Spring Checklist: Knock Off the Dust with HVAC Maintenance

You’ve been hibernating all winter, but March is the month when things start happening. If you’re like many homeowners, you may be anxious to leave winter in the dust and throw open the windows. Amid the flurry of decluttering and cleaning, don’t neglect your furnace and air conditioning system. The fact is, spring is the prelude to another blistering summer, making this a perfect time to get your HVAC system in tip-top shape. Don’t know what spring cleaning your HVAC system involves? Add these actions to your March home maintenance checklist.

Change the Air Filter

The air filter is one of the most important parts of your heating and cooling system, protecting your finely tuned home comfort equipment from airborne particles and promoting cleaner indoor air. Consistently replace the air filter according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. If you have pets in the household or someone in your home has allergies, change the filter up to once a month to maintain indoor air quality. If you don’t, replacing a dirty 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%.

Check the Condensate Drain

Your air conditioner doesn’t simply cool your home—it also dehumidifies. The condensate drain is the key to removing extra moisture from your AC. The drain should be free-flowing and the connecting hose should be leak-free and correctly placed. Take a quick look at your condensate drain while you replace the filter to keep your system running properly—and also help you spot warning signs of water damage.

Increase Your Home’s Airflow

Before switching on the air conditioner for the first time this spring, open your windows and doors to allow fresh air into your home. If your home usually feels stuffy, consider adding a whole-house ventilation system. This upgrade sends stuffy air out of your home and replaces it with clean, fresh air from outside. Certain equipment pre-cools and dehumidifies incoming air to minimize the impact on your energy bills while helping you breathe easier.

Spring Clean Your Home

Extensively cleaning your home complements your HVAC maintenance checklist by decreasing the amount of dust and allergens that flow through the system. Pay special attention to these areas:

• Wipe down ceiling fan blades.
• Seal gaps near windows and doors using caulk or weather stripping.
• Scrub sliding glass door tracks.
• Vacuum debris out of the coils located beneath or behind the refrigerator.
• Dust light fixtures and switch out old incandescent bulbs for energy-saving LEDs.

Enhance Your Thermostat

If you haven’t yet looked into programmable or smart thermostats, spring is a great time to contemplate adding this reasonably priced upgrade. A programmable thermostat makes a big difference in your home’s comfort and energy use. Start off by setting the temperature to 78 degrees F when you’re at home. Next, plan automatic setback periods of 7 to 10 degrees when the house is empty during the day. With recovery periods set for your arrival time, you can enjoy up to 10% energy savings without losing comfort.

A smart thermostat takes these perks a step further by letting you make adjustments remotely. You can also check your energy usage in a mobile app and get tailored, cost-cutting tips.

Have Your Ducts Sealed and Insulated

Ductwork can develop leaks that decrease air quality and increase your energy bills. Sealing these leaks helps your air conditioner 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.

Hose Debris From the Outdoor Unit

The exterior condenser unit can become filled with debris throughout the cold season. Here’s how to spring clean it this March:

• Rake leaves, pine needles and grass clippings from around the unit.
• Carefully hose down the metal fins to remove dirt and cobwebs.
• Remove adjacent shrubs and grasses to keep a one- to two-foot clearance.
• Inspect the unit for damage, such as missing insulation or bent fins.

• Get in touch with a professional technician for AC service before the summer heat arrives. 

Turn on Your HVAC Unit

After performing your spring cleaning checklist, it’s time to turn on your air conditioning system. Allow it to run for several minutes to check for adequate cooling. If you encounter any issues, verify your thermostat is set correctly before phoning a professional for help.

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

If your air conditioning system needs special attention this spring, Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is the team for the job. Our HVAC services help keep your home comfortable and energy efficient all year-round. Enjoy fast, long-lasting solutions to all your comfort concerns, backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. We mean it—if you’re not totally happy with our services, we’ll make it right. For a spring-ready AC system that provides efficiency and peace of mind, call 866-397-3787 to reach the heating and cooling specialists at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing today.