Meeting the Challenge: Get Your AC Ready for Spring
As the weather warms this spring, your attention shifts from keeping your home warm to cooling it down. Making sure your HVAC system is prepared for the changing seasons is essential if you expect to maintain home comfort and energy efficiency. Follow these HVAC system transition tips from the HVAC specialists at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to ensure your AC is primed and ready for the warmer months ahead.
Check the Air Filter
Your HVAC filter gradually accumulates dust, pollen and other particles, reducing airflow. This requires your system to work harder. If possible, you should replace the filter every three months or less, depending on usage and filter type. Install the appropriate size and efficiency rating for your system, because using anything other than the recommended size and type of filter can overly restrict airflow and reduce efficiency. If you’re unsure which filter to buy or how to install it into your system, ask your HVAC specialist during your next maintenance visit to demonstrate.
Look Over the Exterior Condensing Unit
The outdoor portion of your HVAC system that releases hot air, also known as a condensing unit, is a crucial part of the cooling process. Here’s how to prep your outdoor cooling unit for another summer:
- Remove the AC cover: If you put a cover or board over your outdoor unit to protect it during the cold months, remove it before firing up the air conditioning for the first time this spring.
- Clean the unit: Over the fall and winter, your outside unit may have become covered in leaves, dirt and other rubbish. Carefully hose it down with a garden hose to get rid of this buildup.
- Clear away neighboring debris: The area in the vicinity of your outdoor unit should remain clear for optimal airflow. Remove leaves, pine needles and other debris close to the condenser. Also, trim nearby vegetation to maintain at least 12 to 24 inches of clearance on all sides.
- Make sure the unit is level: The concrete pad your condensing unit is situated on may shift or settle with time, causing the unit to tilt. To avoid improper operation and premature wear, adjust the unit by wedging shims below its base. Verify your adjustments with a carpenter’s level.
Adjust the Thermostat
Set your thermostat to a comfy yet energy-efficient temperature. For the summer months, 78 degrees F is encouraged while you’re at home. If you feel overly warm, turn on the ceiling fan to make the room feel cooler without lowering the thermostat.
Raise the temperature by 7 to 10 degrees when no one is home during the day to save on power costs. To avoid sacrificing comfort, get a programmable thermostat and set it to resume to a higher temperature when you are going to be back home. This approach saves up to 10% on your energy expenses.
Check and Vacuum Your Air Registers
Dust, pet hair and other airborne waste can collect on supply and return registers, obstructing airflow. Use the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to remove this accumulation. Then, make sure all your vents are open and not blocked by furnishings, rugs or curtains.
In spite of what you might think, closing vents in spare rooms does not conserve energy; all it does is throw off the system’s return/supply balance. To protect against undue strain, keep a minimum of 80% of your supply registers open and unblocked at all times.
Find and Seal Air Leaks
Leaky windows, doors and other gaps allow hot, humid air to get inside your home. To correct this problem, look over window and door seals, using caulk and weatherstripping to seal any gaps. Then, search the attic for insufficient insulation or spaces around pipes, ductwork and light fixtures. Fix these leaks with spray foam and top them with additional insulation to cut down on unwanted air exchange through the attic floor.
Turn on Your System to Test It
Before the season really gets hot, turn on your cooling system for a couple of minutes. Walk around your home and make sure cool air flows effortlessly from each and every vent. If you see anything awry, call a heating and cooling specialist to conduct AC repair to nip the problem in the bud.
Schedule Expert HVAC Maintenance with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing
While do-it-yourself upkeep is advantageous, it can’t replace the complete care provided by a certified professional. Work like measuring the refrigerant charge, tightening electrical connections and cleaning the evaporator coil call for specialized tools and training that only specialists possess.
Spring is a perfect time to set up AC maintenance, helping you to address issues at the beginning and prepare the system for the summer heat. Prioritize this service to enjoy the following perks:
- Lower energy expenses
- Fewer midseason breakdowns
- Fewer repair costs
- Better home comfort
- Longer system life span
- Protected warranty coverage
Why Choose Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for Your HVAC Needs in the U.S.?
Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing delivers dependable AC services to ensure your comfort and satisfaction this spring. Our ACE-certified technicians are trained to provide prompt, effective solutions to all your heating and cooling desires. For experienced service that lives up to our name, reach out to us at 866-397-3787 today!
