HVAC Tips for Summer: Prepare for Heat Waves

• The constant use of AC during a hot summer can exacerbate hidden problems.
• An inspection and maintenance tune-up early in the year gives you time to ensure the AC is in good shape for summer.
• Never ignore strange sounds or other signs your AC has a problem because that could lead to a mid-season breakdown.

Summer is approaching in northern Virginia, and you can safely assume you’ll need your air conditioner to work perfectly during those hot, humid months. Before the start of air conditioning season here, you should have an HVAC company inspect your AC to ensure that it’s in good shape. Keep in mind, however, that you’re not the only person with an air conditioner that needs an inspection. That means you need to get started early to ensure you have enough time to fix any problems before summer. Wait too long, and you could find most appointment times booked.

If your air conditioner seems to work just fine when you turn it on, you might be tempted to skip an inspection. But that only allows hidden problems to get worse. Being proactive and maintaining the system makes it more likely to remain reliable when the heat becomes extreme.

Dulles Plumbing, Heating & Air has experienced technicians who can check the entire HVAC system for hidden problems. We’re locals and understand what northern Virginia summers are like. When you need help with cooling solutions, we’re the company to call.

Prioritize Preventative Maintenance and AC Tune-Ups

Your home’s HVAC system operates for most of the year, alternating between the AC in summer and the heater in winter. That can strain the system even under the best conditions, and over time, it begins to develop problems. However, these problems often remain hidden for a while, showing symptoms only after they have gotten much worse.

Having the AC inspected before you use it over the summer gives you and the repair company the opportunity to find those hidden problems. More importantly, it gives you a chance to get them fixed before you really need to use the air conditioner. No one wants to turn on the AC during a heatwave only for it to stop working.

Inspecting the system, cleaning the coils, and checking refrigerant levels before summer use is in full swing drastically reduces the risk of the system breaking down in the middle of summer. It also helps the AC run more efficiently by removing dust and allowing a technician to ensure all parts are calibrated and installed correctly. That leads to more efficient power usage and helps keep your bills a little more moderate.

Simple Home Actions for Better Energy Efficiency

A full inspection and repairs should be done by a certified HVAC company. However, you can follow these HVAC tips for summer yourself to help maintain the AC in between those yearly inspections. One very important step is to change the filter monthly. When your AC draws in air, the filter catches pollen and other air pollutants. Eventually, the filter clogs up and develops a layer of dust, hair, and other material you don’t want to breathe in. That layer prevents air from flowing easily into the rest of the AC system. Changing the filter (or cleaning it, if it’s reusable) helps prevent restricted airflow.

Also, take a look at the temperature you’re setting the thermostat to. Utility companies usually recommend setting the thermostat to 78 degrees Fahrenheit in summer as that cools the air to a tolerable level without using too much energy. Your personal preference may differ, but you want to find a temperature setting that is comfortable without making the system work too hard.

Also, when the weather is hot, use supplemental strategies like closing blinds and curtains. Use your ceiling fan to help circulate air, too (ensure the fan’s directional switch is set to counterclockwise). These summer HVAC tips reduce heat transfer into your home and help create a breeze, lowering the cooling load on the AC.

Identifying Warning Signs of Potential AC Failure

It’s also crucial for you to pay attention when the AC shows signs of a problem. If you hear strange noises like hissing or clanking, notice the airflow from the vents seems very weak or is warmer than you’d expect, or hear the system turning on and off frequently, you need to call an HVAC company. If ignored, the problem causing those symptoms could lead to system failure.

Remember that, when there’s a severe heat wave, air conditioning will have to work hard to keep the home cool. If something is going wrong, all that hard work can lead to excessive physical stress on the system.  That can accelerate the breaking-down process and cause the AC to fail. If you notice any red flags in the system, call an HVAC company immediately.

Ensure Your Comfort with Dulles Plumbing, Heating and Air

You want your home to be a cool, refreshing place to be when it’s hot outside. Working with a trusted HVAC company to keep your AC system running is the best way to prevent problems that could make your home too hot to handle during the summer months. Dulles Plumbing, Heating & Air is ready to help you stay cool. We’re committed to performing quality work and setting a higher standard for HVAC work in the Ashburn region. Contact us now to schedule your AC’s summer maintenance and inspection!