Bring On The Heat: Your Five-Step Spring HVAC Checklist

You’re more than ready to put the colder months behind you. You’ve packed up your winter clothing, started researching vacation destinations, and can’t wait to start enjoying your lunch hour in the park again.

Of course, with spring just around the corner, you’re likely also thinking about the routine maintenance and home improvement tasks you need to take care of.

While things like cleaning out your gutters, checking your home for potential termite issues, and even changing the batteries in your smoke detector easy to remember?

Don’t neglect spring HVAC maintenance.

Keeping your unit in great shape means that, not only will you avoid having to pay for costly repairs, but also that you won’t be left miserable, suffering from a lack of air conditioning on a hot day.

So, what belongs on your HVAC tune-up checklist?

Keep on reading this post to find out.

1. Switch out Your Filters

   You’re meant to switch out your HVAC unit’s filter at least once every 90 days.

   However, if you’re anything like most people, we’re willing to bet you don’t exactly stick to that schedule perfectly.

   So, why is filter replacement such an important part of spring HVAC maintenance?

   Because it directly impacts the overall air quality of your home. We know that, especially if you have young children living with you, you don’t want them to be breathing in dust, dirt, and other debris like pet dander.

   These things can also make anyone with allergies in your home completely miserable.

   If the air quality in your home remains poor for too long, you could even risk exposing yourself and your family to serious respiratory problems.

   Your filter also helps your unit to run much more efficiently, meaning that it will last for longer.

   Luckily, cleaning or switching out your HVAC filter is incredibly easy. Now is also the time to consider switching to a more energy-efficient option.

2. Clean Your HVAC Coils

   Another essential aspect of spring air conditioner maintenance?

   Make sure you take the time to clean your HVAC coils. This is especially important if it seems like your energy bills have been a bit higher than usual lately.

   Dirty condenser coils can easily reduce your HVAC unit’s overall efficiency levels by a shocking 30%.

   This means that to keep your home at a comfortable temperature, the units will need to work much harder. This translates not only to higher costs for you — but this higher output also means your HVAC system will become damaged much faster than usual.

   So, what’s the best way to clean your HVAC coils?

   If you’re not exactly the handy type, we suggest you call in a professional. However, if you have even a bit of DIY skill, you may be able to handle it on your own.

   First, make sure the unit is turned completely off — and disconnect the power. Then, you’ll need to take off the cover of your unit (if needed.)

   Make sure that you buy a product designed specifically for cleaning coils, keeping in mind that foam cleaners work best. Then, get the unit wet with a hose, and spray the coil cleaner across it.

   Wait for about ten minutes, and then use a fin comb to work in the cleanser and unbend any fins. Rinse it off with water, and you’re all set.

3. Lubricate Motors and Parts

   Another essential spring air conditioner maintenance task?

   Making sure that your HVAC unit’s parts and of course, motors, are well lubricated. A lack of lubrication often causes parts to break prematurely. This is because a high amount of friction builds up quickly in the unit. Because this friction creates some serious heat, in some cases, it can damage the entire unit beyond repair.

   We know you don’t want to have to shell out your hard-earned cash to completely replace your HVAC unit before the summer hits.

   Perhaps even worse, a unit that’s clearly in need of oil often makes those horrible and annoying clicking and squeaking sounds that can keep you up at night.

   Luckily, the fix for a unit in need of lubrication is relatively easy.

   First, turn off the power on the unit completely and unplug it. (Safety first, after all.) Then, you should take the top cover off the top of your outdoor unit. Usually, you’ll need a screwdriver to make this happen.

   You will also likely need to turn your cover upside-down to easily oil the motor. Then, take off the coverings on your oil ports, and squeeze only a tiny amount of oil into the ports.

   You can also use a dry rag with a few drops of oil on it to lubricate any other parts of an indoor unit that you feel need some extra attention.

4. Inspect Doors and Windows

   Sometimes, your standard spring-cleaning task and your HVAC maintenance go hand-in-hand.

   But why exactly does inspecting the areas surrounding your doors and windows matter when it comes to your air conditioner or heater’s efficiency?

   Because any kind of cracks in your windowsill or gaps in your door can make it incredibly easy for warm or cool air to slip out of your home. To be more comfortable, you’ll likely crank up your thermostat — leading to unpleasantly high bills for you in the future.

   To avoid these pesky drafts, take the time to re-caulk around your windows and doors.

   This will also help to mitigate water damage. Re-caulking will also help to ensure that any other pesky critters don’t make their way into your home.

5. Consider Your Clutter

   We know that the idea of “spring cleaning” may not exactly be the most thrilling way to spend your Saturday.

   However, many homeowners are shocked to find out just how much of an impact clutter, dust, dirt, and even furniture placement can have on your HVAC system.

   You need to make cleaning up your home — especially the areas around vents and the unit itself — a part of your HVAC check-up routine.

   Aim for about two feet of clearance between your air vents and larger pieces of furniture in your home. Especially if you’ve felt like your home’s temperature has been a beat uneven recently, these adjustments can make air flow much better.

   Next, head outside to take a look at your larger unit.

   If you notice any leaves, twigs, or other debris around the area, it’s time to clear it off now. If there are any shrubs or smaller trees near the unit, trim them back to prevent them from blocking the airflow or damaging the outdoor unit.

6. Book A Professional HVAC Inspection

   You know what they say: prevention is the best cure. Well, this adage applies to your HVAC system, too.

   The beginning of the spring season is the best time to get your HVAC system inspected, as you certainly don’t want to deal with a faulty air conditioner during the hottest months of the year.

   A professional inspection and maintenance package is an essential part of your AC spring tune-up because the experts can identify potential issues that the untrained eye would likely miss.

   They can also make suggestions about any parts they need replacing, and even help you to purchase the best system possible if you’re considering upgrading your heating and cooling units.

   Finally, remember that there are some parts of spring HVAC maintenance, like cleaning your air ducts, that you may not want to handle on your own. Hiring a professional isn’t just a smart move when it comes to your safety.

   A professional HVAC cleaning and inspection service can also help you to save more money on your heating and cooling costs.

Need Professional Assistance with Spring HVAC Maintenance?

We hope that this post has encouraged you to start taking spring HVAC maintenance and regular cleaning a bit more seriously.

The good news is that even a little bit of effort goes a long way toward extending the life of your unit.

Of course, we understand that you may not have the time or the skills to tackle all of the tasks listed here on your own. Perhaps you’d just prefer the security and quality of work that comes with hiring an expert to help you.

No matter what sort of HVAC maintenance you need, we’re here to help you.

We can help you with repairs to your unit, furnace inspections, air duct cleaning, and so much more.

Reach out to us today to schedule an appointment with one of our team members.

We can’t wait to help you breathe clearly and be comfortable in your home — no matter the temperature or weather outside.