It’s springtime and savvy homeowners are busy scheduling annual AC tune-ups and maintenance to get their AC ready for the summer. Follow these spring HVAC tips to get your cooling system ready for warmer temperatures.
Schedule Annual Preventive HVAC Maintenance
Every homeowner follows a particular pattern to make certain their AC systems undergo comprehensive yearly checkups and maintenance. HVAC manufacturers give no specific instructions on when the systems should be checked and serviced. However, springtime is the most fitting time to hire a licensed and certified contractor to service your HVAC unit.
Annual maintenance involves checking, diagnosing, and troubleshooting existing HVAC system issues. Annual system tune-ups and repairs can extend the lifespan of your unit and make it more energy efficient.
Get Your Air Filters Changed
Spring is the most appropriate season of the year to get dirty air filters checked and replaced. Typical guidelines suggest that homeowners change their HVAC filters every three months. Replacing filters is not necessarily a task that can only be handled by a professional. You can do it yourself during your free time. Shut off your HVAC system and remove the access panels to get access to the air filters. Pull out the old air filter and install the brand-new one. Replace the access panel, and the work is done. You may seek help from an expert HVAC technician to pick the right size and quality of air filter for your system.
Get Cracks and Leaks Sealed
The summer weather can sometimes be very harsh, especially if your home is not properly sealed from the elements. Spring is the perfect time to check your property for areas that could use repairs to help your HVAC equipment keep your indoor environment comfortable. Some of the easiest areas to check are the seals around your windows and doors. Adding caulking or weather-stripping to these areas can ensure that you won’t lose conditioned air when you crank up the AC. Sealing cracks will also prevent heated air from escaping in the winter. While you’re focused on improving your home, also be sure to check your insulation to ensure that it is adequate for your home’s needs.
Test the Efficiency of the AC
The springtime offers a great opportunity for you to test your AC for efficiency and reliability. Start by setting the thermostat to a few degrees lower than your home’s current temperature and let it turn on. Once the unit is on and working, check whether the cool air is venting through your venting units. Listen to the unit as it operates to determine whether it makes any noises. Faulty units will make noises and they may also produce strange smells. If you detect any problems, contact your HVAC tech to check and troubleshoot the issue. They can tell you whether it’s a quick fix or something more serious.
Check the Exterior AC Unit for Obstructions
Like the interior unit, the exterior AC needs care and regular check-ups. You need to regularly check and remove anything blocking the exterior unit. The external unit gets more exposure to elements, and it’s likely to get blocked and damaged if it does not get quality care. Springtime is the perfect time to inspect your exterior AC unit and cut the debris and vegetation around it. Ensure that any vegetation growing around your AC does not grow any closer than 2 feet from your outside unit. Cutting clutter around your AC enables it to effectively pull in air to keep your home comfortable.
Clean the Condensate Drain
A clogged condensate drain pipe can affect the efficiency of your AC system. It can make the drain pan overflow, which ultimately means water will flood your space if the unit is not repaired or replaced. Elements such as algae, dirt, and rust accumulating around the condensate unit can block its efficient flow. The easy way to protect your condensate drain from mildew and mold clogging is by cleaning it regularly with a water and bleach solution.
Check the AC Refrigerant
Get an HVAC expert to check if you have enough air conditioner refrigerant. If the AC has an extremely low amount of refrigerant, the HVAC expert will inspect the unit for leaks. If there are leaks, they will need to be repaired, and the refrigerant will need to be refilled.
Schedule Professional Ductwork Tests
Ducts move conditioned air through your home. Over time, the ducting may collect dust, pet dander, and other debris that can lower the quality of your indoor air. In some cases, air ducts can even become blocked. When this happens, your ducts will not be able to deliver the conditioned air evenly throughout your indoor spaces. Blocked ducts will cause your system to work harder than it needs to, which means increased wear and tear and decreased efficiency. Scheduling a ductwork checkup and cleaning will help prevent these issues. A ductwork inspection will also help you identify other issues, such as duct leaks and deteriorating duct joints. Fixing these problems early will help keep them from turning into more serious issues.
Thoroughly Inspect the HVAC for Issues
The mechanical and electrical processes your HVAC goes through to heat and cool your indoors have a negative effect on the components. As the units keep running, the return vents, thermostat, outside units, inside units, and registers undergo normal wear and tear. Before summer sets in, perform the following inspections on your HVAC unit and ductwork:
- Inspect the registers for buildup
- Check the thermostat battery
- Check the draining efficiency of the condensate system
- Make certain the cabinet door and filter access are properly closed
Consider Installing a Smart Thermostat
During the summer, your AC will be working hard to keep you and your family comfortable. With increased operation, comes increased energy bills, but there are various ways that you can help reduce the amount of energy your home uses. One of these is a smart thermostat. Smart thermostats can be programmed to help you avoid using your AC when it is not needed. For instance, the unit can be set to switch to a different program depending on when you are home or at work. Some smart thermostats are even capable of learning your schedule and changing the temperature control accordingly. Others use geofencing technology, which will trigger your HVAC system to switch to a pre-programmed setting when your connected smartphone comes within a certain radius of your home.
Are you looking for a trusted HVAC contractor serving Raleigh and the surrounding areas? Thermo Direct is your go-to company. We’re highly trusted technicians with a solid track record of offering premium heating, cooling, and indoor air quality solutions. Our heating and cooling techs have many years of experience providing high-value heating and AC maintenance, repair, and installation services. We also offer generator and ductless systems, duct repair and installation, whole-home surge protection, and more. Do you have more questions about HVAC and related issues? Contact our technicians now.
