When the weather is hot, it is more important than ever to ensure that your HVAC system is running properly. If you are experiencing extreme heat, there are a few things that you can do to help keep your home cool and comfortable. We will discuss five tips to help you maintain your HVAC system during extreme heat.

1. Check Your Air Filter Regularly

One of the most important things you can do to maintain your HVAC system is to check your air filter regularly. A dirty air filter can cause your system to work harder than it needs to, leading to higher energy bills and premature wear and tear on your equipment.

Checking your air filter once a month is a good rule, but you may need to check it more often during high use or if you have pets in the home.

If you are unsure how to change your air filter, consult your owner’s manual or contact a professional for assistance. Also, keeping spare filters around can help you quickly replace a dirty one without making a special trip.

2. Schedule Regular Maintenance

Another important tip is to schedule regular maintenance for your HVAC system. Just like your car, your AC unit needs tune-ups to run its best. During a maintenance visit, a technician will clean the unit, check for any wear and tear, and make any necessary repairs. This can help prevent little difficulties from becoming major issues.

It’s generally recommended that your HVAC system be serviced once a year, but depending on how often you use it, you may need to do so more or less frequently. Consult with a professional to determine what’s best for your particular system.

They can also use HVAC predictive maintenance software to keep track of your system’s performance and recommend when it may need attention.

3. Use One That Is Properly Sized for Your Home

Another tip to help you maintain your HVAC system in extreme heat is to ensure that it is properly sized for your home. A small AC unit will have to work harder to cool your home, leading to higher energy bills and premature wear and tear.

Likewise, an AC unit that is too large will cycle on and off more frequently, leading to higher energy bills and shortened equipment life.

To ensure that you have the right size AC unit for your home, consult a professional who can help you select the right model for your needs. They will consider factors such as the size of your home, the number of rooms, and the climate where you live when recommending them.

4. Keep Your Blinds and Curtains Closed

One simple way to help your HVAC system run more efficiently is to keep your blinds and curtains closed during the day. This will help block out the sun’s heat, making your home feel cooler without cramming up the AC.

Additionally, it’s a good idea to open up your windows at night to let cool air in and circulate throughout your home.

Just be sure to close your windows again before the sun rises so that you don’t let all the cool air out. If you have trouble remembering, set a reminder on your phone or use a smart home device that can do it for you.

Additionally, you can invest in window treatments that are specifically designed to reflect heat, such as roller shades or shutters.

5. Trim Your Trees and Shrubs

Finally, another tip to help you maintain your HVAC system is to trim your trees and shrubs. If they are overgrown, they can block the airflow around your unit, making it work harder than it needs to.

Additionally, leaves and branches can fall on your unit and cause damage. Trimming your plants regularly is a good idea to avoid these problems.

If you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself, a professional landscaper can help. They can also advise you on which plants are best to keep around your unit and how to care for them properly.

Conclusion

Following these tips can help ensure that your HVAC system runs smoothly, even in extreme heat all summer. Consult a professional if you have questions or concerns about caring for your system. They can help you troubleshoot any problems and ensure your system is running its best.