Spring is here, and the summer will arrive soon in full force. In the Jacksonville area, the summer heat and humidity are already making their first appearances. After a winter of keeping your home warm and cozy for your family, it’s time to make sure that your HVAC system is ready to keep your home cool and dry.

With the pollen levels rising, temperatures climbing to the top of the thermometer and humidity levels close to 100 percent, you need your home to feel safe and comfortable. If you follow a few simple tips, you can keep your home comfortable for your family all summer long. You can also keep your air conditioner from breaking your bank account through higher utility bills and repairs.

Repair or Replace Damaged Pipe Insulation

The large copper pipe that connects your outdoor unit to your home is the suction line. If the suction line has damaged insulation, you could be losing the required level of cooling for your outdoor unit. This loss of cooling can hurt your whole system and make you lose energy, as well. Sun rot, humidity, pests and even freezing temperatures can all damage insulation. A professional can help you complete this necessary task.

Clean the Area Around the Outdoor Unit

Most HVAC systems need a minimum of 3 feet of clearance on all sides of the outdoor unit to operate efficiently. Remove any trash or debris from around the unit, and clear away any branches or mulch that have gathered around the base. When you’re cutting the grass over the summer, make sure the clippings don’t pile around the unit.

Clean the Condenser Coils

Depending on where your outdoor unit sits, trash, vegetation or other debris may have become lodged in its condenser coils. These grille-like sections of the outdoor unit are essential for transferring heat when the unit is running. If they become clogged, they can’t transfer heat effectively. Dry debris in the unit exposed to this much heat can also lead to possible fires. Check these often and spray them clean with your water hose when needed.

Change Your Air Filters

After a winter of keeping your home warm, your air filter is due for a change. Dirty filters make your system less efficient because they must work harder to circulate the same amount of air as with a clean filter. Making your system work harder can lead to early breakdowns, which could be disastrous in the peak of the summer heat.

Clean filters also help keep contaminants from building up in your ducts. Dust and pollen can cause discomfort, but biological contaminants can be much more harmful. Check your filters often.

Schedule a Duct Cleaning

Over the winter months, your system has probably collected a natural buildup of dirt and debris. If you still notice a lot of dust in your home after cleaning your vents and grates and changing your air filter, you probably need to have your ducts professionally cleaned.

The licensed technicians at Ocean State Air Conditioning & Heating understand the importance of regular maintenance. When it comes to your family’s comfort, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. A specialist will come to your home and inspect every part of your HVAC system. They’re trained to find problems that might not be obvious to the average homeowner. Solving little issues before they become big disasters will not only extend your system’s life but also save your bank account.

The heavy heat and humidity will be here soon, so don’t wait to schedule maintenance to make sure your system is ready for whatever Mother Nature will throw at you this summer. Call the licensed professionals at Ocean State Air Conditioning & Heating at (904) 574-5619 to arrange a service call today.

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