Is Your HVAC System Ready for Warmer Weather?

As a new season arrives, many Colorado Springs residents look forward to the warmer weather of late spring and summer. To prepare for summer, local homeowners might want to ensure their HVAC systems can adjust from keeping homes warm to cooling them off.

Most items on an AC maintenance checklist should be carried out by HVAC professionals. But there are a few checkups and observations homeowners can make to get a handle on potential issues.

Schedule Regular Check-Ups

Though regular tune-ups of your HVAC system should be done only by professional technicians who provide AC maintenance services, there are a few pre-summer check-ups you can safely conduct yourself. The most common is replacing your air filters — something that should be done monthly during warmer months.

You may want to check for leaks around the ducts and vents of your HVAC system. Look for gaps or tears in the ductwork and connection points. With your air conditioning running, feel for cool air seeping through seams and connections in your HVAC unit. Make a note of them for your HVAC specialist to address.

Have Outdoor Units Inspected

Your HVAC serviceperson should conduct a thorough inspection of any outdoor units like heat pumps and central air components. You can, however, check for signs of rust, wear and tear, external damage, or any stray debris that may gather around outdoor appliances.

During an inspection, an HVAC professional can check on the functionality of condenser units, motors, refrigerant lines, and other external components of your air conditioning system.

Test Your Air Conditioning

In advance of an HVAC technician’s visit, you can test how your air conditioning operates. Set your thermostat to a point well below the current temperature of the room in “auto” mode, and let the system run for 15 to 20 minutes. Check the decrease in temperature and listen for any strange or unusual noises.

Make sure your repair professional knows the age and condition of your HVAC system, along with any recurrent problems or issues that continue to arise.

Watch Your Thermostat

The thermostat may be the most sensitive instrument in your entire HVAC system. Many thermostats, especially those older than 10 years, may be ineffective or incompatible with modern HVAC units. They may produce inaccurate readings and uneven temperatures, run constantly, or be generally unresponsive.

Thermostats nearing 15 years of operation should be replaced. Consider installing a new, programmable thermostat. The latest models can improve HVAC energy efficiency, reduce operational costs, and benefit the environment.

Get Your Refrigerant Levels Checked

Your HVAC system’s refrigerant levels should be checked out before the warmer months arrive — but only by a trained HVAC professional. As a pressurized substance, refrigerant can cause serious skin irritations if it comes into contact with flesh. Inhaling its fumes could lead to respiratory issues.

An HVAC technician has the proper tools and training to check refrigerant levels, airflow, and moisture evacuation. They’ll also be able to clean and dispose of refrigerant safely.

Schedule an HVAC Inspection and Tune-Up

Is your HVAC system ready for another Colorado Springs summer? It may need only a few adjustments to keep it running safely and efficiently throughout the season.

The HVAC experts at Peak Home Performance are ready to bring your air conditioning up to current, safe standards. Schedule an inspection and repair with one of our technicians today.