As the cold weather moves out and warmer weather starts settling in, it’s time to think about spring cleaning. While cleaning inside occupies most people’s minds, spring cleaning should also include preparing your HVAC system for the summer. Consider these seven tasks you may want to add to your spring cleaning regimen to ensure you don’t neglect your HVAC system and push up cooling and repair costs.
1. Change Thermostat Settings
Start by checking your thermostat settings to ensure they’re right for the warmer weather. Start by raising the temperature, ideally around 78 degrees according to the Department of Energy. While checking the temperature, make sure your programs are also set for the longer days and that the clock is set properly.
Also, check the fan setting and ensure that it’s set to Auto. If it’s set to On, the circulating fan will run constantly, even if the compressor isn’t running. If you have a heat pump, make sure the mode is set to either Cooling or Heating. If it’s set to Auto, it could cause the system to switch back and forth between heating and cooling, causing excessive strain on your system.
2. Replace Your HVAC Air Filter
Next, replace your HVAC system’s air filter if it’s been a while since you’ve done so. Systems with 1- and 2-inch filters commonly need their filters replaced every 30 to 90 days. The change of the seasons is a great time to replace your filter and build it into your routine so it doesn’t go neglected for the summer. Plan to check your filter monthly so that you see when it needs changing before it gets clogged and causes excess wear.
3. Check Supply Vents
As you clean around your home, take the time to check all of the supply vents for your HVAC system. Your system depends on the air flowing from those vents and the air flowing into the return vents to circulate conditioned air. When you check your vents, make sure each is open and that there’s nothing covering them. Ideally, make sure each supply vent has at least 6 inches above and around it clear to allow for proper circulation.
4. Clear Around the Exterior AC Unit
As you work around your home’s exterior, take some time to give your air conditioner’s outside unit a little attention. Specifically, clear any debris that could inhibit airflow into the condensing coil. Most manufacturers recommend keeping at least 2 feet around the unit and 5 feet above it clear. Be sure to trim back weeds, grass, bushes and tree limbs.
5. Have Your Ducts Cleaned
Keeping your ducts clean is critical for both keeping your HVAC system running efficiently and minimizing allergy triggers. You do not need to have your ducts cleaned every year, but experts recommend having them done every three to five years. Further, if you’ve completed any projects or had damage that’s created a lot of dust, consider having them cleaned then as well. Spring is a great time to have this done to avoid trying to clean them during weather when you want your air conditioner running.
6. Schedule a Professional Tune-Up
Routine maintenance is critical for keeping your system running efficiently and getting the longest service life from your system. Spring is a great time to have this tune-up completed so you don’t risk putting unnecessary strain on your system during any part of the season. During a tune-up, you can expect a technician to deep clean the system, including the evaporator coil and circulating fan, tighten mounting hardware and electrical connections, and run a series of tests to ensure the system is running optimally.
7. Have Small Problems Resolved Now
While it’s easy to ignore small problems because the system still seems to work, it can cost you in the long run. Mechanical systems work with each part dependent on the others. When one component isn’t working well, it’ll strain the rest of the system, driving up your cooling and repair costs.
Over the last 70 years, property owners around Sioux Falls have turned to Waterbury Heating & Cooling, Inc. to help keep their homes comfortable and safe. Our expert team takes pride in offering heating and AC maintenance, repair and installation together with indoor air quality solutions, including duct cleaning and humidity control, and a wide range of residential plumbing and electrical services. Call to schedule your spring furnace maintenance and cooling maintenance with one of our trusted technicians today.
