Get Your Home Ready for Summer with HVAC Maintenance

You’ve been hibernating all winter, but March is a time of year when things start happening. 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 ignore your HVAC system. The fact is, spring is the prelude to another sweltering summer, making this a great time to get your HVAC system in tip-top shape. Don’t know what spring cleaning your HVAC system involves? Include these actions to your March home maintenance checklist.

Replace the Air Filter

The air filter is a critical part of your heating and cooling system, protecting sensitive equipment from airborne particles and promoting cleaner indoor air. Regularly replace the air filter according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. If you have pets that live in the residence or have allergies, change the filter up to once a month to uphold indoor air quality. If you don’t, replacing your HVAC filter with a new one every three months is sufficient. In addition to removing airborne pollutants more successfully, a clean filter promotes better airflow to increase system efficiency by up to 15%.

Tend to the Condensate Drain

Your air conditioner doesn’t only cool your property—it also dehumidifies. The condensate drain is the key to carrying away unwanted moisture from your AC. The drain should be free-flowing and the connecting hose should be leak-free and correctly placed. Take a quick look at your condensate drain whenever you replace the filter to keep your system running smoothly—and also help you spot early signs of water damage.

Increase Your Home’s Airflow

Before switching on your AC for the first time this spring, open your windows and doors to circulate fresh air inside. If your home usually feels stuffy, consider adding a whole-house ventilation system. This upgrade blows stale air outside and brings in clean, fresh air from outside. Certain equipment pre-cools and dehumidifies incoming air to decrease 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 specific attention to these areas:

• Dust ceiling fan blades.
• Seal gaps near windows and doors using caulk or weather stripping.
• Wipe out sliding glass door tracks.
• Vacuum debris out of the coils located beneath or behind the refrigerator.
• Wipe off light fixtures and swap old incandescent bulbs for energy-saving LEDs.

Enhance Your Thermostat

If you haven’t yet explored programmable or smart thermostats, spring is a very good time to think about this reasonably priced upgrade. A programmable thermostat makes a big difference in your home’s comfort and energy use. Begin by setting the temperature to 78 degrees F when you’re going to be inside the residence. Then, plan 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 losing comfort.

A smart thermostat takes these benefits a step further by giving you the power to make modifications remotely. You can also check your energy usage in a mobile app and get customized, cost-cutting recommendations.

Check Your Ductwork and Insulation Levels

Ductwork may develop leaks that decrease air quality and raise your energy expenses. Sealing these leaks helps your air conditioner run more efficiently and circulate clean, healthy air. Once sealed, insulate your ductwork so you don’t lose any cold air before it gets to your living area.

Clean the Outdoor Unit

The outdoor condenser unit can become filled with debris during the cold season. Here’s how to spring clean it this March:

• Remove leaves, pine needles and grass clippings from around the unit.
• Carefully hose down the metal fins to remove dirt and cobwebs.
• Cut back adjacent shrubs and grasses to keep a one- to two-foot clearance.
• Check the unit for damage, such as missing insulation or bent fins.

• Consult with a professional technician for AC service before the summer heat takes hold. 

Turn on Your HVAC Unit

After performing your spring cleaning checklist, it’s time to turn on your air conditioning system. Run it for several minutes to verify it is producing cool air like it should. If you encounter any issues, double-check the thermostat settings before phoning a professional for help.

Schedule AC Solutions in Fort Lauderdale with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning

If your heating and cooling system needs special assistance this spring, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning has you covered. Our HVAC solutions help keep your home comfortable and energy efficient throughout the year. Expect fast, long-lasting solutions to all your comfort issues, backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. You read that correct—if you’re not totally happy with our work, we’ll make it right. For a spring-ready air conditioning system that promises efficiency and peace of mind, call 954-736-4314 to reach the heating and cooling specialists at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning today.