While summers in Connecticut may be relatively mild, they can soon turn miserable if your air conditioner stops working. Your HVAC system is probably not something that you think about on a regular basis until it breaks, and you are left overheated and miserable. If you do not properly maintain your HVAC system, it can leave you without cool air when you need it most.
 
Serious HVAC problems require the expertise of a professional, but you can prevent your system from overheating if you take precautions. Your HVAC system can overheat for a variety of reasons, but maintaining your system can help it last for years. Keep reading for five tips to keep your HVAC system from overheating.
 
Give it space

Your air conditioner needs proper airflow to continue operating. In order to maintain airflow, you should keep two or three feet of room around the outdoor condensing unit. If the airflow is too restricted, your unit is more likely to overheat.
 
It is also important to conduct regular checks around your outdoor unit. Sometimes debris or other items can block the airflow without anyone realizing it until your HVAC system breaks down. You would be surprised by what could block the airflow of your HVAC. Weeds in the spring, piles of leaves, or debris dropped off by storms can all cause a malfunction in your air conditioning.
 
Keep the thermostat programmed

The thermostat of your HVAC system will keep your air conditioner from working too hard. If you program your thermostat, you can regulate the temperature in your home without overworking your unit. For example, letting your air conditioner run at a low temperature even when you are not home can cause your HVAC to overheat.
 
You can make this process much easier and extend the life of your HVAC system by installing a programmable thermostat. Set your temperature to meet your needs, and give your system a break when you do not need it to work so hard. By running your air conditioner less often, you can extend its life.
 
Don’t forget the air filter

Changing air filters is something we all put off. The task can seem like an unnecessary hassle until your air conditioner breaks, leaving you stuck in the middle of summer with no cold air. Instead, set a reminder to change your air filter each month and actually follow through with it. A dirty air filter blocks the airflow of your HVAC system and can lead to a shutdown of your system.
 
Keep up with your inspections

An annual HVAC inspection may seem like another unnecessary task on your to do list, but it can actually prevent costly repairs later on. You can schedule two inspections, one in the spring and one in the fall, to ensure your air conditioner and heater are ready when the weather changes.
 
A technician will check all components of your HVAC system to make sure everything is functioning properly. These checks include the condenser coils, fan blades, and refrigerant. By checking your system on a regular basis, you can identify potential issues before they become major problems. Your technician will alert you to any potential problems and offer solutions on the spot.
 
Know the lifespan of your HVAC

Unfortunately, HVAC systems cannot last forever. It is important to keep the age of your air conditioner in mind when addressing problems and scheduling routine maintenance. HVAC systems last an average of 10 to 15 years before being replaced. If your system is older, you may find that problems occur more frequently.
 
Trust your HVAC system to the professionals

Schedule your annual inspection for your HVAC system in Connecticut with the qualified team at Highwood Mechanical Contractors. For more than 25 years, Highwood Mechanical has served the Fairfield HVAC, Middlesex HVAC, New Haven HVAC, Hamden, and Hartford areas. Experienced technicians can keep your HVAC system from overheating and ensure you stay cool all summer long. 

 Highwood Mechanical Contractors, Inc. serves all of CT and specializes in Fairfield County, New Haven County, and Middlesex County.
 
Unless you live in the Arctic, you rely on your air conditioner to keep you cool in the warmer months. You also probably enjoy turning on the heater whenever there is a chill in the air, but have you stopped to consider which air conditioning system you are using? Just because your system heats up or cools down your home does not mean that it is the best or most efficient solution.
 
Split ductless systems are becoming increasingly popular and for good reasons. This type of air conditioning system offers unmatched control and customizability when it comes to the temperature of your home. Keep reading to learn why you should choose a split ductless system for your home.
 
What is a split ductless system?
A split ductless system, or ductless mini-split air conditioning system, relies on an outdoor condenser to bring in air from outside. It then pushes this air through piping instead of using ducts. The goal is to provide the optimal amount of cold air to a specific room. Units are typically mounted into the wall and feature an independent thermostat.
 
Benefits of a split ductless air condition system
If you are searching for a new HVAC system or looking to upgrade your current air conditioning system, there are many reasons to choose a split ductless system for your home. We’ve compiled some of the top reasons homeowners choose a split ductless system to cool their house.
 
Easy installation
Ducts are expensive to install. Thankfully, a split ductless system relies on piping instead of ducts to funnel cold air into each room. It can take weeks for a professional team to install a ducted system, which disrupts your entire household and routine. You can have a ductless system installed and running within a single day, depending on how many indoor and outdoor units are required.
 
Customizable
Ductless systems offer unmatched customizability and flexibility. Air is delivered directly into different zones instead of being forced through ducts. A split ductless system enables you to control the temperature in each individual room of your home. There is a wall-mounted unit in every room, so everyone in your home can be comfortable at all times. Also, choosing to install a central unit allows you to regulate the temperature in your entire home from one place.
 
Cost savings
Instead of heating or cooling an entire home, split ductless systems only have to use enough energy to maintain the temperature in each room. Each temperature zone is independent of the rest, so your system does not have to work harder to regulate temperature across larger spaces. Large duct systems are prone to leaks, which waste energy and money. Also, they can become loose and result in more wasted energy. The piping used for a ductless system is considerably more cost-effective.
 
Precise temperature control
A mini ductless system is only responsible for cooling a small area of your home. The reduced burden on your AC system means that the temperature is more precise. More energy is required for systems that heat your entire home, and the results are not as precise when it comes to temperature.
 
Improved air quality
Unlike ductwork, the piping used for ductless systems does not collect allergens. Central air conditioning systems often encounter issues with air quality and can cause serious health problems in your home. Spilt ductless systems bring in clean air from the outdoors through a condenser. The air is cleaned by a network of filters and enters your home clean and allergen-free.
 
Quiet
Split ductless systems are a great alternative to window units because they are quiet. The silent operation is much different than the loud window unit. Sound from the ductless system comes from the outdoor condenser, so you do not have to deal with uncomfortable noise issues inside your home.
 
Improved aesthetics
Split ductless systems are small and unobtrusive. Their minimalist design offers impressive aesthetics, especially when compared to unsightly window units. The ductless system can easily be integrated with the décor of your home or be hidden behind furniture or decorations.
 
Split ductless system installation in Hamden, New Haven and Fairfield
​If you are interested in a split ductless system, you need a professional team to set up your system quickly and efficiently. Highwood Mechanical Contractors is the trusted service provider for HVAC systems in Connecticut, including Middlesex, New Haven, and Fairfield counties. With more than 25 years of experience, you can trust that your split ductless system will be installed and maintained by the pros.