In Arizona, Spring means one thing: the blazing hot summer season is just around the corner. With scorching temperatures and HVAC failures waiting to happen, you have to prepare accordingly if you want to keep cool throughout the months of June and August. Luckily, homeowners have a few options to help keep their HVAC units cool and comfortable all summer long. Here are 6 HVAC summer tips to help you prepare for the Arizona summer as cool as a cucumber.
Change Your Air Filter
It’s vital to replace or clean your air filter regularly, especially in a place like Arizona, where it’s common for temperatures to rise over 110°F. We recommend replacing your filter every month. An easy way to remember this is by replacing your air filter every time you pay rent or mortgage. Before summer arrives, simply make sure to replace your air filter once the weather begins to warm up!
Invest In a Programmable Thermostat
If you don’t already have a programmable thermostat, we urge you to get one. Although replacing an old thermostat may sound like an extra expense, programmable thermostats are ultimately a worthwhile investment for your home, family, and bank account. They are energy-efficient and can help reduce stress on your old HVAC system.
Features vary, but most allow you to set the timer for specific time windows. For example, if your house is empty from 3 PM to 6 PM, you can set your AC to a higher temperature during those hours. Programming your thermostat in this manner is also a great way to reduce your energy consumption.
Install Insulation In Your Attic
Add an extra layer of protection to your home by ensuring that your attic is properly insulated. Doing so will not only lessen the effects harsh weather might have on your home, but it is also a great way to reduce energy consumption, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and alleviate any unintentional stress your HVAC system might be under by preventing cold air from escaping the home.
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution to installing insulation, as it determined by the climate of your environment you reside in. Our trained technicians can evaluate your home and provide you with a solution that will ensure your home is properly insulated.
Keep Your Outside Unit Clean
Spring cleaning indeed…just don’t forget about your HVAC unit! Specifically, cleaning the outside unit which has been collecting dust, mud, and other debris during the Wintertime! All of that dirt is a surefire way to clog up your unit, forcing it to run as slug as a snail.
However, not all areas in Arizona are made equal. For homeowners with calm Winter weather and just slightly soiled HVAC units, we recommend simply spraying down the outside of your unit with a garden hose.
Inspect Air Duct for Leaks
Having leaks in your ductwork system means that all that expensive, cooled air is escaping before it even has a chance at reaching your home! We certainly don’t want that, so, if your rooms never seem to get properly cooled or if the air around you feels stuffy, take it as a sign that you have leaking ducts.
According to the University of Florida:
“Leaky ducts make your HVAC work much harder — ducts leaking just 20% of the conditioned air passing through them cause your system to work 50% harder.”
Currently dealing leaky ducts? Contact us today to schedule a thorough duct evaluation.
Schedule an Inspection with Greenwood Air!
What measures are you taking to stay cool and save energy in the summer? Greenwood Air in Arizona is here for all of your heating and cooling needs. Whether you have questions about your HVAC system or want to schedule a maintenance check before summer, we can take care of it! Call us at (602) 647-0121today to schedule your inspection and leave the DIY HVAC maintenance off your to-do list.