HVAC Preventative Maintenance: 5 Simple steps to prepare for the Summer Cooling Season

The mild spring weather is the optimal time to prepare your home and HVAC system for the coming months of Summer heat. Here are 5 quick and simple HVAC Preventative Maintenance steps to consider now, to avoid some uncomfortable situations.

1. Don’t delay in scheduling your annual HVAC Preventative Maintenance visit. Doing preventative maintenance on your system extends the life of your unit and avoids the inconvenience of repairs during the summer months.All of your neighbors forgot to schedule their PM check, so teams are working extra hard trying to cover all of the calls once summer begins and they remember. A PM check should be scheduled annually and now is a good time to call.
2. Change your filter as often as needed. Changing intervals range from 30, 60, or 90 days. Consider these variables to determine what is best for you:
   • Size of the house
   • Number of family members
   • Number of pets
   • Family members with respiratory conditions, such as allergies or asthma
   • Construction dust from recent renovations or nearby construction

A new filter removes dust, pollen, mold, and other particles circulating throughout the house.

1. Upgrade your thermostat. If you still adjust the temperature using a dial on the thermostat, it is definitely time to replace it. This can be a DIY project or call your HVAC service provider. Two new thermostat options are available from many sources.
   • Programmable thermostats allow you to raise temps during the day while everyone is away or change the temp for a good night’s sleep. If you are installing it yourself, program it as you install it to prevent adding programming to a long list of things you intend to “get to.”
   • Smart thermostats include a phone app that allows you to change the temperature from your smartphone. The ease of adjustment makes it nice when your plans change and adjustments are made “on the fly.”
2. Check your insulation now and add if needed. Believe me, this is better done during days with mild temps, compared to days with extreme hot or cold. Building code for Texas requires an insulation value of R-30 minimum; that is usually 9” to 10”, depending upon insulation material.Is this a DIY project? It can be, but it might be messy and uncomfortable. If the outside air temperature is 90 degrees, the attic temperature can easily be 130. Whether you do it yourself or call a contractor, consider the season and schedule according.
3. Reverse the direction of your ceiling fan. Remember that mnemonic saying we use to remind us about Daylight Savings Time—Spring forward/Fall back.The time change is an ideal reminder to change batteries in smoke detectors and to reverse the direction of the ceiling fan to maximize the cooling effects for your central air conditioner—counterclockwise for cooling months and clockwise for heating months.

Questions about HVAC Preventative Maintenance?

Our technicians can provide a thorough inspection of your heating and air conditioning system to identify any potential HVAC Preventative Maintenance problems.

Replacing worn or improperly configured HVAC System components during HVAC Preventative Maintenance can significantly improve the efficiency of your furnace.

Our technicians are thoroughly trained and certified to repair or design any improperly installed ductwork systems.

For more information about R.M. Mullinix or heating systems, schedule an appointment, or visit our HVAC maintenance information page.