How to Prep Your HVAC for Spring and Summer
Spring is a popular season for cleaning the home, clearing out unwanted items and getting a fresh start. This is also the season when you’re most likely to turn on your air conditioning for the first time. After months of disuse, there are several maintenance tasks that you should take care of to keep your system in good shape and operating at peak efficiency.
Change or Clean the Air Filter
No matter the season, check the air filter once a month and replace it as soon as dust, dirt and other particulates begin accumulating.
Most systems have a disposable filter. Take the time now to stock up on filter replacements for the whole season so you won’t fall behind changing them. If your system has a reusable filter, remove and clean it at the beginning of the season.
Clear the Space Around the Condenser Unit
Head outside and locate the condenser unit for your HVAC system. Look for dead leaves, branches, dirt and other debris that’s built up around the unit during the fall and winter months. Clear these away so the condenser is free of obstructions. Also make sure you don’t place any bushes or flowers too close to the unit.
Clean the Condenser Coils
The inside of the condenser unit may have nearly as much dirt as the outside. Cleaning the condenser coils is something you can perform as a DIY task if you’re comfortable opening the unit. If not, contact an HVAC professional who can tackle it during routine maintenance.
If you do take it on yourself, be sure to turn the power to the system off before cleaning. Then remove the metal cage around the unit and rinse the condenser coils with a standard garden hose using minimal pressure.
Schedule a Tune-Up
A routine HVAC system tune-up is always a good idea ahead of heating and cooling seasons. Schedule an A/C tune-up in the spring before you turn the air conditioning on for the first time. During the appointment, you can expect your HVAC technician to check the refrigerant level, look for leaks in the air ducts, and make sure all parts of the system are running smoothly. If there’s a problem, you can fix it now before you run the system and potentially make it worse.
Seal Leaks in Air Ducts
During your annual tune-up, the HVAC technician can also check for leaks in your home’s ductwork. If ducts are leaking, the air conditioner can’t operate at peak efficiency. That cool air that you’re paying for will simply escape, making your air conditioner work harder to maintain the set temperature. Seal any leaks as soon as you detect them to enjoy energy savings throughout the year.
Consider System Upgrades
Spring is the perfect time to upgrade your HVAC system, if necessary. If you wait till the heat of summer, you may find that many other families are having the same idea. You don’t want to end up on a waiting list during a heat wave. Be proactive and research your options now.
If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, this is one of the best upgrades you can invest in. A programmable thermostat will help you minimize heating and cooling costs. You can program the system to adjust your home’s temperature several times throughout the day. Keep the home warmer when you’re away at work and in the middle of the night when you’re less active. A programmable thermostat will automatically adjust your thermostat in accordance with your settings to keep your energy costs low.
Learn more about Wood Air Conditioning & Plumbing Inc.’s HVAC system maintenance or give us a call today to schedule an appointment!