Key takeaways:
- In Middle Tennessee, the summer months can take a toll on AC units and system components.
- You can prepare by doing a few simple maintenance checks on your HVAC system.
- We also recommend scheduling a tune-up to have a pro make sure your system is ready for the hot summer.
Hot and humid summers can be a lot for your AC to handle. With some simple summer HVAC prep for Middle Tennessee homes, you can catch problems early and prevent costly AC breakdowns.
Read on for some simple tips and maintenance tasks you can do yourself.
Check Your Air Filter and Airflow Before Peak Cooling Season
Bad airflow is one of the top things that can hurt your AC. If air isn’t circulating properly, your system will overheat. You’re going to see your energy bills go up, and the heat can damage moving parts and electrical components in your HAVC system faster than you might think.
Airflow can be restricted for different reasons:
- You need a new air filter. Ideally, you should change your AC filter every three months or so.
- Your AC ducts can get clogged. It’s best to have a professional clean your ducts since there is a risk of damaging them if you do it yourself.
- The fan blowing air through your system can get old and limit airflow. It’s something an HVAC tech can catch during a tune-up.
Inspect Your Outdoor Unit and Thermostat Settings for Efficiency
There are a few additional checks you can do yourself to prep your AC system for the hot summer months.
Check Your Outdoor AC Unit
Take a close look at your outdoor air conditioning unit:
- Clean vegetation to improve airflow.
- Remove dirt and debris with a brush or hose (make sure to turn the power off at the breaker before you do this).
Check Your Thermostat Settings
Program your thermostat to keep your home cool. Maintaining a cool temperature is usually cheaper compared to letting your home get warm and then running your AC to cool it back down.
If maintaining a comfortable temperature is difficult, try recalibrating your thermostat. This simple step can save you a lot on your energy bills.
Schedule a Professional AC Tune-Up
There are only so many AC problems you can prevent with these simple maintenance steps. The best way to prepare for the hot summer is to have a professional inspect your HVAC system.
It’s a quick home visit that shouldn’t take more than an hour, and it can catch a wide range of AC issues because a part fails. If you schedule tune-ups regularly, you can save a lot on repairs and extend the lifespan of your system.
During a tune-up, an HVAC pro will look at the following:
- They’ll do some core system checks on your thermostat, start-up and shut-down cycles, and coils.
- Next, they’ll ensure your AC system has proper airflow and that your blower motor and fan are functioning properly.
- They’ll also pay attention to the evaporator coils, refrigerant, condenser fan motor and blades, and drain pan.
- Lastly, your HVAC tech will test electrical connections and inspect electrical components for signs of wear.
Schedule your tune-up as early as possible in the season. HVAC techs get busy once temperatures climb, and you might have to wait before your tune-up.
Get Your HVAC System in Top Shape With Airstream
Airstream can help you prepare for the hot and humid Middle Tennessee summer with comprehensive HVAC tune-ups.
Our trained technicians understand the unique challenges the local climate poses for AC systems. A simple routine visit from us ensures your HVAC will keep running smoothly, even as temperatures and humidity climb.
Give us a call at 615-413-8461 to schedule your HVAC tune-up or use our online form.
FAQ
Why is AC maintenance in Middle Tennessee so important?
Middle Tennessee’s hot, humid summers force your AC to run hard for long stretches, which can wear out parts faster and drive up energy bills. Regular AC maintenance in Middle Tennessee helps your system handle the heat, stay efficient, and reduce the risk of mid-summer breakdowns.
How often should I schedule an HVAC tune-up in Middle Tennessee?
Most homeowners should schedule a professional HVAC tune-up in Middle Tennessee once a year, ideally before the hot weather gets here. This gives a tech time to catch worn parts, low refrigerant, or airflow issues before the hottest days hit.
What does a professional HVAC tune-up include?
During a tune-up, a technician typically checks your thermostat, start-up and shut-down cycles, airflow, blower motor, and fan operation. They also inspect coils, refrigerant levels, drain pan and line, and electrical connections and components for wear or damage.
What should I do if my AC is not cooling in Tennessee?
First, check your thermostat settings, air filter, and outdoor unit for obvious issues like a dirty filter or blocked airflow. If everything looks normal and your AC is still not cooling Tennessee rooms properly, call a local repair service.
