Get Your Home Ready for Summer with HVAC Maintenance

You’ve been hibernating during the colder months, but March is the month when things start shifting in a warmer direction. If you’re like many homeowners, you may be anxious to leave winter in the dust and embrace the promise of spring. Amid the flurry of decluttering and cleaning, don’t neglect your furnace and air conditioning system. The fact is, spring is the prelude to another sweltering summer, making this a great time to get your HVAC system in good shape. Not sure what spring cleaning your HVAC system involves? Include these things to your March home maintenance checklist.

Replace the Air Filter

The air filter is a critical part of your heating and cooling system, protecting delicate equipment from airborne particles and promoting cleaner indoor air. Routinely swap out the air filter according to the manufacturer’s suggestions. If you have pets in your home or have allergies, change the filter up to once a month to uphold indoor air quality. If you don’t, replacing your old filter with a new one every three months is sufficient. In addition to ridding your home of airborne pollutants more efficiently, a clean filter promotes better airflow to increase system efficiency by up to 15%.

Check the Condensate Drain

Your air conditioner doesn’t only cool your property—it also dehumidifies. The condensate drain is the key to getting rid of extra moisture from your AC. The drain should be free-flowing and the attached hose should be leak-free and correctly placed. Check on your condensate drain every time you replace the filter to keep your system running efficiently—and also help you spot initial signs of water damage.

Enjoy Some Fresh Air

Before turning on your AC for the first time this spring, open your windows and doors to allow fresh air into your home. If your home usually feels stuffy, consider adding a whole-house ventilation system. This upgrade expels stale, contaminated air to the exterior and replaces it with clean, fresh air from outside. Certain equipment pre-cools and dehumidifies incoming air to reduce the impact on your energy bills while helping you breathe better.

Give Your Home a Good Cleaning

Extensively cleaning your home complements your HVAC maintenance checklist by reducing the amount of dust and allergens that move through the system. Pay specific attention to these areas:

• Dust ceiling fan blades.
• Seal gaps near windows and doors using caulk or weather stripping.
• Clean the grime out of sliding glass door tracks.
• Remove dirt, pet hair and dust bunnies from the coils located beneath or behind the refrigerator.
• Wipe off light fixtures and swap old incandescent bulbs for energy-saving LEDs.

Upgrade Your Thermostat

If you haven’t yet looked into programmable or smart thermostats, spring is a great time to consider this budget-friendly upgrade. A programmable thermostat makes a big difference in your home’s comfort and energy usage. Begin by setting the temperature to 78 degrees F when you’re at home. After that, set up automatic setback periods of 7 to 10 degrees when everyone is out of the home during the day. With recovery periods set for your arrival time, you can enjoy up to 10% energy savings without losing comfort.

A smart thermostat takes these benefits a step further by letting you make adjustments remotely. You can also track your energy usage in a mobile app and get individualized, cost-cutting recommendations.

Check Your Ductwork

Ductwork sometimes can develop leaks that decrease air quality and raise your energy expenses. Sealing these leaks helps your AC function more efficiently and flow clean, healthy air. Once sealed, insulate your ductwork so air conditioned air doesn’t leak out of your system.

Hose Debris From the Outdoor Unit

The outdoor condenser unit can become filled with debris during the cold season. Here’s how to spring clean it this March:

• Rake leaves, pine needles and grass clippings from near the unit.
• Carefully hose down the metal fins to remove dirt and cobwebs.
• Remove adjacent shrubs and grasses to create a one- to two-foot clearance.
• Inspect the unit for damage, such as missing insulation or bent fins.

• Get in touch with a professional technician for AC service before the summer heat sets in. 

Try Out Your HVAC Unit

After finishing your spring cleaning checklist, it’s time to turn on your air conditioning system. Run it for several minutes to make sure its working. If you experience any problems, make sure your thermostat is set to cool before contacting a professional for help.

Schedule AC Solutions in the U.S. with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing

If your heating and cooling system needs expert attention this spring, Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is the company to call. Our HVAC services help keep your home comfortable and energy efficient all year-round. Enjoy fast, long-lasting solutions to all your comfort issues, backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. You read that correct—if you’re not absolutely happy with our services, we’ll make it right. For a spring-ready AC system that provides efficiency and peace of mind, call 866-397-3787 to reach the heating and cooling specialists at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing today.