Prattville, AL, gardeners know that the last spring frost occurred on March 20. But for other Prattville homeowners, the first signs of spring are more general: warming temperatures, sunnier skies, and green-budding trees. These signs also tell homeowners that it’s time for HVAC maintenance. Your furnaces are switched off, and you’re preparing for a summer of AC living. You must ensure everything’s in working order before it’s either shut down or turned on.
Read on for a handy checklist of heating and cooling maintenance essentials.
Why Heating and Cooling Maintenance Is Vital in Spring
Why should you bother performing spring HVAC maintenance—whether you DIY it or hire an HVAC company?
Probably most importantly, it helps prevent costly breakdowns, extends the lifespan of your system, and reduces the need for repairs and replacement parts. In fact, it could reduce the risk of breakdown by as much as 95 percent.
You’ll also ensure your system remains under warranty if anything happens. Many manufacturers require proof of maintenance when claiming.
Maintenance and repair can also help lower your energy costs. After all, a well-running system uses less energy than one struggling to function.
Finally, a system clear of dust, pet dander, fur, smoke, and pollen is less likely to spread indoor pollutants through your home.
Top Spring HVAC Maintenance Tasks: Inside
Most HVAC systems contain indoor and outdoor components, so you need to focus on each separately. Inside, the tasks comprise cleaning and testing.
Assess the Air Filter
Maintaining your air filter is a simple task that significantly impacts the health of your HVAC system.
A clean filter captures dust, debris, and other allergens better. This enhances energy consumption and indoor air quality. This is particularly important in areas—or times of year—with high pollen levels.
Your task here is simple:
- Replace a disposable filter monthly
- Clean a washable filter monthly
This is typically a DIY task, but contact your local HVAC service if you’re unsure what to do. They can show you what to do next time.
Clean Your Vents
Over time, HVAC vents and ducts get filled with dust and debris. As with the filter we mentioned above, this compromises indoor air quality. What’s more, moisture can build up in the vents and ducts, promoting health-harming mold growth.
By cleaning the vents and ducts, you get rid of these contaminants.
Including vent cleaning in your HVAC spring maintenance routine is vital. Without this step, you’re unlikely to get the best airflow and efficiency from your system.
Clean Around Your Furnace
You might be retiring your home heating for the warmer months. But that doesn’t mean you can forget about it.
Use a broom or vacuum to get rid of those pesky dust bunnies that have likely accumulated around your furnace over the winter. Move any furniture or other items obstructing access to the furnace. This keeps air flowing around the machinery.
Test Your Thermostat
Ensuring the accuracy and functionality of your thermostat is crucial for maintaining an ideal home temperature.
First, turn off the power to your thermostat. Next, remove the cover and inspect it for loose wires or connections. Tighten them with a screwdriver if necessary.
At the same time, make sure the thermostat is level by adjusting the mounting bracket.
Then, grab a thermometer and take a reading of the current room temperature. Compare that to the reading on the thermostat. Recalibrate the thermostat if necessary—there should be instructions on how to do this in the manual.
After you’ve completed these tasks, reattach the cover, turn on the power, and test your heating or cooling options.
Top Spring HVAC Maintenance Tasks: Outside
It’s time to move your maintenance outdoors. For most homeowners, this will mean focusing on the AC condenser unit portion of their home cooling system.
Responsible homeowners know to cover their condenser for winter. So first, you’ll need to remove those covers.
Next, inspect the panels on your unit. These keep the electrical connections safe from the elements. If they’re missing or damaged, they need to be replaced.
You’ll also need to inspect the lines that supply the compressor with cool refrigerant. These are insulated, so check the insulation for damage and replace it if needed. At the same time, check the lines for cracks and leaks (repairing these is a job for a pro).
This is more of an indoor-outdoor task, but we’ll include it here… Check the drainage hole for your AC system. Clean it with a pipe cleaner, and test that the water flows freely through the system.
Finally, check the area around the condenser unit is free from plants, grass, dirt… anything that might affect the functioning of the unit. Check, too, that the concrete pad it’s sitting on is stable and free from cracks.
Don’t Go It Alone: Schedule Professional Maintenance
Spring is the ideal time to contact an HVAC technician to schedule professional system maintenance. This season precedes the summer months—a peak-use time for your AC.
Here are some reasons why:
- Address potential problems before they arise
- It saves you money—costs for repair skyrocket in the summer
- No waiting—technicians are always busy during peak season
Book your appointment well ahead of time, either in late winter or early spring.
Better yet, you could set a recurring date by joining the membership club of your trusted local HVAC company. Then, you won’t have to remember to book each year!
Always Include Your HVAC Unit in Your Spring Cleaning
Like fall, spring is the perfect time to address heating and cooling maintenance. First, you can ensure your furnace will safely last the months it’s out of action. Secondly, you can prepare your AC unit for the coming peak season.
Clark Heating, Air Conditioning, and Plumbing have been servicing homeowners in Millbrook, Montgomery, Pike Road, Prattville, and Wetumpka, AL, since 1991. We know how to keep your system running in the unique conditions of this area.
Reach out to our expert team to schedule maintenance today.
