March marks the beginning of spring, making it the perfect time to do spring HVAC maintenance. These temperate seasons between the extremes of winter and summer are ideal for maintaining your HVAC system, since you’re not relying on it as much to keep you comfortable. In order to keep your system running smoothly and to prepare it for the scorching summer months, you’ll want to conduct spring HVAC maintenance. Some parts of maintaining your HVAC system you can do yourself while others necessitate a professional’s expertise.
Here’s what you need to know about why spring HVAC maintenance is important and some helpful tips you can use to keep it at peak performance.
Why Spring HVAC Maintenance Is Important
The same as anything else, your HVAC system needs maintenance in order to operate properly and prevent problems from occurring. If you don’t maintain your system, you could run into problems such as system failure when you need it most, leaving you hot and sweaty and waiting for a technician to be able to get out to you to fix or replace it.
Spring HVAC maintenance extends your system’s lifespan, since it keeps it in good condition; it prevents emergencies, such as your system breaking; and it keeps you comfortable all year round. It also ensures that you don’t have to worry about spiking energy bills, unreliable temperatures, or a voided warranty. Spring HVAC maintenance is essential for your comfort and the comfort of your bank account, too.
Spring HVAC Maintenance Tips
Some parts of HVAC maintenance require a professional. However, while you’re already spring cleaning the rest of your home, there are things you can do yourself. Here are some spring HVAC maintenance tips you can use.
#1. Check And Replace Your Air Filter
Your HVAC unit has an air filter which keeps the air inside your home nice and breathable and less polluted. However, air filters get dirty and need to be replaced. If your air filter needs replacement, it can restrict airflow, raise your energy bill by making your system work harder, and even foster mold growth if it gets damp.
It’s generally recommended that you replace your air filter every 30-90 days in order to keep your air clean and your unit running properly.
#2. Check And Clean Your Ducts
Your ducts are another key component of your HVAC system. During your spring HVAC maintenance, you want to ensure that you have your ductwork inspected for any leaks or cracks or holes or buildup or dust or other such allergens. Mold can also grow in your ducts, which can cause serious damage, as well as health problems. It’s generally recommended that you have your ducts cleaned every 5-7 years in order to keep your system efficient and your air clean.
#3. Clear Your Drainage Hole
Your AC has a drainage hole at its cabinet’s base which must be kept clear in order to be able to drain. If your AC’s drainage hole gets clogged, this prevents it from draining, which lowers its efficiency. You will also want to check the P-trap, which is close to the drainage hole, as this can get clogged too.
#4. Install A Programmable Thermostat
A great way to prepare your HVAC system for the summer and keep it running smoothly is to install a programmable thermostat. When you can program your thermostat, it ensures that it only runs when it needs to, saving you money on your energy bill. A programmable thermostat can also extend the life of your HVAC system by lessening wear and tear and optimizing temperatures.
#5. Inspect And Clean Your Outdoor Unit
An essential part of spring HVAC maintenance is cleaning and inspecting your outdoor unit. It’s easy for debris to build up on and around it. You want it clean and the area around it clear in order to ensure good air flow. This is also the time to inspect it for any damages that need to be repaired before the heat strikes.
#6. Test Your AC
Spring is the optimal time to test your AC to ensure it works right. This way, if there are any problems with your air conditioning, you can get them resolved before you’re relying on it to keep your home at a comfortable temperature.
#7. Schedule Professional Maintenance
While there are many things you can do to help keep your HVAC in condition, professional maintenance will catch any problems early and clean and lubricate your system to keep it running its best. Scheduling a professional HVAC tune-up is one of the best things you can do as part of your spring HVAC maintenance.
Do You Need Spring HVAC Maintenance?
R&D Heating And Air offer professional HVAC services. If you need to schedule a tune-up or have any repairs you need done, don’t hesitate to contact us today! We’re here to help.