Picture this: birds are chirping, the snow is melting, trees are growing buds, and….and your HVAC system is ready for its annual springtime maintenance. That’s right, your air conditioner is just as excited about the warmer weather as you are. But, it can’t just jump right into running twenty-four hours a day in the 85-degree heat. It needs a little TLC first! Here’s a quick HVAC maintenance checklist to help your HVAC withstand the heat.
Replace Air Filter
Air filters remove debris like dust particles and pet hair from the air circulating throughout your home. When your HVAC air filter gets dirty, it can reduce the overall air quality in your home. Dirty air filters also restrict airflow to your air conditioner, making the AC work harder. The start of spring is the perfect time to freshen up the air filter. From spring pollen to pets shedding their winter coats, you’ll want to go into the new season with a brand-new air filter.
Tip: Reusable air filters can help you save money and the environment. Instead of throwing out your filter every quarter, you can simply wash and dry a reusable filter for many seasons of reliable use!
Clean Air Vents and Ducts
If you think of your home HVAC system like the circulatory system of the body, the ducts are like the veins. That means clean ducts are essential to keeping your AC running smoothly and the air in your home healthy and breathable. Start by checking the floor registers and making sure they’re clear of dust, pet hair, or other debris. For a more thorough clean, you can remove the grates and vacuum into the ducts to get at that built-up dust. Also, be sure that your ducts aren’t blocked by anything like furniture, rugs, or curtains. Blocked ducts can lead to issues like uneven cooling and higher, reduced energy efficiency, and higher utility bills.
If your ducts are severely blocked or you notice a moldy or musty odor, you may need to schedule a professional duct cleaning. HVAC technicians use specialized equipment to thoroughly
Inspect and Clean the Outdoor Unit
The outdoor component of your air conditioning system (also known as the “condenser unit”) becomes a magnet for dirt and debris. Everything from dead leaves to grass clippings to sticks and the occasional rodent nest may call the unit home. It’s important to remove this detritus before you fire up your AC for the season. Otherwise, debris may clog up the delicate components and lead to issues like jams and overheating. To clean the unit, first remove any refuse like old leaves and grass that may have built-up around the base during winter. Next, grab your garden hose and spray the fan and coil guard (this is the exterior shell that looks like gills). Soapy water and a soft cloth come in handy for tough, built-up dirt.
Note: Always make sure to power down the unit before doing any maintenance. Safety first!
Test the Thermostat
Once your condenser unit is clean and the system is powered on, it’s time to move on to the thermostat. If your thermostat batteries haven’t been changed in more than a year, pop in a fresh pair. A thermostat with dying batteries can lead to erratic temperature fluctuations or a total system shutdown. (Oftentimes, when homeowners think their AC is dead, it’s actually just the batteries!)
Switch your thermostat over to cooling and wait for the system to fire up. You should be able to hear the AC kick on within a few minutes. Once it’s audibly running, hold your hair near an air vent to make sure the air is coming out cool. Luke-warm and muggy, humid air are both symptoms of AC trouble. You can also use a thermometer and compare the reading to the thermostat to make sure the temperatures match.
Spring is also the perfect time to upgrade to a smart thermostat!
Look Out for Issues or Problems
When you fire up the unit for the first time this season, keep an eye out for any issues that may have developed during the dormant winter season. Rattling, buzzing, or clunking sounds are all signs that something may be amiss. You may also notice unusual smells, like a persistent moldy or mildewy odor. And if your outdoor unit looks like it’s sweating in the summer heat or leaking all over the ground, then you know trouble is not far behind. The bottom line is that it never hurts to call out an expert and have them assess the problem. HVAC repairs are often much cheaper when caught and fixed right away. Plus, you won’t have to deal with the shock of coming home to a hot, swampy house!
It can be helpful to schedule a professional tune-up with a trusted HVAC technician in your area. During a maintenance appointment, the technician will perform some tasks that are harder to DIY, like measuring refrigerant levels, checking electrical components, and lubing up the moving parts. They may even catch sneaky problems before they grow into full-blown AC emergencies. It’s a win-win!
And there you have it — your quick guide to springtime HVAC maintenance!
