Spring will soon be here making it the perfect time perform some spring maintenance on your HVAC system. Spring maintenance for your HVAC system means cleaner air for your home, helping to ensure your system continues to run efficiently. An efficient system means lower energy bills and can also save you from the need to pay for costly repairs. It will also extend the service life of your equipment. Here are some routine spring maintenance tips every homeowner should follow:
Change Your Air Filter
This is the number one tip every homeowner needs to follow for two reasons. It’s easy to do, and it can have a big impact on the health of your HVAC system. A clean air filter can reduce energy usage in your home. It will also improve the air quality of your home by trapping airborne particles like allergens and dust. This is especially important if you live in an area with high pollen counts. If you have a disposable filter in your unit, you should replace it monthly. If you have a washable filter, it’s important that you clean and wash it monthly.
Check Your Ductwork
Your ductwork is also an important part of your home’s HVAC system. When checking this, be sure to check that any holes or leaky joints are sealed. You should also make sure that any cracks in the duct system are taken care of as well.
Clear the Drainage Hole
Air conditioners typically have a drainage hole located at their cabinet’s base. For your HVAC system to work effectively, this hole needs to be kept clear. If not, a drainage hole can become clogged and prevent your unit from draining. This will put more stress on your unit and lower its efficiency. Clogs may also happen at the P-trap, which is not too far from the drainage hole. Make sure to clear that as well.
Keep Your Windows & Doors Closed
If you or members of your household suffer from asthma or allergies, it’s a good idea to keep windows and doors closed to prevent allergens from getting inside. In the summer months, it’s advisable to keep windows and doors closed not only to keep out allergens but also to keep the hot and humid air out. Letting in too much warm air will put a strain on your system and reduce efficiency and increase costs.
Remove Any Obstructions Around the Outside Part of Your Unit
Outside units are subjected to the outside elements and should regularly be checked. Remove any loose vegetation or debris from the unit and ensure that any vegetation surrounding the unit doesn’t grow within two feet of it. This will allow your air conditioner to pull in the air it needs to control the temperature in your home.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
If you do not have a programmable thermostat, now is the time to install one. Not only will this give you better control of the temperature in your home, but it may also help to lower energy bills since you can set the temperature to ensure your system runs less when no one is home.
If you do not have a programmable thermostat, this spring is the ideal time for you to have one installed. If you do have a programmable thermostat it is a good idea to adjust the settings and update your system’s schedule. You will also want to do a check to make sure that all vents are opened.
Test Your Air Conditioner
Before the hot weather arrives it’s a good idea to turn your unit on and run it for a bit. This will allow you to see if there are any potential issues with your unit and to schedule a repair before the summer.
Schedule An Appointment for Routine Maintenance
Once you’ve completed all the tasks above, it’s time to bring in your experts at Air1One Mechanical. Even if you’re consistent with all of the items above, it’s a good idea to have your HVAC unit serviced by a professional. Call Air1One Mechanical Services today to schedule your routine maintenance. We will be able to take a more detailed look at your system including checking all connections, taking readings of electrical amp draw and checking the pressure of the refrigerant. One of our qualified technicians can also identify potential issues that may arise in the future.
Call Air1One Mechanical Services now at (613) 831-6811.