Spring HVAC Maintenance Tips
Spring into Comfort: Spring HVAC Maintenance
YeeHaw! Spring is almost here! With the end of winter days away, this is the perfect time to schedule a preventative HVAC maintenance visit for your heating, ventilation, and AIR CONDITIONING (HVAC) system. In a few months, the heat will arrive in earnest and keep technicians busy through the long cooling season. The lull in activity between the heating and cooling seasons is perfect for such tasks.
While the HVAC maintenance technician will complete several tasks that require specialized training and equipment, there are several tasks that diligent homeowners can complete to improve efficiency, longevity, and comfort. Here are a few HVAC maintenance steps that homeowners can take to prepare the system for spring and summer.
Take Care of Vents
A network of pipes (ducts) transports air from the house to the air handler and from the air handler to the house. The pipes are called ducts, and the openings inside the house are called vents.
- Anything that covers the vents interferes with the free flow of air. The air conditioner, or furnace, depending on the season, requires sufficient airflow; if clothing, furniture, or drapes cover the vent(s), it impedes the adequate flow of air.
- The massive amount of air that moves through the ductwork also carries plenty of airborne particles. Over time, some of these particles are collected by the air filter and some are left behind. It is recommended that the ductwork be cleaned every 3 to 5 years, depending on the local environment.
Keep an HVAC Maintenance Schedule
There are certain things that homeowners need to remember to do regularly. Neglecting these routine tasks can have deleterious consequences. To avoid harm to the HVAC system or the home, there are a few things that deserve a calendar prompt to remind homeowners to complete the tasks. Those tasks would include:
- Changing the air filter quarterly. With each heating or cooling cycle, the filter faithfully removes airborne particles on the filter surface. When the collection begins to restrict airflow, it reduces comfort and forces the system to work harder. Use a holiday or a seasonal reminder, use a calendar or a phone prompt, but don’t forget.
- Several home devices are powered by simple AA or AAA batteries; the thermostat, carbon monoxide detector, and all the smoke detectors throughout the home are battery-powered. Safety agencies recommend using a major holiday as an annual prompt—Memorial Day or Labor Day, for instance.
Clear the Condenser
During the preventative maintenance visit, the technician should clean the outdoor condenser unit. However, the homeowner should take careful pains to keep the condenser clean.
- The condenser is responsible for transferring heat from inside to outside. Should dust, pollen or grass clippings collect on the condenser surface, it will impede the heat transfer. Cleaning it away, perhaps twice annually, will assist the air conditioner (and heat pump). Use a garden hose, no power washer, since the pressure of the power washer can damage the condenser fins.
- The mower outlet should always pass away from the condenser for several passes to avoid blowing clippings directly onto the condenser surface.
- For best results, the condenser needs two feet in every direction. Be sure to trim shrubs and grass away from the condenser and clean up leaves and debris.
Get Your HVAC Ready for Summer: Essential Spring HVAC Maintenance Tips
By addressing these simple yet crucial HVAC maintenance tasks, homeowners can significantly enhance their system’s efficiency and longevity, ensuring a comfortable and worry-free summer. From clearing vents and adhering to a regular filter replacement schedule to maintaining a clean condenser, these steps contribute to optimal performance and reduced energy consumption. Embracing these preventative measures not only safeguards your investment but also guarantees a cooler, more enjoyable home during the sweltering months ahead.
All Cool AC HVAC maintenance professionals can assist with your HVAC repair and HVAC maintenance needs. Schedule your service appointment by calling All Cool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email and let our NATE-certified HVAC maintenance technicians put their experience to work for you.