A Good Spring Cleaning: An HVAC Maintenance Checklist for March
You’ve been hibernating all winter, but March is a time of year when things finally start to warm up. If you’re like many homeowners, you may be eager to leave winter in the dust and embrace the promise of spring. Amid the flurry of organizing and cleaning, don’t forget your heating and cooling system. Because spring is the prelude to another blistering summer, making this a perfect time to get your HVAC system in tip-top shape. Are you uncertain what spring cleaning your HVAC system entails? Include these items to your March home maintenance checklist.
Replace the Air Filter
The air filter is one of the most important parts of your furnace or air conditioner, protecting delicate equipment from airborne particles and promoting cleaner indoor air. Consistently replace the air filter according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. If you have pets in the household or someone in your home has allergies, change the filter up to once a month to maintain indoor air quality. If not, replacing your old filter with a new one every three months is sufficient. In addition to removing airborne pollutants more effectively, a clean filter promotes better airflow to increase system efficiency by up to 15%.
Examine the Condensate Drain
Your air conditioner doesn’t simply cool your residence—it also dehumidifies. The condensate drain is the key to carrying away excess moisture from your AC. The drain should be free-flowing and the attached hose should be leak-free and properly placed. Check on your condensate drain whenever you replace the filter to keep your system running efficiently—and also help you spot warning signs of water damage.
Increase Your Home’s Airflow
Before turning on your home’s air conditioning system for the first time this spring, open your windows and doors to circulate fresh air inside. If the air inside your home often feels stale or stuff, consider adding a whole-house ventilation system. This upgrade expels stale, contaminated air to the exterior and replaces it with clean, fresh air from outside. Certain equipment pre-cools and dehumidifies incoming air to reduce the impact on your energy expenses while helping you breathe easier.
Deep Clean Your Home
Thoroughly cleaning your home complements your HVAC maintenance checklist by decreasing the amount of dust and allergens that move through the system. Pay extra attention to these locations:
- Dust ceiling fan blades.
- Seal gaps under or around windows and doors using caulk or weather stripping.
- Clean the grime out of sliding glass door tracks.
- Clean the coils located beneath or behind the refrigerator.
- Wipe off light fixtures and swap old incandescent bulbs for energy-saving LEDs.
Upgrade Your Thermostat
If you haven’t yet explored programmable or smart thermostats, spring is a great time to contemplate adding this affordable upgrade. A programmable thermostat makes a substantial difference in your home’s comfort and energy consumption. Begin by setting the temperature to 78 degrees F when you’re in the home. Next, 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 your arrival time, you can enjoy up to 10% energy savings without compromising comfort.
A smart thermostat takes these perks a step further by giving you the power to make modifications remotely. You can also track your energy use in a mobile app and get personalized, cost-cutting recommendations.
Check Your Ductwork and Insulation Levels
Ductwork may develop leaks that compromise air quality and raise your energy bills. Sealing these leaks helps your HVAC equipment operate more efficiently and move clean, healthy air. Once sealed, insulate your ductwork to keep the air cool on its way to supply registers throughout your home.
Hose Debris From the Exterior Unit
The outside condenser unit collects debris throughout the winter. Here’s how to give it a good cleaning this March:
- Rake leaves, pine needles and grass clippings from around the unit.
- Gently wash off the metal fins to remove dirt and cobwebs.
- Remove surrounding shrubs and grasses to maintain a one- to two-foot clearance.
- Study the unit for damage, such as missing insulation or bent fins.
- Contact a professional technician for AC service before the summer heat arrives.
Try Out Your HVAC Unit
After completing your spring cleaning checklist, it’s time to turn on your AC. Let it operate for several minutes to check for adequate cooling. If you encounter any issues, verify your thermostat is set correctly before phoning a professional for help.
Schedule AC Solutions in the U.S. with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing
If your air conditioning system needs expert assistance this spring, Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is the team for the job. Our HVAC solutions help keep your home comfortable and energy efficient throughout the year. Expect fast, long-lasting solutions to all your comfort problems, backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. That’s right—if you’re not completely happy with our solutions, we’ll make it right. For a spring-ready HVAC 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.
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