We’re sure you’ve heard of spring cleaning and how valuable it is to get a jump-start on preventing clutter and poor indoor air quality. Well, springtime is also the perfect time to provide the proper upkeep for your HVAC system, so you’re ready for the warmer months. After all, spring weather can be unpredictable, and you might need to use your heating and cooling on alternate days.
Few people think about their air conditioning during the winter, but it’s essential to get it up and running properly for the spring. Spring brings new life, and it also leads to airborne allergens and dirty air ducts that could have negative consequences for your household.
With all that in mind, let’s explore spring HVAC maintenance to-dos.
HVAC Seasonal Maintenance Tips
Spring air conditioning maintenance is crucial for the airflow in your home throughout the warmer months, so let’s look at seven HVAC seasonal maintenance tips.
1. Clean Around the Unit
Periodically inspect your outdoor HVAC unit. Over the winter, trash, foliage or other debris might have collected around the condenser unit, and you’ll need to clear it up. Ensure at least two feet of open space on each side of your HVAC system. That means cutting back any grass or shrubbery planted around the unit. A clear path also helps HVAC technicians if you decide to call them in for maintenance to your system.
If you notice signs of pests in or around your HVAC unit when you’re clearing away debris, make sure to turn it off and call an HVAC professional immediately, so they can help you with next steps.
Inside your home, move anything that might be blocking vents, indoor air handlers or registers. You want as much airflow around your HVAC system as possible.
2. Get a New Air Filter
It’s essential to regularly replace your HVAC system’s filters, because dirty air filters can breed mold and restrict airflow. Old filters can also force your HVAC system to work harder than necessary, which means it must consume more energy to keep your home comfortable. For maximum efficiency, change your HVAC filters every 30 to 90 days.
3. Clean the Air Ducts
You’ll want to get your home’s air ducts cleaned before turning on your air conditioning. Otherwise, you’ll release the allergens, mold and dust that accumulated in your HVAC system during the winter into the air.
Also, cleaning your air ducts before the warmer months is paramount to protect allergy sufferers from an unwanted accumulation of spring pollen. Every five to seven years, you should consider getting your ducts professionally cleaned to preserve your home’s indoor air quality.
4. Install a Smart Thermostat
If you want your HVAC system to be maximally efficient, consider taking advantage of smart thermostats. You can program these devices to reduce energy costs in your home and extend your HVAC system’s life. When you own a smart thermostat, you can keep temperatures optimal throughout the week, which ultimately causes less wear and tear.
5. Check for Air Leaks
Even if you follow the rest of the spring heating and cooling tips we’ve provided, your air conditioner will struggle to keep up without an adequate seal. Check around your house for drafty places where air may leak out, such as around windows and doors.
During your inspection, keep an eye out for warped, cracked or detached weatherstripping and seals, and replace them. A tightly sealed envelope will help you avoid inconsistent temperatures throughout your house and ensure your HVAC system isn’t working harder than it should be in the summer and winter.
6. Check Your Vents
It’s wise to ensure your system runs efficiently as possible before the next Hilton Head summer by placing it on a level, stable surface. You should also check to make sure your condenser did not get damaged over the winter. If any part of your HVAC system looks out of place or irregular, call in a professional ASAP to get their opinion on the situation. Your air conditioner may not work with a damaged condenser, so get it fixed quickly to avoid the summer heat!
7. Schedule a Seasonal Maintenance Inspection
Once per year, call a professional and schedule an HVAC checkup. An experienced tech will effectively check refrigerant levels and test the system’s airflow. They will also tighten hoses and electrical connections and identify wear and tear on any crucial parts of your HVAC system, such as motor blades, fan blades, tubing and the compressor.
Scheduling regular HVAC maintenance is crucial to keeping your system in good working order for as long as possible. Ultimately, not having to replace or repair damaged parts due to neglected maintenance will save you money.
Contact E.A.C. Heating & Air
At E.A.C. Heating & Air, we’re here for all your HVAC and furnace spring maintenance needs in the Hilton Head area. Choosing a trusted company for this maintenance is vital, which is why it’s an excellent idea to work with us. To keep your mind at ease, E.A.C. Heating & Air offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all replacement systems for one year and extended warranties as optional purchases.
Learn more about us and what we can do for you when you contact us through our website or give us a call at 843-681-3999.