With summer in full swing, keeping your home cool and comfortable is more important than ever. The Otter Guys bring over 60 years of experience in the HVAC industry and are here to help you beat the heat this summer.

What are the most common HVAC issues during the summer in Charlottesville, VA?

In Charlottesville, summer heat can pose several HVAC challenges, including:

  • System Overload: High temperatures can cause your system to work overtime, leading to potential breakdowns. Electrical and mechanical components, such as the capacitor, contactor, motors, the compressor etc. operate under higher stress at extreme temperatures, which can cause your HVAC system to fail.
  • Poor Airflow: Blocked vents, dirty filters, or poor duct design can reduce airflow, making your system less efficient and resulting in uneven cooling throughout your home.
  • Refrigerant Leaks: Low refrigerant levels can cause your system to blow warm air. It’s important to know that the refrigerant cycle in your HVAC system is a “closed loop.”  If your system is low on refrigerant, it means there is a leak somewhere.  Before replenishing the system with refrigerant, it’s important to find and repair the leak to address the root cause of the problem.

How can I ensure my HVAC system runs efficiently during the summer?

To keep your HVAC system running efficiently during the summer:

  • Schedule a Maintenance Check: Have a professional inspect and service your system before peak usage. Conducting a thorough inspection and cleaning the coils can help prevent or resolve issues that may occur before the peak of the summer.
  • Change Filters Regularly: Replace or clean filters every 1-3 months to maintain proper airflow. In many cases, we find that an extremely dirty filter is the only thing that has caused the system to fail.
  • Clean the Outdoor Unit: Remove debris and ensure the area around the unit is clear to improve efficiency. Your outdoor system needs some space to “breathe” to allow for appropriate heat transfer to take place.
  • Set your System to an Appropriate Temperature: The general rule of thumb is that your HVAC system can only cool air by about 20 degrees. That means that when it is 100 degrees outside, there is (unfortunately) a limit to how much your system will be able to cool your home, even in the best of conditions.  Therefore, on those hottest summer days, we recommend setting the thermostat to no lower than 75 or 80; setting the thermostat too low will cause your system to run excessively, which can lead to failure.
  • Inspect Ductwork: Check (or have a professional check) your ductwork for kinks, shears, or leaks. Staying on top of the condition of your ductwork can improve comfort in your home, improve air quality, minimize energy loss and reduce your utility bills.

 

How can I improve the air quality in my home during the summer?

Improving indoor air quality in the summer involves:

  • Using Dehumidifiers: Reduce indoor humidity to prevent mold and mildew.
  • Installing Air Purifiers: Remove allergens and pollutants from the air.
  • Regular Maintenance: Keep your HVAC system and filters clean.
  • Ventilation: Use exhaust fans and open windows during cooler times of the day.

Expert Tips for Summer

  • Set your thermostat to a higher temperature when you’re not home to save energy.
  • Use ceiling fans to circulate cool air more effectively and reduce the load on your AC.
  • Close blinds or curtains during the hottest part of the day to keep your home cooler.
  • Invest in a maintenance plan to keep your system in top shape.