Be Prepared for the Heat with Our Summer HVAC Checklist

Another long, humid Florida summer is on the doorstep. Here’s a summer HVAC checklist to follow so you’re prepared for the heat and enjoy a cool, comfortable home:

Adjust Your Thermostat Programming

Making seasonal adjustments to your thermostat programming allows you to stay comfortable and save energy. Set a temperature of 78 degrees for times when the family is home and active. Then, set temperature increases of 10 to 15 degrees for overnight periods, and when the house isn’t occupied. Programming these automatic adjustments for eight-hour periods each day can cut your energy consumption one percent per degree of temperature change.

Optimize Your HVAC for Summer

To ensure your HVAC equipment is running reliably and efficiently, have the system professionally inspected, cleaned and tuned up. Your technician should complete these tasks during maintenance:

• Inspecting all the electrical components
• Cleaning the evaporator and condenser coils
• Lubricating fan motors and all moving parts
• Flushing and testing the condensate drain lines
• Testing and recalibrating the thermostat, if necessary
• Checking the refrigerant level
• Putting in a new air filter

Promote Good System Airflow

For your HVAC system to work properly and keep your home cool, it needs ample airflow that’s not restricted. You can prevent a decline in airflow by:

• Keeping the louvers on your air vents fully open.
• Making sure the supply registers and return grilles stay unobstructed.
• Checking the air filter monthly and replacing it at the first sign of dirt accumulation.
• Avoiding shutting the doors to seldom-used rooms so air balance within the HVAC system doesn’t get out of whack. Instead, talk to your HVAC technician about a zoning system to provide targeted temperature control.

Keep Humidity in Check

Although your HVAC equipment removes moisture as it cools the air, it may not be effective at dehumidifying if it’s older or not properly sized. If your home always feels too warm and sticky, or mold is gaining a foothold, you may need to upgrade your cooling equipment, or install a whole-house dehumidifier.