Spring HVAC maintenance is a good idea to get your system in top condition before summer hits. Plus, it can help make sure your HVAC system is more efficient than ever and even potentially extend its lifespan. Here are five tips to ensure your HVAC equipment is ready for the warm months.
1. Have Your Ducts Cleaned
Your ductwork circulates air from the HVAC system and in and out of the house. Over time, mold, dust, debris, and other allergens might collect in your air ducts, compromising your indoor air quality. Not only that, but dirty air ducts can also make your home’s HVAC work harder to push air inside and out of your home, leading to high energy bills.
To increase the efficiency of your HVAC equipment and reduce your energy bills, ensure your ductwork is professionally cleaned. Getting your ductwork cleaned also prevents the accumulated allergens from invading your living space.
2. Clean the Outdoor Unit
Your condenser, the outdoor unit of your HVAC system, releases heat from your home to the outdoors in order to cool the air it circulates throughout your home. With time, the condenser can become dirty, restricting airflow and reducing efficiency. Keeping your HVAC outdoor unit clean is one of the most cost-effective ways to maintain reliable HVAC performance.
This also includes keeping any plantlife, whether it’s weeds or items you’ve planted on purpose, away from the condenser. Keep the area around the condenser clear to ensure it can get the air it needs to run.
3. Clean or Change Your Filters
Your air filters help to remove airborne particles from your indoor air. Over time, the filters can get clogged, which can inhibit airflow. It can also cause your HVAC unit to work harder to keep your living space comfortable, resulting in increased tear and wear, poor airflow, and high energy costs. Like with your ductwork, dirty filters can contribute to poor indoor air quality.
HVAC manufacturers and air quality experts recommend changing your filters every 30 to 90 days. However, the frequency can change depending on your usage and needs. For instance, you’ll need to replace your filters more often if you live with people who smoke, keep pets, or live close to a construction site.
4. Check Your Property for Air Leaks
If your home has air leaks, your HVAC system may overwork to heat or cool your space. During your spring cleaning, inspect the doors and windows for air leaks. If there is any warping, detaching, or cracked weatherstripping around your doors, door jambs, or windows, you need to replace them.
Ensuring your home is tightly sealed allows your air conditioning unit to maintain even temperatures throughout the warm season. Besides, the unit can work more smoothly and efficiently when conditioned air isn’t escaping through openings or cracks.
5. Reset and Upgrade Your Thermostat
Your thermostat controls your home’s temperature and can significantly impact your monthly energy bills. Therefore, it’s important to ensure that your home’s thermostat is working correctly and set to the right temperature for the warmer months. In the spring, you’ll need to adjust your thermostat settings to reflect the warm weather.
Begin by checking your thermostat’s batteries, if applicable, and then turn on the system and set the indoor temperature to a comfortable level. If you notice problems with your home’s thermostat, like unresponsive buttons or inaccurate temperature readings, you may need to have it replaced or repaired. Consider replacing it with a smart thermostat; many come with a variety of features to monitor your energy usage and get the most out of your HVAC system.
Schedule HVAC Unit Maintenance Today
Spring is ideal for preparing your home’s HVAC unit for the hot summer months. Including the above tips in your spring cleaning list will help boost indoor comfort and reduce monthly energy bills. It will also keep HVAC emergency repairs at bay and extend the lifespan of your air conditioner. Our HVAC experts at AAA Brothers Heating & Air Conditioning can examine your equipment and perform the necessary maintenance tasks to keep your home comfortable throughout the year.
Apart from HVAC maintenance, we also offer boilers, air quality, home generators, heaters, and heat pump services to the residents of Huntingdon Valley, PA, and the surrounding regions. Contact our HVAC experts now to book your HVAC tune-up appointment.
