When the cold weather finally reaches the warm spring season, many of us clear out our homes. When it comes to spring cleaning, you likely picture decluttering your home and maybe giving your living room a fresh coat of paint. While these are great ways to help get you into the spring spirit, make sure that you add your HVAC system to your spring cleaning checklist.
Outdoor Condenser Unit
One great place to start is with your outdoor condenser unit. If your unit has a cover, remove it and put it in your storage. You want to ensure that there is no debris stuck up against the sides of your unit, as this can restrict airflow and decrease the overall operating efficiency of your system.
Ensure your unit is still on a raised, level surface so that it doesn’t experience any flooding during the spring season. In addition, take a look at the fins surrounding the unit to see if any of them are bent. If they are, a professional can straighten them back out with a specialized fin comb or a flathead screwdriver. These fins need to be in a straight position to adequately release heat so your system can operate efficiently throughout the summer months.
Air Vents
Another great thing to add to your checklist is to check your air vents. You want to check all your supply and return vents to ensure they’re open. If you notice any debris or dust on the grates of the register, be sure to clean that off. You may even want to pop out the register and thoroughly clean any debris, like pet hair, that may be stuck on the inside of it. A shopvac is a great tool for this. Check around the vent to ensure no obstructions could restrict the airflow into your room.
AC Tune-Up Service
You never want to forget to add to your checklist to schedule professional AC maintenance service. This service is necessary to maintain your system’s warranty coverage and learn about any minor problems your system may have before the summer season sets in. Professional maintenance includes many tasks like calibrating your thermostat, lubricating moving parts, testing electrical connections, and more. It will go a long way in helping to extend the overall longevity of your system and significantly reduce your risk of experiencing an unexpected breakdown during the hot summer season.
Replace Air Filter
The air filter inside your HVAC system can play a big role in its overall operating efficiency. Now is a perfect time to go ahead and replace that old dirty filter with a brand new one. If you or another household member suffers from asthma or allergies during the summertime, you may consider investing in a filter with a MERV rating between 10 and 13. This will give you the best blend of system efficiency and filtering capability to help minimize your flare-ups while at home.
Switch Those Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans are the best thing to pair with your HVAC system to enhance your comfort while at home. They’re also great for reducing your heating and cooling bills yearly. When springtime rolls around, it’s important to remember to change the direction that your ceiling fan spins. They should have a switch on the side that you can change to run in a forward or counterclockwise direction. Make sure that you turn on every fan and that it’s blowing air down onto you instead of upward.
Program Your Thermostat
While programming your thermostat may seem very simple, don’t overlook its importance. Programming your thermostat at the beginning of the season will allow you to maximize your energy savings throughout the summer. Be sure to turn the temperature up when you know you won’t be home, like at work. This will help minimize the time your air conditioning system runs when no one’s at home.
Exceptional AC Maintenance Service
Family Heating and Air, Inc offers exceptional AC maintenance service for the Sebastian, FL community. We can also help with all your AC installation, maintenance, and replacement needs. Call our office today to book your next service consultation with one of our highly experienced HVAC technicians.
