Summers in Tennessee can undoubtedly be hot, making it extremely important to have a functioning cooling system in your home. Most people will address an issue with their heating or cooling systems if something goes wrong, but isn’t it better to catch any potential problems before they occur? Late spring to summer is the perfect time to do just that. This guide will teach you how to prepare your heating and cooling systems for summer.
Test Out Your Cooling System
Before the weather gets too hot, turn on your cooling system and test it out. Does it seem to be functioning properly? Do you notice any issues or any areas of the home in which the air conditioning doesn’t seem to be working? If you have any concerns, it’s best to call a professional to check out your system—the last thing you want is a broken air conditioning system when it’s 100 degrees outside.
Change Your Air Filters
If your heating or cooling system has air filters, you should routinely check, change, and clean these filters—at least once every 6 to 12 months, depending on your system. Over time, these filters naturally become dirty and dusty, which, if left unaddressed, can cause real issues for your HVAC system. Get in the habit of checking these filters at the beginning of the summer each year.
Block Any Leaks
Any leaks in your home can make both your heating and cooling systems far less efficient. What’s the point of cooling a room if half the cold air is escaping out of that crack next to the window? To lower your heating and cooling bills and to keep your systems efficient, identify any gaps around doors or windows and seal them well.
Perform Maintenance on Your Heating System
Now that it’s almost summer and you won’t need your heating system for a while, it’s the perfect time to perform any necessary maintenance on the system. If you have a baseboard heater, maintain it properly by cleaning and vacuuming it thoroughly, covering it for the season, and releasing any excess air from the pipes. If you have a forced air heating system, be sure to check its filters, ducts, and other parts for buildup of dust and debris or any other issues. Having a professional come to check out the system is also recommended.
Knowing how to prepare your heating and cooling systems for summer will help you keep those systems running efficiently when you need them most. On top of that, maintaining your heating and cooling systems can even help you save money on your energy bills and on maintenance down the road—and who doesn’t love that?
