Preparing Your HVAC System for the Summer Heat

It’s a good time to become a prepper… an AC prepper that is!

Summer’s coming and it means it’s time to prepare your Air Conditioner for the upcoming heat so that your home can remain a comfortable refuge to the scorching heat.

Whether you’re a beginner prepper or more advanced, it’s helpful to have a checklist. Here’s everything you need to be ready:

• Start by scheduling professional maintenance to get your system in excellent condition.
• Don’t overlook the importance of changing your air filters regularly; clean filters not only improve air quality but also enhance system efficiency, leading to lower energy bills.
• Make sure to get professional advice on how your filters need to be changed. A couple living alone has different needs than a family of 5 with multiple pets. Also consider if someone in your home has allergies to determine the best type of filter.
• Sealing and insulating your ducts can prevent energy loss, so if you’ve not had your ductwork examined it’s a good time to do so.
• Upgrading to a smart thermostat offers convenience, allowing you to adjust your home’s temperature for the best comfort and savings.
• Consider investing in an energy-efficient Air Conditioner or Ductless Mini Split for long-term benefits, including reduced energy consumption and environmental support.
• Finally, optimizing airflow and ventilation can greatly improve your system’s performance.

These steps are just the beginning of maximizing your HVAC system’s efficiency before the summer heat hits, ensuring a cooler, more enjoyable home environment with potential opportunities to save on your energy bills.

Schedule Professional AC Maintenance

Many Air Conditioning malfunctions tend to happen when you need it the most!

Avoid getting caught off guard by scheduling a professional maintenance checkup of your AC system to ensure it’s running efficiently.

Our trained AC Technicians know what to look for to ensure your system is in excellent condition. A professional checkup encompasses a thorough inspection and cleaning of your system’s components. Think of it as preventative maintenance for your Air Conditioner. This allows us to identify small problems before they become big problems.

Change Air Filters Regularly

There’s one thing every homeowner can do to participate in their home comfort. It’s a small investment that delivers big returns in improved efficiency, lower energy costs, and a longer-lasting system.

What is it? Get on a schedule to regularly change your air filters. Speak to one of our experts to find out how often you should change your air filter. We’ll evaluate important factors like how many people are in the home, how many pets and if there is someone in the home with asthma or allergies. All of these will determine what type of filter and how frequently the filter should be changed.

A clean filter is your HVAC system’s best friend because it filters out things like dust, dirt, debris, pet dander, and other airborne particles, which is why they need to be changed regularly.

Without regularly scheduled changes, build up can occur and the filter can get clogged, which puts undue stress on the system, potentially leading to costly repairs or even a premature breakdown.

So, don’t wait until you notice a problem. Get on a schedule. Mark your calendar and make filter changes a regular part of your home maintenance routine. Your summer self will thank you!

Seal and Insulate Ducts

After confirming your air filters are clean, it’s equally vital to seal and insulate your ducts for peak HVAC efficiency. Leaky ducts can greatly impede your system’s performance, causing it to work harder and increase your energy bills. Sealing those leaks is a critical step in preparing for the summer heat. You’re not just preserving cool air but also preventing dust and pollutants from entering your home, which can impact your indoor air quality.

Insulation is the next step. Properly insulated ducts help maintain the temperature of the air flowing through them. This means your HVAC system doesn’t have to overexert itself to cool your home, leading to energy savings and prolonging the life of your system. It’s a smart move, especially in areas of your home that aren’t air-conditioned, like attics or basements, where ducts can lose a significant amount of cool air.

Install a Smart Thermostat

Upgrading to a smart thermostat can greatly enhance your Air Conditioners efficiency and your home’s comfort.  By installing a smart thermostat, you’re not just making an upgrade; you’re taking a significant step towards optimizing your home’s climate control. These innovative devices allow you to adjust your home’s temperature remotely, ensuring you walk into a cool, comfortable environment without wasting energy cooling an empty house.

Don’t let the summer heat catch you unprepared. Installing a smart thermostat is a smart move that pays off in comfort, convenience, and cost savings.

Is it Time to Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Air Conditioner?

It could be. If your system is more than 12 years old, it’s time to consider an upgrade to an energy-efficient AC system. Today’s air conditioners have greater efficiencies that will help to reduce your cooling costs.

Modern energy-efficient systems, such as those offered by Trane and Mitsubishi, are designed to provide superior cooling while consuming less energy. This isn’t just about staying cool; it’s about doing so in the most sustainable and cost-effective way possible. We’re proud to be Boise Idaho’s only Mitsubishi Diamond Elite Contractor, which means we’re experts at ductless heating and air conditioning solutions.

Optimize Airflow and Ventilation

Now it’s time to make sure that the air flowing through your home is as cool and fresh as possible. Start by checking your vents and registers. Are they open and unobstructed? Furniture or curtains can block airflow, making your system work harder and less efficiently.

Next, consider your home’s ventilation. Proper ventilation is vital to not only cooling your home but also improving indoor air quality. Make sure exhaust fans in your bathrooms and kitchen are working correctly; these pull hot air out of your house, allowing cooler air to circulate.

Don’t forget about ceiling fans. They don’t lower the temperature, but by creating a breeze, they make the room feel cooler. This can allow you to set your thermostat a bit higher, saving energy while keeping you comfortable.

Optimizing airflow and ventilation is an essential step in preparing for summer.

Don’t allow yourself to be caught off-guard this summer.  Start prepping with Peppy! We’ll help you stay a step ahead of the season. Our cheerful staff is always ready to serve you.
Call (208) 906-6928 today!