Summertime is supposed to be a fun time. The warm sunny skies allow ample opportunities for you to be outside and enjoy those rays.
However, when the summer sun heats up to a certain temperature range, it can become quite uncomfortable. Is your home ready for the summer heat? Here are some ways you can ensure your dwelling is ready for the blazing temperatures of the summer season.
1. Have Your Duct Work Cleaned
Have you ever tried to use the nozzle on you vacuum cleaner but it does not have much suction because it is clogged? It is a frustrating feeling that can mean removing the object obstructing the airflow.
The same thing can happen to your ductwork over time. Dust, pet hair, and other particles build-up inside the HVAC's piping inside your home.
You could have an inhibited airflow due to the ducts being full of other rubbish.
Keep in mind that mice and other little critters look for openings inside these holes to create their homes inside of them as well.
Your duct work needs to be cleaned and inspected periodically. You could have a duct extension that has torn loose, or you could have a system that is blowing allergens and all sorts of things into your atmosphere.
If there is someone in your home that suffers from asthma, then having your duct work cleaned becomes essential. Our experts will clean these ducts and ensure that the air coming into your home is way better than before. If you turn on your furnace and dust comes flying out, then this is a sign that you need professional intervention.
2. Change HVAC Units' Filters Regularly
Your HVAC has a filter system that is imperative for its operation. What would happen if you never changed the air filter in your car? Eventually, the buildup of debris on the filter would choke the engine. Did you know an engine can cease to run due to a dirty air filter? The same thing can happen with your furnace.
If your air filter becomes extremely clogged, it loses its efficiency. It will no longer be able to keep particles from entering your system. A dirty air filter can cause the unit to freeze over, leak water, and have a lower overall efficiency rating. Filters are a very inexpensive way to ensure that your home is efficient for the summer time and sweltering heat.
3. Schedule a Preventative Maintenance Session
The old saying goes "if it is not broke, don't fix it." However, when you are dealing with your HVAC system, nothing could be further from the truth.A preventative maintenance session, also known as a "PM" is an inspection of your unit.
When we come to your home, our knowledgeable technicians look and listen for anything that is out of place within your unit.
Did you know that in many cases we can catch small issues before they become mechanical failures? We change the filters, check refrigerant levels, and do a whole series of inspections.
We want to make sure that you are ready when the temperatures rise above 80 degrees. Many people do not realize that they need to have their unit serviced to maintain its longevity.
A unit that is regularly maintained will last much longer than one that is left to time and chance. Would you even consider never changing the oil in your car? If the oil wasn't changed your car would eventually stop running. The same thing can be said for your HVAC unit. If it does not have the service it needs it will experience mechanical failure.
4. Check Your Thermostat
The thermostat controls the HVAC unit. However, these can malfunction from time to time and not communicate effectively with the system.
Programmable thermostats allow you to adjust the temperature of your home to increase it when no one is home and then decrease it right before you come home.It not only offers customizable cooling, but it allows you to reduce your overall consumption based on your specific needs. Thermostats are not expensive. In fact, replacing a thermostat is quite affordable.
New styles allow you to sync them with your Smartphone so that you can program it from anywhere you have an internet connection. If you have one of the old turn-dial style thermostats, you need to upgrade it. We can have a new thermostat installed in your home in a matter of minutes.
5. Replace Your old Unit with a High-Efficiency Air Conditioner
Do you have a high-efficiency air conditioner? Many people are using relics that they have had for more than 20 years just because they are still working.
If your HVAC unit is more than 10 years old, then you need to ruminate on replacing it with a more efficient model. There are so many options out there today when it comes to units.
The geothermal units use energy from the ground and allow the homeowner to experience incredible savings. Even if you do not have the budget for a geothermal unit, a new unit with a higher SEER rating can help you to save.
What is a SEER rating? Well, all new air conditioning units have this rating included to show what the average cost of operation will be. This acronym stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. The goal is to get a higher number on the unit you're thinking of purchasing. The higher the number, the more savings you can anticipate.
Any unit made after 2005 must have a SEER rating of at least 13, according to the ENERGY STAR standards. Having a unit that uses less energy will more than pay for itself over time.
Getting Ready for the Summer Season
Once you make sure that your home will be a cool and comfortable haven, you can focus on the things that are really important. Everybody knows that summer is about picnics, vacation, and spending time with family and friends.
If you need to schedule a preventative maintenance session, call Lambert Plumbing and Heating Ltd in Vancouver, BC at (604) 734-0890 today. We want you to be comfortable this summer.