Spring Maintenance for Your HVAC

Keeping your HVAC system in tip-top shape is not only critical to paying money on summer utility bills, but it is also the best way to ensure a cool and comfortable summer in your own home. In fact, large problems with your cooling system, as well as expensive repairs, usually begin as small ones that were left unattended and that get worse over time. Arranging for maintenance at the end of the winter season can get your system ready for the hotter months of the year. Of course, you can also check a few things on your own if you prefer.

Replace the Air Filter

As you might suspect, HVAC air filters get dirty and require replacement on a regular basis. They can get clogged, which can bring the air conditioning system or just stop it from being efficient. While it does cost a little money for a new money, it will save you in the long term.

Ideally, a filter should be swapped out every three months at the most or more frequently if your HVAC is running constantly. Do it in the spring then stay on schedule. You might also want to check manufacturer recommendations for the specific type of air filter you are using in your particular heating and cooling system. Since a dirty air filter leads to unclean air within the home, you really should pay attention to this tiny task if you prefer to breathe freely.

Clear Out Debris Surrounding Your HVAC

Since your HVAC unit is normally situated on the outside of your home, it is possible that weeds, leaves, bird nests and other types of outdoor debris might build up around it. At the beginning of each season, you should go outside and remove any trash, overgrowth of plants, dead bugs, rodent nests, and any other debris you find sitting near or on your HVAC system. Doing so helps to minimize the risk of creating a problem that prevents your unit from working properly.

 

 

 

 

Ideally, the area surrounding your HVAC should be two-feet wide in all directions. If necessary, remove plants that are encroaching on this area to keep your system free from debris. Doing so also helps to dissuade pests from building their nests in that area.

Check Indoor Vents in Your Walls and Ceiling

Now that you have taken care of the outside area around your system, it is time to (1) find the vents and then (2) evaluate the space around your interior registers and vents. You need to keep it clear to ensure there is proper airflow around the units. It is important to keep these areas clear of furniture, blankets, and other things in order to allow the air to flow freely.

Clean the Ducts

Cleaning the ducts of the unit is as important as replacing the HVAC's filters. After all, dirty ductwork promotes unclean air, increasing the risk of allergic reactions and illnesses. They can lead to unhealthy air in your home. Fortunately, these ducts only need to be cleaned every five to seven years.

Making sure that the ductwork is properly sealed is important because it eliminates unnecessary air leaks. Since you won't be able to manage this task on your own, ask your HVAC maintenance team to do so for you. Sealing cracks and gaps in the ductwork prevents air from leaking, helps your system work more efficiently, and lowers your utility bills.

Consider Hiring a Professional HVAC Tech for These Tasks

Some tasks are too involved for the average homeowner to handle easily, as maybe the you are not comfortable with the items above and they are afraid of breaking the unit. Therefore, when it's time for spring maintenance on your HVAC, you might want to consider hiring a professional for a few of these tasks. There may be an annual cost, but it will often pay for itself in the form of fewer repairs and lower monthly utility bills from a more efficient system.

 

 

 

Finally, you should also bring a professional into your home to evaluate your HVAC system. And a good time to do this is in the spring. This inspection only takes about an hour at most, and it can identify problem spots while they are still small enough to be easily repaired.

The spring weather lull between the blustery cold of winter and the high temperatures and humidity of the summer offers the perfect time to get your HVAC system maintained. The steps above will help you and your family save money on utility bills as well as AC repairs, and be sure to get your HVAC evaluated for peak performance.