Spring brings beautiful green grass, colorful flowers, and warm temperatures. For most people, this is the time to open up windows and de-winterize their homes. Because spring temperatures can get warmer, you may need to use your HVAC unit from time to time. This is why it’s essential to have your system inspected by a professional to ensure that it’s in perfect working condition.
The temperature quickly rises between spring and summer, so prepare your AC for the workload. Spring blossoms also bring pollen and other allergens into the air. Have your system cleaned to maintain greater efficiency and a healthy environment. Here are the best ways to prepare your unit for spring.
1. Change the Air Filters
Make it a habit to change your air filters every three months for most of the year; however, change the air filters monthly in spring, especially if you have a shedding pet or if you live in a dusty region. Air filters trap indoor contaminants like pollen, pet dander, dirt, and other debris. When neglected, the pollutants accumulate on the filters. Once you turn on the HVAC unit, it recirculates these contaminants.
Pollutants, especially mold spores and dust, trigger allergic reactions, asthma attacks, and other respiratory illnesses. The contaminant may also land on your furniture, floor, bedding, and other surfaces, increasing the level of work required to maintain a clean home.
A clogged air filter also limits airflow. As a result, your HVAC unit will have to work harder to meet your temperature requirements, which causes wear on vital components. This also translates to higher energy bills.
2. Inspect and Clean the Ductwork
The ductwork is a passage that transports air from your house to the HVAC unit and distributes conditioned air throughout the house. When debris builds up in the ducts, it can lower the efficiency of your HVAC system. Cleaning the ductwork will improve airflow, so your unit will work at peak efficiency.
Have a professional inspect the ducts for mold growth. If your ducts leak, they allow entry of warm air. When it comes into contact with the cold air, it causes moisture to condense, attracting mold growth. You will then begin to notice musty odors when you turn on the HVAC unit. The inhabitants of your home may also exhibit symptoms like headaches, nausea, and irritations of the eyes, throat, and nose. Hire a professional to scrub off the mold and to fix leaks in order to prevent recurring problems.
Cracks and separation of the ductwork at the joints can also allow conditioned air to escape, which leads to inefficient air circulation. Have a professional inspect your system, and they can either recommend a repair or a replacement based on the extent of the damage. This is also the best time to insulate your ducts.
3. Upgrade Your Thermostat
People spend more time outdoors in the spring and summer. Investing in a programmable thermostat will help you save on cooling bills. You can set it to cool the house at the times of the day when you are home. This way, you will avoid running your unit when nobody is in the house. You can even add a separate schedule for the weekends, holidays, and weekdays. Since the thermostat connects to more than one air handler, you can set it to maintain different temperatures in various zones in your house.
A smart thermostat learns your house’s cooling and heating patterns and adjusts accordingly. It also allows remote control. You can set it to maintain the required indoor temperatures just before you get home, or you can keep the unit off for a while longer if you’re working late. A smart thermostat also allows you to track energy use to make adjustments when necessary.
4. Clean the Outdoor Unit
Chances are that you didn’t check up on your HVAC’s outdoor unit during the winter. Spring is the best time to clear clogs, sticks, and leaves away from the outdoor unit. If it’s blocked, it takes more time to release the heat from the indoor air outside. Your unit will then struggle to cool the house and to use more energy. With insufficient airflow, the condenser may also overheat, causing extensive damage to the system.
Clear off debris around the outdoor unit to keep your system clean and energy efficient. Clear out any overgrowing foliage and give the unit a minimum of two feet of clearance all around. Call a professional to clean the condenser coils to prepare the AC for the summer months ahead.
5. Have Your Interior Air Quality Checked
Spring is the best time to conduct an indoor air quality test. Have a professional check the level of pollen, volatile organic compounds, and dust particles in the air. They will also test the amount of moisture in the air. Based on the results, the professional will advise you to improve your house ventilation, invest in dehumidifiers, air purifiers, or quality air filters. This will boost the comfort level in your home. Improved indoor air quality lowers the strain on your HVAC unit, so it will serve you long enough with minimal disruptions.
6. Clean the Vents
Remember to vacuum the supply vents and registers to get rid of dirt and allow air to flow freely. Keep furniture, curtains, carpet, and other furniture off the vents. Call a professional to adjust your return vents as the temperature changes to help them draw in conditioned air more quickly.
7. Test the AC Unit
You probably haven’t used your AC unit in the winter, so you may want to turn on the AC to ensure that your it still works. Change the thermostat settings to cool, and analyze the unit’s performance.
Go to all vents, and examine the airflow. Pay attention to any unusual sounds from the indoor or outdoor unit. Go to all of your rooms to ensure that they receive the same level of cooling. Pay attention to how your system starts. Don’t ignore awful odors from the unit or water pools around it.
If you notice any of these signs, call a professional to examine the unit and to fix the issues. Testing your unit gives you the chance to detect the problems within your system and to get them fixed before they escalate into more significant issues. This way, you will avoid inconvenient breakdowns and emergency repairs in the middle of summer.
Schedule for Spring HVAC Maintenance Today
Spring is the best time for preventative HVAC maintenance. During this time, technicians are less busy, and they will give your unit a comprehensive inspection. A professional will thoroughly clean the unit, fix loose electric connections, and lubricate moving parts to allow smooth operation. They will also replace the thermostat, carbon monoxide batteries, and other faulty parts. This way, you will enjoy better indoor comfort at lower costs. Regular maintenance also helps prolong the lifespan of your unit and improve the safety of your family. Tune-ups help preserve your warranty. Most manufacturers require proof of professional care before covering the costs of a warranty claim.
Whenever you need help with your HVAC unit, reach out to Summit Heating & A/C. We offer AC and heating system installations, repairs, and tune-ups. Our company also provides plumbing and indoor air quality in Denver, CO and the nearby areas. Call us today to book an appointment.
