As summer is rapidly approaching in Central New Jersey, not enough homeowners are thinking about their air conditioning or heat pump! A well-maintained HVAC system can mean the difference between a comfortable summer and a season full of hot and humid indoor air and expensive repairs. Luckily, there are steps you can take NOW, before the cool air coming from your vents becomes a necessity.
1. Clean or Replace Your HVAC Filters
As a homeowner, cleaning or replacing your air filters is a simple task that can save you a lot of future headache. The filter in your HVAC system keeps dust, dirt, and other airborne particles from circulating throughout your home. But if you don’t change your filter regularly, it will get so dirty that it starts to clog your system, lowering air pressure and forcing your system to work harder, leading to increased energy use, higher monthly cooling bills, and possible breakdowns.
Luckily, HVAC filter replacement for your AC or heat pump only takes a minute, making it one of the easiest ways you can prep your HVAC for summer.
2. Tidy Up Around Your Outdoor Unit
Your system’s outdoor unit could benefit from some cleaning up as well! It’s a good idea to clean around the unit, making sure to clear any branches or debris that might have collected over the winter. You should also cut back any grass or shrubs that could restrict airflow to the unit.
While some homeowners are comfortable performing these tasks themselves, others prefer to leave AC maintenance to the professionals. If you're unsure or uncomfortable performing these tasks, Princeton Air is always here to help!
3. Check Your Thermostat
Your thermostat, while not an actual part of your air conditioner, is still a vital component of your home’s HVAC system. It’s a good idea to take your system for a test drive before you really need to use it, so head over to the thermostat, make sure it’s set to cooling mode, and turn it on. Check to see that everything is functioning correctly—and if it isn’t, call for professional assistance.
4. Schedule AC Maintenance
Regular maintenance is the first and most crucial step in AC prep for the warmer months. As a leading HVAC contractor in Central New Jersey, the team at Princeton Air recommends scheduling your service ahead of the summer heat. An HVAC repair professional can inspect your system, perform necessary AC repairs, and ensure it's ready to cool your home efficiently when the temperatures rise. HVAC tune-ups offer peace of mind that your AC, heat pump, or mini-split has been looked over by a qualified expert!
Princeton Air also offers Cooling Club maintenance plans for added convenience, where you receive automatically scheduled tune-ups, discounts on repairs, priority service, and more. Best of all, the price of membership is less than the AC maintenance costs to schedule two a la carte service visits!
5. Consider HVAC Replacement
Sometimes, HVAC repair and maintenance just isn't enough to keep your system working reliably and efficiently through another summer season, especially if your system is over ten years old. In these cases, HVAC replacement could be a wiser and more cost-effective move. A new HVAC installation isn't just about dealing with a faulty system—it's also about upgrading to a more energy-efficient model that can save you money over time as well.
Princeton Air’s team is incredibly knowledgeable and can walk you through the pros and cons of repairing vs. replacing your system. We can help you make the best decision for your Princeton, NJ area home and ensure that you’ll benefit from affordable, whole home comfort this summer and for many years to come. We’ll also walk you through available rebates and incentives, including a $2,000 federal tax credit on heat pump and mini-split installation!
