| It’s been a long hard winter and as the warmer temperatures begin to peek out here and there it’s important to remember that spring isn’t just about the end of winter, it’s about the beginning of summer. Hopefully these cold temperatures in Northern Kentucky didn't cause you to need furnace repair. While you might not have to worry about furnace repair in the summer, you do have to worry about getting your air conditioner ready for the season. |  |
By following these few simple tips in the coming spring, you can avert an HVAC system catastrophe that no doubt will happen on the hottest day of the year!
Air conditioning repair is much different than furnace repair so it’s important to know what needs to be done for each unit. Feel free to print this page and use it as a “to-do” list when prepping your HVAC system.
Getting your HVAC system ready:
1. Clear Debris. On a day when the temperature is a bit warmer, take the time to go outside and walk around your air conditioning unit. Pick up any fallen debris, like twigs, etc. Rake away any leaves and pull any weeds that may have grown close to the unit. Make sure the space around your air conditioner is fully clear so that air is easily able to be pulled in without any blockage. This will add to the efficiency and make your air condition work much less during those hot days. Continue this throughout the season to make sure nothing is blocking the flow of air to your HVAC system.
2. Clean or Replace Filters. This is important to do on a regular basis all year long. However, many people forget during the winter if they haven’t required furnace repair. Set a monthly calendar to check your filter. This will help remind you to make sure it’s always clean and your HVAC system isn’t working too hard to pull air through a dirty filter. It contributes greatly to reducing a/c or furnace repairs
3. Clean Ductwork. Oftentimes, we clean our vents because we can see the dirt and dust building up. This is not exclusive to the vents, but happens all year long in the ductwork of your HVAC system. Dirty ductwork can contribute to the need for air conditioning work or furnace repair unnecessarily. Many carpet cleaners now also will clean out your ductwork. Consider doing this at least every 2 years to improve the efficiency of your HVAC system overall. Once again, less dirt means less strain on the system therefore reducing the need for air conditioning or furnace repair.
4. Lubricate Motor. Some of you might be uncomfortable doing this, but it’s not that difficult. Make sure the power to the air conditioner is turned off. Grab the owner’s manual and identify the motor. Most likely, this will require you to remove a side grate from the unit. Find the fan motor oil ports above the fan blade. Using lightweight household oil put a few drops into each port. Put the side grate back on the unit and you’re done. Just like any other motor, lubrication improves performance.
5. Test the System. This seems like an obvious step, but many people do not test their air conditioning unit before it’s time to crank it up for the season. Don’t wait until the sweltering heat is upon us to make sure your HVAC system is running smoothly. Otherwise, you could require repair during a terrible heat wave! This also applies to testing your furnace before winter and avoiding furnace repair in freezing temperatures. Before the beginning of winter or summer, test your system on a comfortable day before you need them to work for you.
6. Schedule Your Tune Up. Just like an automobile, your HVAC system needs a yearly tune up. Don’t wait until something breaks. Furnace repair and Air Conditioning repair, can both become unnecessarily expensive. Many times a simple, yearly tune up from a trusted HVAC contractor will help you avoid these bigger expenses.
7. Consider Upgrading Your Thermostat. During your yearly tune up, inquire about home automation. Many times, this can be done just by upgrading your Thermostat. This will allow you to raise and lower your temperature from anywhere you have internet connection. It not only saves you money on monthly bills, but will help your HVAC system run more efficiently giving it a longer life, and reduced need for air conditioner or furnace repair.
By following these 7 tips you’ll improve the efficiency of your HVAC system, reduce the need for air conditioning or furnace repair, save money and be ready for each new season as it comes. Being a proactive homeowner is completely worth it!
Tri-Star Heating & Cooling has earned its reputation as a leading NKY HVAC Contractor by providing the best heating and air conditioning products and services to the entire Greater Cincinnati area for over 30 years. We are dedicated to the principles of quality services at affordable pricing while delivering the latest in products and technology.
Air conditioning repair is much different than furnace repair so it’s important to know what needs to be done for each unit. Feel free to print this page and use it as a “to-do” list when prepping your HVAC system.
Getting your HVAC system ready:
1. Clear Debris. On a day when the temperature is a bit warmer, take the time to go outside and walk around your air conditioning unit. Pick up any fallen debris, like twigs, etc. Rake away any leaves and pull any weeds that may have grown close to the unit. Make sure the space around your air conditioner is fully clear so that air is easily able to be pulled in without any blockage. This will add to the efficiency and make your air condition work much less during those hot days. Continue this throughout the season to make sure nothing is blocking the flow of air to your HVAC system.
2. Clean or Replace Filters. This is important to do on a regular basis all year long. However, many people forget during the winter if they haven’t required furnace repair. Set a monthly calendar to check your filter. This will help remind you to make sure it’s always clean and your HVAC system isn’t working too hard to pull air through a dirty filter. It contributes greatly to reducing a/c or furnace repairs
3. Clean Ductwork. Oftentimes, we clean our vents because we can see the dirt and dust building up. This is not exclusive to the vents, but happens all year long in the ductwork of your HVAC system. Dirty ductwork can contribute to the need for air conditioning work or furnace repair unnecessarily. Many carpet cleaners now also will clean out your ductwork. Consider doing this at least every 2 years to improve the efficiency of your HVAC system overall. Once again, less dirt means less strain on the system therefore reducing the need for air conditioning or furnace repair.
4. Lubricate Motor. Some of you might be uncomfortable doing this, but it’s not that difficult. Make sure the power to the air conditioner is turned off. Grab the owner’s manual and identify the motor. Most likely, this will require you to remove a side grate from the unit. Find the fan motor oil ports above the fan blade. Using lightweight household oil put a few drops into each port. Put the side grate back on the unit and you’re done. Just like any other motor, lubrication improves performance.
5. Test the System. This seems like an obvious step, but many people do not test their air conditioning unit before it’s time to crank it up for the season. Don’t wait until the sweltering heat is upon us to make sure your HVAC system is running smoothly. Otherwise, you could require repair during a terrible heat wave! This also applies to testing your furnace before winter and avoiding furnace repair in freezing temperatures. Before the beginning of winter or summer, test your system on a comfortable day before you need them to work for you.
6. Schedule Your Tune Up. Just like an automobile, your HVAC system needs a yearly tune up. Don’t wait until something breaks. Furnace repair and Air Conditioning repair, can both become unnecessarily expensive. Many times a simple, yearly tune up from a trusted HVAC contractor will help you avoid these bigger expenses.
7. Consider Upgrading Your Thermostat. During your yearly tune up, inquire about home automation. Many times, this can be done just by upgrading your Thermostat. This will allow you to raise and lower your temperature from anywhere you have internet connection. It not only saves you money on monthly bills, but will help your HVAC system run more efficiently giving it a longer life, and reduced need for air conditioner or furnace repair.
By following these 7 tips you’ll improve the efficiency of your HVAC system, reduce the need for air conditioning or furnace repair, save money and be ready for each new season as it comes. Being a proactive homeowner is completely worth it!
Tri-Star Heating & Cooling has earned its reputation as a leading NKY HVAC Contractor by providing the best heating and air conditioning products and services to the entire Greater Cincinnati area for over 30 years. We are dedicated to the principles of quality services at affordable pricing while delivering the latest in products and technology.
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