As the spring weather and longer days hit, it’s time to start thinking about the health of our air conditioning systems. Taking the time now to prepare and clean your HVAC system can help keep it in working order through the hot summer months. Plus, planning ahead and getting your annual maintenance done in March can help you avoid the pre-summer rush most HVAC contractors experience.
To get you started, here are a few spring HVAC maintenance things you can do to prepare your system for the summer strain.
Change your system’s air filters.
If you don’t change your filters every month, you’ll at least want to change them every season. When you replace your filters, you’re making sure that the air quality in your home is high and ensuring that there are no large dust or dirt blocks that may make it harder for your air conditioning unit to work.
Clear away debris from your HVAC units.
Removing branches, leaves and other plant debris or trash from your outdoor unit is a good idea. The more things build up around your units (both indoors and outdoors) can increase the chances that something may interfere with your condenser and evaporator coils.
Check your thermostat.
If you don’t already have a programmable thermostat, then now is the time to invest in one. They are great to allow you to set your home’s internal temperature and leave it. When you do this, it takes the strain off of your HVAC system and enables your unit to comfortably and consistently maintain the home’s temperature. You may also want to consider increasing the thermostat’s programming at night (when it’s cooler) or during times when no one will be home — so your unit does not have to work hard, when it doesn’t need to.
Good to Know
Make sure furniture, pictures or rugs are not blocking the vents and that they are free of debris
Have an HVAC professional inspect all lines.
In some cases, the lines running to and from your HVAC system can get blocked or damaged. If caught and repaired early, they can be easy fixes. But, if left unchecked, they can cause larger-scale damage that may require your entire unit to be replaced. If you haven’t had your condensate lines inspected within the past year, now is the time to make the call.
Clean all dust and dirt from vents.
If you’re not a serial duster or don’t usually check your in-home air vents, then you’ll want to start. Make sure furniture, pictures or rugs are not blocking the vents and that they are free of debris. Many times, dust collects in floor vents and this can create blockages in your air ducts. Having your system cleaned yearly can help to suck out anything that has made its way into your air ducts.
Conclusion.
With warmer weather coming, the last thing you want is to kick on your air conditioning only to feel hot air coming through! Investing just an hour in the spring can ensure that your air conditioning unit is ready to handle the summer heat and keep your home cool and comfortable until the fall.