lowering energy costs by improving your overall energy efficiency.
Replace Your Air Filter
Air filters catch dust and particulates before they pollute your home’s air supply. However, air filter clogs are inevitable with constant use. Clogged air filters put immense pressure on your unit, which could lead to the following problems:
- Burn-outs
- Refrigerant problems
- Frozen coils and more
So part of spring HVAC maintenance involves checking your unit’s air filter. Cleaning it or replacing it on a monthly basis keeps things running smoothly, especially during the peak cooling season. And that’s one expert tip you won’t want to miss.
Clean The Drainage Hole
A drainage hole serves as one of the most important parts of your home’s air conditioner. It gathers excess moisture from your unit, keeping the components dry so that the unit is safe to run. Clogging will affect your unit’s efficiency directly, which is why experienced professionals like SM Mechanical Services will always inspect the unit’s drainage hole for any blockages during maintenance visits.
Use Your Ceiling Fan
Although they aren’t part of an air conditioning system, ceiling fans can help to regulate a home’s air supply. They draw warm air to your ceiling, lowering room temperature and increasing comfort. If you set your ceiling fan to run in a counter-clockwise direction, you can raise your air conditioning unit by three or four degrees without noticing any changes.
This small but important HVAC maintenance tip can help you save on energy costs. It also minimizes the strain on your air conditioning system to help it last longer.
Shut Doors and Windows
When you leave your home’s doors and windows open, you let out the cold air that your air conditioning system works so hard to produce. It also lets in the warm air, making your entire cooling system less energy-efficient and more expensive to run.
In spring, pollen and other allergens will also find their way inside your home more easily. If anyone in the house suffers from allergies and asthma, it is far better to keep doors and windows closed.
Consider Replacing Your Cooling System
Have you thought about upgrading your air conditioning system? If your current unit is on its last legs or you want more energy efficiency, look into replacing your system during the spring. Modern, high-performance HVAC systems are energy-efficient, cost-effective, and easily capable of cooling any size home.
Schedule a Routine Maintenance Checkrpsc.energy.gov/tech-solutions/hvac
While it’s important to clean your air conditioning system and change the filters on your own, only the experts can maintain the more intricate parts of the air conditioner. You might notice potential issues from the outside, like ice on the unit, but most issues emanate from inside the unit itself. That’s why professional HVAC maintenance is so important.
Experts like SM Mechanical Services will examine your unit’s electrical system, pressure levels, and connection lines to make sure that everything is ready for the approaching heat. They’ll also offer excellent guidance on the best options for a replacement unit if that becomes necessary.
Quality HVAC Services in West Hartford, CT
Are you interested in expert HVAC maintenance services in West Hartford, CT, or the surrounding areas? The SM Mechanical Services team offers honest services, dedication to quality craftsmanship, and professional HVAC maintenance that’s hard to beat.
We’re a family-run business that helps local homeowners maintain and repair their HVAC systems. So whether you’re interested in HVAC control board troubleshooting or upgrading your system, we guarantee great results.
Call (860) 530-2632 today to schedule spring HVAC maintenance or anything else you need from SM Mechanical Services.