Preparing Your HVAC System for Summer

The Milwaukee area may get more than its share of cold winter temperatures, but it also enjoys a warm season that stretches over 3.6 months in the summertime. However, your ability to get much enjoyment out of the warmer weather may depend on how well your HVAC system can handle its increased workload.

Instead of finding yourself stuck with a malfunctioning air conditioner during the dog days of summer, use your remaining window of opportunity to evaluate your HVAC system and prepare it for the elevated temperatures to come. Include the following four items on your summertime HVAC preparation list.

Your HVAC system should move air through every part of your home as cleanly and effortlessly as possible. Unfortunately, a system that has quite literally collected dust during cooler weather may suffer from clogged air filters, dirty air conditioning ducts or evaporator coils, and debris that affects your outdoor compressor's performance.

If you see your compressor covered by dust, leaves, twigs, or other debris, clear away the offending material so air can enter the unit more easily. Replace dirty air filters, moving any furniture or other obstacles that might block airflow. Ask your HVAC technician whether your evaporator coils or ducts require cleaning.

The evaporator coils mentioned above play the critical role of drawing heat out of your home's air. As chilled refrigerant moves through the coils, it absorbs heat, producing condensation as a byproduct. The water produced by condensation then travels from a drainage pain through a tube to your bathtub assembly.



Over time, the refrigerant in your HVAC system can run low and lose its potency. If you believe that this problem has developed, have your HVAC technician check the refrigerant and recharge it if necessary. At the same time, the technician can remove any clogs in your drainage system that might cause water to accumulate and overflow.

The more energy your summertime air conditioning consumes, the more carefully you must control your HVAC function if you want to achieve the right balance between comfort and affordable utility bills. You can manage your air conditioner's performance with greater precision by installing a smart thermostat in your home.



A WiFi-enabled thermostat allows you to schedule different temperature targets based on the time of day, running warmer during unoccupied hours and cooler during the hours your family members spend at home. It also lets you control your home AC performance remotely and monitor your energy usage more accurately.

An HVAC system relies on complex interactions among all its component parts to provide reliable, effective temperature and humidity control. Even parts that work correctly at the moment may show early signs of wear or other troubling symptoms. Schedule a comprehensive pre-summer inspection from your HVAC services provider.

A variety of tiny issues can contribute to poor summertime HVAC performance. For example, a professional inspection can reveal gaps or leaks in your ducts that let cool air escape and pull dust into the system. You might also need to fix bent compressor fins or a malfunctioning thermostat.

If your HVAC system appears healthy but you still don't get the cooling you want, or if you feel that your system runs too hard and costs too much every summer, ask your inspection technician whether you might need a more energy-efficient unit. Replacement can make good financial sense, especially for an aging HVAC system.

E & R Heating and Cooling can make sure your HVAC system stands ready to combat the summer heat. Contact us today to arrange for a seasonal or annual inspection and any necessary maintenance work your air conditioner might require.