As we’re getting ready to brush the last of winter off our cars, most of us are starting to think about spring. While daydreaming about warmer days and walking around with less than five layers on, it’s also time to start thinking about how to prepare your home for the warmer weather and the associated changes with your heating and cooling needs.
It seems like every year as the heat is turned off for the last time, the blazing temps of summer are here in a blink of an eye and air conditioning systems are going full force. Before the full transition into spring is the perfect time to prepare your air conditioning system for the warmer weather ahead.
Here are five tips to prepare your HVAC system for welcoming in spring.
Filters need to be replaced frequently, about once every 3 months. Even if it hasn’t been 3 months since you’ve replaced yours, it’s a good idea to check and clean it off if necessary. Dirty, clogged filters can cause a ton of issues for your cooling system and prevent it from operating efficiently. Make sure you do this one, quick step before turning on your cooling system for the first time.
Leaky ducts are one of the main issues behind inefficient heating and cooling systems. Not only will leaks cause hot and cold spots in your home, but they can also result in utility bill spikes and poor indoor air quality. Even if you think your system is working efficiently, have a qualified technician check for duct leaks just in case.
Spring is a good time for accessing the way you’re using your HVAC system and what changes can be made to help it run more efficiently. If you don’t have one already, a programmable thermostat is a great addition for more efficient operation and lower cooling costs. This gives you more control of the temperature in your home even when you’re away.
After fall and winter, there’s a good chance there’s at least some debris that’s accumulated around your HVAC unit. Leaves, grass clippings, animal nests, sticks and even mud around the unit can prevent it from working efficiently. Take advantage of the opportunity to get outside and inhale some springtime air while you clear debris away from your HVAC unit.
The best way to assure your air conditioning system is in top working shape is to schedule an appointment with an air conditioning company for a complete HVAC service and review. They’ll do a thorough check of your system and make sure every part of it is functioning at top capacity, saving you time and money down the road.
When you’re ready to schedule your spring air conditioning maintence check, we’re here to help. Contact Hearthstone Heating and Air Conditioning to schedule an appointment today.
Olivia Smart says:
Thank you for explaining that you should clean around your unit to make sure that it’s ready for spring. My husband and I have been wondering what we can do to get our house ready for the new season. We’ll try this out and call a technician to check everything over before it starts to warm up more.
Tex Hooper says:
I didn’t know that you had to swap out filters that often. I need to get a contractor to service my AC. I’ll have to consider getting new filters for my unit.
Vivian Black says:
You made a great point about testing for leaks and how they are a huge issue behind inefficiency in air conditioners. My AC has not been cooling as much as it usually does and I can’t figure out why. These tips will be useful once I have a professional come check it out and repair it.
Tim Yaotome says:
Aside from cleaning leaves, grass clippings, animal nests, sticks, and mud from around an air conditioning unit, what should one do to get it cleaned on the inside? My mother wants me to help her get her air conditioner clean before the cold kicks in, so I am asking for help on how to go about it. Thanks for the great tips on how to take care of the air conditioner unit.