As summer heat fades in Oklahoma City, it’s time to give your heating and cooling system the attention it needs. Months of running your air conditioner can lead to inefficiencies that may impact your comfort as well as your energy bills. Here are practical HVAC maintenance tips to help you keep your system running smoothly and efficiently through the seasonal transition.
Replace All Air Filters
When your system has dirty air filters, it blocks the air that flows into the unit, causing it to work harder. Towards the end of summer, when you’ve finished using your air conditioner for the year, inspect your filters to ensure they are clean. If the filters are dirty, replace them. We suggest changing your filter at least once every two to three months, and even more often if you have pets living in your home with you.
Clean Supply Vents
Dust and debris will accumulate in the vents of your system over time. To minimize this, vacuum the vents and wipe them down regularly with a damp cloth. Make sure that the vents are clear of any obstructions that could block the airflow.
Inspect and Clean the Outdoor Unit
Clear away any leaves, grass, and twigs that are around the outdoor condenser unit. Clear coils for this unit will enhance the airflow and efficiency you experience. Always trim back large plants and shrubs that are nearby to prevent them from encroaching on the unit.
Check and Seal Ductwork
When you have duct leaks, you will lose the air that is already heated and cooled to your desired temperature. Inspect exposed ducts in your attic or crawl space to identify leaks and disconnected joints in the system. If you find small holes, you can easily cover them with foil tape and seal them with sealant. Larger leaks will need professional repairs from our team members.
Test Your Thermostat
Make sure that your thermostat is properly switching between cooling and heating modes. If you notice inconsistent temperatures in your living space, consider upgrading to a smart thermostat for better control. This type of thermostat also provides automation, giving you more options for controlling it remotely. You can even schedule the thermostat to adjust to a warmer temperature when you are away from home so that you use less energy in the summer. It can also adjust to return to your desired temperature before you return home, ensuring your family’s comfort is a priority.
Clear the Condensate Drain Line
You need to make sure that you flush the condensate line with a water and vinegar mixture to remove buildup in your system. If this is not done regularly, it can lead to clogs and water damage. This quick maintenance step also helps to prevent mold and moisture problems.
Inspect Home Insulation and Weather Stripping
Any small holes that you find around your doors or windows allow air to leak out of your living space and make your unit work harder to maintain a consistent temperature. If the insulation in your home is old, consider consulting with our team at True Climate Heat + Air to explore the available upgrade options. You will also want to replace worn-out weather stripping to help seal the small gaps and improve the efficiency of your system.
Use Ceiling Fans Wisely
Ceiling fans help to circulate air more evenly throughout your home. You will want to make sure that the fan functions properly at all settings and speeds so that when necessary, you can adjust it with ease. In the summer, make sure that you have the fan set so that the blades spin counterclockwise. This pushes the cool air down on you and allows you to set the thermostat a few degrees warmer to save energy. In the winter months, reverse them to push warm air down.
Schedule a Professional Maintenance Session
Maintenance sessions are essential to make sure that your entire heating and cooling system works properly when you need it. We suggest that you schedule these maintenance sessions twice a year. Once in the spring to get ready for air conditioning season, and again in the fall to prepare your heater for the coming winter. Regular service of your HVAC unit helps minimize costly repairs because our team can identify small issues before they become larger problems. Once you finish using your air conditioner for the season, schedule a maintenance session to stay ahead of potential HVAC issues in your home.
Prepare Your Heating System
Before your scheduled maintenance session, you can turn on your heating system to see if it makes any unusual sounds or smells when it starts up. If you do notice something that is off, there could be a deeper issue that a member of our team should look at before you need your heating system every day.
Adjust the Thermostat for Fall
As the weather outside cools down, you will not need to set your thermostat to as low a temperature as you do in the summer. If you have a smart thermostat, you can simply adjust the temperature in your app settings to create a comfort level that you enjoy.
Consider the Installation of System Upgrades
As your system nears the end of its lifespan, it will become less efficient and tend to break down more easily. Upgrading components or even the entire system can save money while enhancing comfort in your home.
Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats provide remote control over the temperature in your home via smartphone apps, and many models utilize AI to learn your habits. This creates a more efficient system as well as a more comfortable living space for you to enjoy.
Energy-Efficient HVAC Units
Older HVAC systems use more electricity and rely on outdated refrigerants to cool your home. Replacing your unit with a newer model, especially one with a high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating, can significantly reduce your energy usage.
Air Purifiers and Ventilation Enhancements
Consider adding a whole-home air purifier or upgrading to a higher MERV rating filter to reduce airborne contaminants in your living space. You can also improve air circulation with ventilation upgrades that regulate humidity and fresh air intake.
Zoned HVAC Systems
Zoning provides you with the ability to heat or cool areas in your home independently. This is useful if you have a multi-level home or individuals in your household have varying temperature preferences. Zoned systems reduce energy waste by conditioning only the spaces in use because full-home conditioning isn’t always necessary.
Ductless Mini-Split Systems
If your home is lacking existing ductwork, a ductless system provides heating and cooling without the need for major renovations. These systems have a compact design and offer temperature control in individual rooms.
A Reliable Oklahoma City HVAC Company
Following these maintenance tips can extend the lifespan of your HVAC system and avoid costly repairs. Follow these maintenance tips to keep your system in peak condition. True Climate Heat + Air has been a trusted HVAC provider in Oklahoma City since 2005, so our team has the experience to offer you a wide range of comfort solutions for your home. We strive to keep you comfortable all year, so contact us at True Climate Heat + Air today for our HVAC maintenance plans!
