Do you have spring cleaning on your mind? While preparing your home for spring, don’t neglect your HVAC system. Follow this eight-point HVAC spring maintenance checklist to keep your Franklin home comfortable when temperatures heat up.
1. Install a Clean Air Filter
A clean air filter is one of the best ways to keep your HVAC system running at peak performance. Changing the air filter prevents dust buildup in your home and keeps allergens in check. Experts recommend filter changes every 30 days for best results.
Some units have reusable air filters. If you have this type of unit, follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for cleaning the filter, and enjoy cleaner air this spring.
2. Clean the Outdoor Condenser Unit
The outdoor condenser unit plays an important role in cooling your home. During the winter, however, it’s common for critters to build nests in the unit and for yard debris like leaves, grass clippings, and sticks to get stuck inside. All you need is a garden hose to remove the debris. Removing these items ensures that the unit’s fan moves freely during operation.
3. Test the Thermostat
Even though you relied on a working thermostat to keep your home warm over the winter, you want to recalibrate your thermostat for spring temperatures. Make sure that it’s set according to your household’s preferred comfort level. Also, change the batteries, and make sure that all of the thermostat’s features work.
Have you considered upgrading your thermostat to a smart programmable thermostat? Take advantage of springtime specials on these high-tech devices, and install a new thermostat for better cooling efficiency.
4. Flush the Condensate Drain
Removing obstructions from the condensate drain keeps the unit from causing water damage to flooring and surrounding areas. Check the drainage hole at the unit’s base to make sure that nothing’s stuck.
5. Check for Duct Leaks
Leaky ductwork wastes money and energy. According to the Department of Energy, minimizing energy loss by sealing leaky ducts is one of the most cost-effective ways to use your air conditioning. Hire a qualified service technician to inspect the ductwork for holes, cracks, and misalignments this spring.
6. Schedule Duct Cleaning
When did you last have your ducts cleaned? If you can’t remember, make it a point this spring to schedule this maintenance service. Duct cleaning isn’t something that you must do every year. Usually, every three to five years is a good rule to follow with a few exceptions. Households with pets, smokers, or a lot of people coming and going should schedule yearly duct cleaning to keep dust and allergens from infiltrating the home.
Professionals recommend duct cleaning because it keeps the HVAC unit running better. Clogged ductwork makes it mor difficult for air to move through the ducts. The extra effort exerted by the unit is stressful, causing it to wear out faster and to need more repairs. Clean ducts also improve your home’s indoor air quality.
7. Remove Vent Covers
Does your home have zoned heating and cooling? If so, you might use vent covers to keep air from reaching certain rooms. Remove these covers during the spring, and clean them. Don’t forget to clean inside the vents using the tool attachment on your vacuum.
8. Schedule Professional HVAC Maintenance Services
Not all maintenance services work well as DIY projects. To keep your air conditioning unit in good shape, it’s beneficial to hire qualified service technicians to inspect and clean interior parts and to test for proper operation.
Licensed technicians should lubricate coils and blower fans. Having these parts cleaned keeps your utility bills lower because the unit runs better. During the cleaning process, the technician also checks for proper operation. If the technician notices loose parts or other red flags, they make the repairs on the spot.
Professional maintenance services also check for low refrigerant levels. If the level’s low, the technician has the equipment to correct the problem. They also inspect for leaks existing in the system that might cause refrigerant leaks.
Why Spring Maintenance Is Important
Springtime HVAC maintenance keeps your unit running at peak performance as temperatures rise in Franklin throughout the season and into summer. Maintaining your system gives you peace of mind that the system is ready to do its job. You don’t have to worry about needing emergency AC repair.
Our technicians have the expertise and skills to get your HVAC unit ready for spring or any time of the year. In addition to HVAC maintenance services, we offer high-quality heating and AC repair, replacement, and installation. Call Dugan Air to learn more about all of our HVAC services.