Updated on April 3, 2025
Spring in Denver, CO, brings vibrant green grass and colorful spring bloomers like snowdrops, dwarf iris, and blue glory. The warm temperatures might also invite you to open the windows and enjoy the fresh air. It’s the perfect time to de-winterize your home and prepare for the changing seasons.
With temperatures fluctuating between cool mornings and warm afternoons, you’ll start to rely on your HVAC system to maintain comfort. As the temperatures climb even higher, your AC will begin working harder, so preparing it now for the demanding temperatures ahead is essential. Don’t wait to have your system inspected by a professional to ensure it’s ready for smooth operation all season. Here are the best ways to prepare your HVAC unit for spring in Denver.
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 for the drier summer air in Denver or if you have a shedding pet. 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.
For high-altitude cities like Denver, the lack of air density affects HVAC systems’s efficiency. This means that your HVAC system must work harder to push air through your duct system. Also, this reduced air density may require more filter changes or altitude-specific, efficient air filters in the summertime. Ask the professionals at Summit Heating, A/C, Plumbing & Electrical for more information.
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 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 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 home’s ventilation by investing 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 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.
FAQs
Find some frequently asked questions regarding HVAC preparation and maintenance for homes in our area.
What’s included in professional AC maintenance?
Comprehensive HVAC maintenance can include a variety of tasks a trained technician will perform. These may include tightening loose bearings, making fan belt adjustments, lubricating moving parts, adjusting fan blades, and more.
Why does regular HVAC maintenance matter?
HVAC systems are a significant investment, so keeping them maintained ensures their continued operation and efficiency throughout their lifespan. In Denver especially, getting regular tune-ups helps your system cope with the strain of operating in an area with low air density. Avoiding maintenance leads to premature breakdowns, frequent, costly repairs, decreased energy efficiency, poor indoor air quality, and surprise replacement bills.
How can I save energy on my HVAC system?
You can save on energy bills and lower energy consumption by making adjustments and improvements to your heating and cooling systems. Consider upgrading to a smart thermostat and program temperatures to adjust when you’re asleep or away from home. Ensure your home is properly sealed and insulated to keep temperatures regulated. Most homes in higher altitude areas lack proper insulation. Of course, invest in professional HVAC maintenance.
How soon should you address HVAC issues?
Address issues with your HVAC as soon as possible. Experiencing issues with your HVAC system, such as odd smells, short cycling, poor airflow, and others, are signs that your heating and cooling systems need attention. Waiting to address these issues can lead to costly repairs, premature breakdowns, and reduced indoor air quality.
What are the benefits of signing up for a maintenance membership plan?
Investing in a maintenance membership for your HVAC takes the stress and guesswork out of planning maintenance visits and often provides you with discounts on repair services and replacements.
Summit Heating, A/C, Plumbing & Electrical provides the Family and Friends Club Membership plan that gives you peace of mind and ensures your comfort. Better yet, getting regular HVAC maintenance will keep your system warranty intact should it need repairs or replacement. With our plan, you get 15% off any repairs and up to $2,000 toward a qualifying new system. Ask our technicians how to sign up today!
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. Keeping your system thoroughly cleaned and maintained by a professional will help it cope with the strain that working at a higher altitude can take on an HVAC system.
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, Plumbing & Electrical. We offer a variety of home comfort solutions for you to benefit from, including AC and heating system installations, repairs, and tune-ups as well as indoor air quality services, duct sealing, duct cleaning, home energy audits, and more. We carry the latest energy-efficient HVAC systems, like heat pumps and mini-splits, perfect for high-altitude homes in Denver
Our company also provides plumbing and electrical services in Denver and the nearby areas. Call us today to book an appointment.
