Spring Checklist: Knock Off the Dust with HVAC Maintenance

You’ve been hibernating away from the cold, but March is the month when things start shifting in a warmer direction. If you’re like many homeowners, you may be eager to brush off the cobwebs of winter and focus on spring. Amid the flurry of decluttering and cleaning, don’t ignore your furnace and air conditioning system. The fact is, spring is the prelude to another hot summer, making this an ideal time to get your HVAC system in the best shape. Don’t know what spring cleaning your HVAC system involves? Add these tasks to your March home maintenance checklist.

Replace the Air Filter

The air filter is a critical part of your HVAC system, protecting sensitive equipment from airborne particles and promoting cleaner indoor air. Consistently replace the air filter according to the manufacturer’s suggestions. If you have pets in your home or suffer from allergies, change the filter up to once a month to preserve indoor air quality. If not, replacing your HVAC filter with a new one every three months is enough. In addition to trapping and removing airborne pollutants more effectively, a clean filter promotes better airflow to increase system efficiency by up to 15%.

Examine the Condensate Drain

Your air conditioning system doesn’t only cool your property—it also dehumidifies. The condensate drain is the key to getting rid of extra moisture from your AC. The drain should be free-flowing and the connecting hose should be leak-free and properly placed. Check on your condensate drain whenever you replace the filter to keep your system running properly—and also help you spot warning signs of water damage.

Enjoy Some Fresh Air

Before switching on your home’s air conditioning system for the first time this spring, open your windows and doors to allow fresh air into your home. If the air inside your home often feels stale or stuff, think about adding a whole-house ventilation system. This upgrade blows stale air outside and swaps it for clean, fresh air from outside. Certain equipment pre-cools and dehumidifies incoming air to reduce the impact on your energy expenses while helping you breathe cleaner, healthier air.

Spring Clean Your Home

Meticulously cleaning your home complements your HVAC maintenance checklist by limiting the amount of dust and allergens that circulate through the system. Pay special attention to these items:

• Clean off ceiling fan blades.
• Seal gaps near windows and doors using caulk or weather stripping.
• Scrub sliding glass door tracks.
• Clean the coils located beneath or behind the refrigerator.
• Wipe off light fixtures and exchange old incandescent bulbs for energy-saving LEDs.

Enhance Your Thermostat

If you haven’t yet discovered programmable or smart thermostats, spring is a perfect time to contemplate adding this affordable upgrade. A programmable thermostat makes a substantial difference in your home’s comfort and energy usage. Start off by setting the temperature to 78 degrees F when you’re going to be inside the residence. After that, program automatic setback periods of 7 to 10 degrees when the house is empty during the day. With recovery periods set for when you will be back home, you can enjoy up to 10% energy savings without compromising comfort.

A smart thermostat takes these benefits a step further by allowing you to make changes remotely. You can also check your energy consumption in a mobile app and get customized, cost-cutting tips.

Check Your Ductwork and Insulation Levels

Ductwork sometimes can develop leaks that negatively impact your air quality and raise your energy expenses. Sealing these leaks helps your AC run more efficiently and circulate clean, healthy air. Once sealed, insulate your ductwork so you don’t lose any cold air before it gets to your living area.

Clean the Outdoor Unit

The outside condenser unit can become filled with debris throughout the winter. Here’s how to clean it out this March:

• Rake leaves, pine needles and grass clippings from near the unit.
• Gently hose down the metal fins to remove dirt and cobwebs.
• Cut back surrounding shrubs and grasses to keep a one- to two-foot clearance.
• Study the unit for damage, such as missing insulation or bent fins.

• Contact a professional technician for AC service before the summer heat sets in. 

Try Out Your HVAC Unit

After finishing your spring cleaning checklist, it’s time to try out your air conditioning system. Allow it to run for several minutes to verify it is producing cool air like it should. If you experience any issues, make sure your thermostat is set to cool before phoning a professional for help.

Schedule AC Services in the U.S. with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing

If your air conditioning system needs professional help this spring, Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is the company to call. Our HVAC solutions help keep your home comfortable and energy efficient all year-round. Enjoy fast, long-lasting solutions to all your comfort issues, backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. You read that correct—if you’re not absolutely happy with our solutions, we’ll make it right. For a spring-ready HVAC system that delivers efficiency and peace of mind, call 866-397-3787 to reach the heating and cooling professionals at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing today.