Meeting the Challenge: Get Your AC Ready for Spring

As the temperatures climb this spring, your focus shifts from heating your home to cooling it. Making sure your HVAC system is prepared for the changing seasons is essential if you hope to maintain home comfort and energy efficiency. Stick to these HVAC system transition tips from the HVAC specialists at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning to be sure your cooling system is primed and ready for the warmer months ahead.

Change the Air Filter

Your HVAC filter gradually accumulates dust, pollen and other particles, reducing airflow. This forces your system to work harder. Ideally, you should replace the filter every one to three months, with exactly how often you change it determined by your system usage and filter type. Install the recommended size and efficiency rating for your system, because using the wrong filter can overly restrict airflow and decrease efficiency. If you’re not sure which filter to buy or how to install it into your system, ask your HVAC technician during your next routine tune-up to demonstrate.

Inspect the Outdoor Condensing Unit

The outdoor part of your air conditioning system that expels hot air, also known as a condensing unit, is a necessary part of the cooling process. Here’s how to prepare your condensing unit for another summer:

• Remove the AC cover: If you placed a cover or board over your outdoor unit to protect it from snow and ice, remove it before firing up the AC for the first time this spring.
• Clean the unit: Over the fall and winter, your outside unit may have gotten buried in leaves, dirt and other clutter. You can hose it down with a garden hose to wash away this buildup.
• Remove surrounding debris: The area around your outdoor unit must remain clear for ideal airflow. Remove leaves, pine needles and other debris close to the HVAC equipment. Also, prune nearby any plants to make sure you have at least 12 to 24 inches of clearance on all sides.
• Make sure the unit is level: The concrete pad your condensing unit is situated on may shift or settle over time, causing the unit to tilt. To prevent improper operation and premature wear, adjust the unit by wedging shims below its base. Verify your work with a carpenter’s level.

Change the Thermostat

Set your thermostat to a comfy yet energy-efficient temperature. For the hotter months, 78 degrees F is encouraged while you’re inside your home. If you feel overheated, operate the ceiling fan to make the room feel cooler without reducing the thermostat.

Boost the temperature by 7 to 10 degrees when the house is empty during the day to save on power costs. To avoid sacrificing comfort, install a programmable thermostat and set it to resume to a cozy temperature before you return home. This strategy saves up to 10% on your cooling costs.

Check and Clear Out Your Air Registers

Dust, pet hair and other airborne waste can build up on supply and return registers, hindering airflow. Use the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to clean out this buildup. Then, ensure that all your vents are open and not covered up by things like rugs or curtains.

Contrary to popular belief, closing vents in unused rooms does not save energy; all it does is throw off the system’s return/supply balance. To avoid excessive strain, keep no less than 80% of your supply registers open and unblocked at all times.

Locate and Close Air Leaks

Leaky windows, doors and other gaps allow hot, humid air to find its way in your home. To tackle this concern, look over window and door seals, using caulk and weatherstripping to seal any holes. Then, search the attic for insufficient insulation or spaces around pipes, ductwork and light fixtures. Close these leaks with spray foam and top them with additional insulation to minimize unwanted air exchange through the attic floor.

Conduct a System Test

Before the season really gets hot, run your AC for a few minutes. Walk around your home and make sure cool air flows easily from each vent. If you discover anything wrong, call a heating and cooling specialist to conduct AC repair to nip the problem in the bud.

Schedule Expert HVAC Maintenance with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning

While do-it-yourself HVAC service is advantageous, it can’t replace the complete care provided by a certified professional. Tasks like measuring the refrigerant charge and tightening electrical connections require specialized tools and training that only professionals possess.

Spring is a great time to set up AC maintenance, helping you to deal with issues early on and prepare the system for the summer heat. Prioritize this service to experience the following advantages:

• Lower energy costs
• Fewer midseason breakdowns
• Lower repair expenditures
• Better home comfort
• Longer system life span
• Protected warranty coverage

Why Choose Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for Your HVAC Needs in Fort Lauderdale?

Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning delivers reliable AC services to ensure your comfort and satisfaction this spring. Our ACE-certified technicians are trained to provide prompt, effective solutions to all your heating and air conditioning desires. For expert service that lives up to our name, call 954-736-4314 today!