Spring is right around the corner, and the thought of flowers and sunshine definitely brings a sense of relief and joy. Goodbye winter, we won’t miss you!
But as winter departs, some basic home maintenance tasks become necessary, and HVAC cleaning should be on every home owners seasonal to-do list.
Making sure your air conditioner system is ready to go for that first heat wave is something that some homeowners might not even consider, but it’s important to address if you want to stay comfortable and cool all summer long.
Today we will discuss how to get your HVAC unit clean and ready for use this Spring.
Have A Trial Run
For starters, you should turn on your AC system to make sure it’s still working as it should.
Listen for any strange noises, and be on the lookout for any odd smells. Both of these can signify a bigger issue that will need to be addressed by a trained HVAC technician.
A quick trial run on your AC unit will give you a chance to address any problems early on.
Clean Around Your Unit
It’s important to keep the area surrounding your AC unit clean and tidy – especially after winter when outdoor debris can build up.
“Debris, dust, leaves, and other items around the unit may be a potential problem for you in the future when it comes time to consistently use your HVAC.
There may be an issue in which your air conditioner is not reaching the desired temperature and when it does, it doesn’t maintain the comfort levels.
This could mean that something is causing the system to work harder than it needs to.”
Make sure the area around your AC unit and air vents is clean so you can be sure it will run as it should all season.
Seal Up Any Leaks
One way to be sure you are getting the most out of your system is to make sure the cold air is staying in your home and not escaping through any cracks or leaks.
“At the start of each cooling season, inspect the seal between the air conditioner and the window frame to ensure it makes contact with the unit’s metal case.
Moisture can damage this seal, allowing cool air to escape from your house.”
Clean Out Your Air Ducts
Cleaning out your air ducts can be a big job, but with each change of season it’s important to make sure the air that’s circulating through your home is free of dust and allergens.
You might not need to have your ducts professionally cleaned every year, but vaccuming and wiping them out yourself to decrease the amount of dust build up is a good idea.
You should be especially thorough in your cleaning if you or someone in your family has asthma or severe allergies.
Change Your Filter
Changing your filters is a must every season for most filter types. Be sure to read exactly how often your filters need to be changed, and swap them out accordingly.
This will help your air quality substantially, and it will keep your unit running smoothly.
David Leroy Plumbing Inc. says,
“Of course, one of the top ways to improve how well your HVAC performs and lower your cost at the same time is by putting in a new filter.
It’s recommended that you change out the old one with a new one a minimum of every three months.”
If you are not sure how often you should change your particular filter, follow the “every three month” rule to be safe.
Check For Damage
Evaluate the different parts of your system to be sure there are no holes, breaks, or other damage anywhere.
Doing a thorough check in the Spring can save you a lot of money and hassle.
If there are any issues in your system that go undetected for too long, your AC may not run as well.
Plus it might be sucking up more energy than it needs to, which can lead to more expensive electricity bills. Nobody wants that!
Regular inspections can keep you from dealing with AC issues in the height of summer, when you need your unit the most.
