This is the time of year when homeowners are looking forward to warmer weather and the end of winter. March is the official start of spring. Although it may not feel like summer yet, it is coming soon.
This month is the best time for spring HVAC maintenance. It is important to maintain your HVAC system as you prepare to turn off the furnace and your air conditioner for the summer. Your heating and cooling system's performance and longevity will be improved by regular maintenance. Avoiding costly repairs or inconvenient breakdowns can help reduce the chance of them happening. Warranty coverage can be affected if you fail to take proper care of your new HVAC system.
These are 10 simple spring HVAC maintenance that homeowners can follow to ensure their system is in peak condition for spring.
The exterior unit may have been clogged with debris from the winter and fall. Make sure you clean up the area around your HVAC system before you start any spring landscaping projects. Clean up the two-foot area around it. You can also trim any bushes or plants growing around it. To clean the coils of winter grime, you can use a simple vacuum attachment or garden hose. Clearing the coils will allow them to cool down without causing unnecessary stress.
To ensure maximum performance in the summer heat, you will want to make sure the outdoor unit is on a level surface. You can also visually inspect the condenser to see if it has suffered any damage during winter. If you notice anything unusual, call your local HVAC technician. When it's time to turn on your air conditioner, a damaged condenser can be a problem.
A professional duct cleaning is a great way to have quality indoor air. It is a good idea to clean the ducts before you turn on the air conditioner. It will get rid of any dust, mold, and other allergens that have accumulated over winter. It will also help allergy sufferers remove spring pollen from their home's air systems. We recommend homeowners schedule duct cleaning services every five to seven years.
Regularly changing your HVAC system's filter is a must. Filters that are dirty can restrict airflow and encourage mold growth. Old filters can also cause heating and air conditioning systems to work harder and use more energy. Keep things running smoothly by changing the filter every 30 to 90 days.
Our professional HVAC maintenance advice: you can do much more than replacing the filter. You might also consider upgrading your filter. A pleated filter can be used by homeowners to improve the air quality and system performance. These filters are a step above the standard filter and have an electrostatic charge that attracts bacteria and dust particles and traps them inside.
Make use of technology to ensure your HVAC unit runs at its peak efficiency. A programmable thermostat can not only reduce your energy bills but can also extend the life of your HVAC system. Your system will experience less stress throughout the year by optimizing the temperature throughout the week and day.
Take in the freshness of spring. The HVAC system can be turned off for a few weeks to improve the air quality in your home. Open the windows when the temperature is at its sweet spot, which is when neither heat nor cool. Fans inside your home can increase airflow and circulation. Taking in fresh air and sunlight is good for your health.
It doesn't matter how well your HVAC system is maintained -- if it isn't well sealed, it will struggle to cool your home. When you are doing spring HVAC maintenance around your home, be aware of any areas where air could escape. You should inspect the weather stripping around your windows and door jambs as well as the seals around the doors. You should replace weather stripping and seals that are cracked, damaged, or missing. The home's envelope should be sealed tight to prevent any temperature fluctuations. This will reduce the workload and enable your HVAC unit's efficiency in the winter and summer.
It's important to prevent unpleasant surprises later in spring when temperatures rise. Before it gets too hot, make sure that your air conditioner is working. Set your thermostat to a temperature a few degrees below the current indoor temperature. Wait for your HVAC unit to turn off. Allow it to turn on. Next, make sure cool air is flowing from the vents throughout the house. Listen out for unusual noises or clicking as the unit runs. You can schedule an appointment with your HVAC technician if the unit isn't working as it should.
Schedule an HVAC inspection at least once a year. Certified technicians will test the airflow and output and check the refrigerant levels. They will also tighten all electrical connections and hoses. The tech will also inspect key components such as the compressor, tubing, and fan blades for wear and tear.
Spring HVAC maintenance is essential to keep your system running smoothly for as long as possible. You can save a lot of time and money by replacing or repairing a part right away. Call Ingersoll's Air Conditioning and Heating Inc. at (251) 928-9392 for professional, reliable advice about how to prepare your HVAC unit in time for the season. For HVAC system services, you can request a quote online.
