You’ve been hibernating during the colder months, but March is the month when things start happening. If you’re like many homeowners, you may be eager to put winter behind you and embrace the promise of spring. Amid the flurry of straightening up and cleaning, don’t neglect your heating and cooling system. After all, spring is the prelude to another sweltering summer, making this a perfect time to get your HVAC system in tip-top shape. Don’t know what spring cleaning your HVAC system entails? Include these items to your March home maintenance checklist.
Swap Out the Air Filter
The air filter is one of the most important parts of your heating and cooling system, protecting delicate equipment from airborne particles and promoting cleaner indoor air. Regularly replace the air filter according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. If you have pets in your home or someone in your home has allergies, change the filter up to once a month to maintain indoor air quality. Otherwise, replacing your old filter with a new one every three months is adequate. In addition to trapping and removing airborne pollutants more successfully, a clean filter promotes better airflow to boost system efficiency by up to 15%.
Examine the Condensate Drain
Your air conditioning system doesn’t just cool your residence—it also dehumidifies. The condensate drain is the key to removing extra moisture from your AC. The drain should be free-flowing and the system’s hose should be leak-free and correctly placed. Check on your condensate drain whenever you replace the filter to keep your system running smoothly—and also help you spot early signs of water damage.
Enjoy Some Fresh Air
Before switching on your home’s air conditioning system for the first time this spring, open your windows and doors to circulate fresh air inside. If your home usually feels stuffy, you may benefit by adding a whole-house ventilation system. This upgrade expels stale, contaminated air to the exterior and brings in clean, fresh air from outside. Certain equipment pre-cools and dehumidifies incoming air to minimize the impact on your energy costs while helping you breathe easier.
Give Your Home a Good Cleaning
Extensively cleaning your home complements your HVAC maintenance checklist by limiting the amount of dust and allergens that move through the system. Pay special attention to these locations:
- Clean off ceiling fan blades.
- Seal gaps near windows and doors using caulk or weather stripping.
- Scrub sliding glass door tracks.
- Clean the coils located beneath or behind the refrigerator.
- Dust light fixtures and swap old incandescent bulbs for energy-saving LEDs.
Enhance Your Thermostat
If you haven’t yet looked into programmable or smart thermostats, spring is a very good time to consider this reasonably priced upgrade. A programmable thermostat makes a substantial difference in your home’s comfort and energy usage. Begin by setting the temperature to 78 degrees F when you’re at home. Then, set up automatic setback periods of 7 to 10 degrees when everyone is out of the home during the day. With recovery periods set for when residents of the home will return, you can enjoy up to 10% energy savings without compromising comfort.
A smart thermostat takes these perks a step further by allowing you to make adjustments remotely. You can also track your energy use in a mobile app and get personalized, cost-cutting recommendations.
Have Your Ducts Sealed and Insulated
Ductwork can develop leaks that decrease air quality and increase your energy costs. Sealing these leaks helps your AC run more efficiently and move clean, healthy air. Once sealed, insulate your ductwork so air conditioned air doesn’t leak out of your system.
Spray Out the Exterior Unit
The outside condenser unit collects debris throughout the winter. Here’s how to spring clean it this March:
- Remove leaves, pine needles and grass clippings from around the unit.
- Delicately rinse the metal fins to remove dirt and cobwebs.
- Cut back nearby shrubs and grasses to keep a one- to two-foot clearance.
- Study the unit for damage, such as missing insulation or bent fins.
- Consult with a professional technician for AC service before the summer heat takes hold.
Test Your HVAC Unit
After performing your spring cleaning checklist, it’s time to test your AC. Let it operate for several minutes to verify it is producing cool air like it should. If you discover any problems, double-check the thermostat settings before contacting a professional for help.
Schedule AC Solutions in the U.S. with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing
If your HVAC system needs professional assistance this spring, Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing has you covered. Our HVAC services help keep your home comfortable and energy efficient throughout the year. Count on fast, long-lasting solutions to all your comfort problems, backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. We mean it—if you’re not absolutely happy with our work, we’ll make it right. For a spring-ready AC system that delivers efficiency and peace of mind, call 866-397-3787 to reach the heating and cooling authorities at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing today.
