While summer brings beautiful weather, it also brings soaring temperatures that can make your home unbearably hot. If you’ve experienced an air conditioning unit breaking down on the hottest day of the year, you understand the importance of having a comfortable, cool home through the summer. Having a working heating and cooling unit leads to happy homeowners. The summer heat can be relentless, but you don’t have to let it get the best of you and your home. Follow these tips and tricks to help maintain your home’s HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system and prevent maintenance issues.
Keep Up with Preventative HVAC System Maintenance
Firstly, it’s crucial to routinely repair and update your HVAC system. If you don’t have a preventative maintenance program in place, scheduling semi-annual service with a qualified HVAC service company is highly recommended. These professionals will help you ensure that your system operates at its most efficient settings and that all components of your HVAC system are working properly. Additionally, regular maintenance can extend the life of your HVAC system, saving you from expensive replacements in the long run. By identifying and addressing minor issues early on, you can prevent them from escalating into major breakdowns that disrupt your life. Don’t overlook the importance of regular care and attention for your HVAC system – it’s an investment that pays off in terms of comfort, savings, and impact on the environment.
Operate your HVAC Systems at Optimum and Stable Temperatures
Although it is a matter of personal comfort, the temperature you set for your thermostat should also consider the optimum temperature ranges provided. This will ensure they use energy as efficiently as possible. Consult your owner’s manual or service technician to determine the most efficient temperature range for the hottest and coldest days. It’s also a good idea to avoid fluctuating temperatures too frequently, as this can make your systems work harder and result in higher costs. To be even more energy efficient, you can even consider investing in a programmable or smart thermostat, which allows you to set different temperatures based on your daily routine. For example, you can set the thermostat to a lower temperature during the hours you are not home.
Use Window Treatments to Control the Temperature in your Home
Adding window treatments can also help control the temperature in your home. Window coverings can significantly affect your home’s heating or cooling load. For example, you can harness the sun’s free warmth in cooler months by keeping curtains open on windows facing the sun during the day to allow sunlight in. In the summer, keep window coverings closed during the day to reduce temperatures – the sun shining in multiple windows can drastically increase your home’s temperature
Maintain your HVAC Systems to Seal your Home from Drafts
Although it is most common to seal off any drafts in your home during the cold winter months, it’s also crucial during AC season. Any air leak in your home will cause your HVAC system to work in overdrive, resulting in a lack of efficiency since heated or cooled air is lost. Ensure all windows are shut and doors have good weather seals before turning on the HVAC system – especially during extreme temperatures. By properly sealing these areas, you can prevent conditioned air from escaping and hot air from filling your home. Additionally, be sure to regularly inspect and reseal any areas that may develop leaks or gaps over time.
Change your Home Systems’ Filters Regularly
It is essential to change your HVAC system’s air filters regularly. Typically, the desired amount is once a month or as directed by the furnace or filter manufacturer. This will ensure your system has smooth, uninterrupted airflow, allowing it to cool or heat your home effectively. New filters can help your system work more efficiently, saving you money. Clean filters also contribute to better indoor air quality by trapping dust and allergens, preventing contaminated air from circulating throughout your home.
The Importance of Maintaining Your HVAC Systems when Selling Your Home
Having well-maintained HVAC systems can also be a huge benefit when putting your home on the market, especially when selling in the summer. All of the factors mentioned above can play a huge role in a potential buyer’s first impression of the property, even more so on a hot summer day of home showings. Potential buyers want assurance that the home they are considering purchasing is equipped with an efficient HVAC system. There are a multitude of reasons why having reliable systems can set your home apart from others on the market.
- Comfort: When potential buyers tour your home during the summer, they want to experience relief from the scorching heat outside. If your HVAC system is well-maintained and capable of keeping the home cool and comfortable, it leaves an overall positive impression of your property!
- Energy Efficiency: Many sellers don’t realize just how much value energy-saving appliances can add to their homes. In fact, you can attract even MORE buyers with energy-efficient upgrades! A poorly maintained HVAC system can result in inefficiencies, leading to higher energy bills. Whereas a system that has been regularly serviced can be an attractive selling point, as buyers appreciate the potential for reduced energy expenses.
- Long-Term Peace of Mind By consistently keeping up with maintaining your HVAC systems, you decrease the risk of major breakdowns and expensive repairs. This benefits the buyers who move into your property by providing them confidence in the overall condition of the home.
- Home Inspection Benefits: HVAC systems are major components during a home inspection. A properly working system will likely result in a passed inspection and an overall better opinion of the home. On the other hand, HVAC systems in bad condition raise red flags for home inspectors.
By prioritizing the preventative maintenance of your HVAC system when selling your home, you not only create a comfortable living environment for potential buyers but also enhance the appeal and value of your property. If you’re planning to sell your home during the hot summer months, talk with a trusted local REALTOR ® about how your HVAC system is affecting your home’s value. Having an HVAC system that is in good condition and routinely maintained is not only benefiting your own comfort and satisfaction, but it’s also increasing your home’s overall value in the process! By following the tips and tricks above, you can ensure that your HVAC system is in top shape!