HomeLocalLocal HVAC professionals offer tips for extreme heat during summer monthsLocal HVAC professionals offer tips for extreme heat during summer monthsTue, June 28, 2022 by Michael GiddensSHARE NOW SYLACAUGA, Ala. – Summer is here, but you already knew that considering the heat index reached 109 degrees on multiple days last week.If you are looking for cooler temperatures in an indoor area, you need to take the proper steps to keep your HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) unit working properly.Sleeping Giant Heating and Cooling‘s owners Wes, Kyle, and Danny Butler are well aware of how tough it can be to combat the heat, and the three offered SylacaugaNews.com some tips on how to beat the unnecessary heat and keep your HVAC system functioning.Just to name a few, they instructed to “keep blinds and curtains closed, avoid cooking in the heat of the day, and [limit] excessive trips in and out of the house.”When weather conditions like the past week are consistent, your HVAC unit is constantly running from sunrise to sunset. Anytime you set the room temperature to under 72 degrees, it puts a big strain on the unit.Due to this and many other factors, Sleeping Giant suggests that you have your HVAC system routinely checked twice a year.“This will ensure peak performance and efficiency out of the unit during the extreme conditions Alabama weather has to offer,” said Wes Butler.He also noted that there are a multitude of signs that will show up if your HVAC unit becomes faulty including high utility bills, unusual noises and/or vibrations, tripping breakers, and inability to satisfy temperature in mild weather.However, Butler pointed out that you should not wait for the symptoms of a sickly HVAC to present themselves. Instead, being proactive in maintaining a healthy unit can save you lots of money.“Not having the system routinely checked can allow small issues to turn into major ones if not corrected in a timely manner,” Butler said. “Dirty coils can eventually lead to problems with refrigerant flow, uncleared drain lines can lead to water damage in attics, crawls, or closets, and unchecked ducts can cause the system to overwork because of air loss.”Lastly, Wes had one last piece of advice for those hoping to keep cool with a strong HVAC unit:“Don’t forget to change your filter!”