With the arrival of spring comes the perfect opportunity to make sure your home’s HVAC system is running smoothly. A little bit of preventative maintenance can go a long way toward ensuring that your heating and cooling system are working efficiently and effectively throughout the warmer months of the year. Here are some simple tips on how to prepare your home’s HVAC for spring.
Change Your Air Filter
The air filter in your HVAC system plays an important role in keeping your home’s air clean and helping maintain good indoor air quality. It should be changed at least once every three months, so if it has been more than three months since you last changed it, now is the time to do so. When choosing a new filter, look for one with a MERV rating between 6 and 13—that will ensure that it does its job without impeding airflow too much.
Check Your Ductwork
The ductwork that connects your furnace and/or air conditioner to the rest of your house should be checked periodically for any signs of damage or wear and tear. If you notice any tears, holes, or other issues with your ducts, they should be repaired as soon as possible; otherwise, you could end up with poor airflow or even leaks in your system, which will cost you money on energy bills in the long run. Additionally, make sure that there is adequate insulation around all exposed ductwork to prevent heat loss while heating or cooling your home.
Schedule an Inspection
It’s also a good idea to have an HVAC contractor come out and inspect your system before spring arrives. They will be able to check all components of the system (including thermostats, motors, filters, etc.) for any signs of wear and tear or other issues that could affect performance during peak usage times later in the year. Even if everything looks fine on inspection day, having regular inspections can help catch small problems before they become big ones – thus saving you money on repairs down the road.
Check Refrigerant Levels
If it has been more than two years since you last had your refrigerant levels checked, now is a good time to do so before turning on the air conditioner for the first time this season. Low refrigerant levels can cause performance issues with your air conditioner and may even lead to permanent damage if not addressed quickly enough. A technician will be able to check refrigerant levels and top off as needed so that you don’t have to worry about any unexpected breakdowns during the summer months.
Clean Outdoor Units
The outdoor unit of an HVAC system accumulates a lot of dirt, dust, and debris over time, so cleaning it up before spring arrives is an important step in ensuring efficiency. Remove any leaves, twigs, or other debris from around the unit before turning on the power again. Once you have removed all of this debris, use a garden hose to gently spray down both indoor and outdoor units while being careful not to damage wiring or other components.
By taking these few simple steps now, you can help ensure that your home’s HVAC system is running properly when temperatures start rising this spring. From changing out air filters to scheduling regular inspections with a qualified technician to just a simple clean up of the exterior, there are plenty of ways to keep things running smoothly all summer long! And remember: if any major issues arise during inspection time or after temperatures start warming up again this season, don’t hesitate to call a professional right away for repair assistance!