Prepare Your HVAC System for Spring

As the days and nights get warmer this spring, your focus shifts from heating your home to cooling it. Making sure your HVAC system is prepared for the changing seasons is crucial if you hope to maintain home comfort and energy efficiency. Use these HVAC system transition suggestions from the HVAC pros at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to make sure your AC is primed and ready for the warmer months ahead.

Check the Air Filter

Your HVAC filter slowly captures dust, pollen and other particles, minimizing airflow. This requires your system to work harder. Ideally, you should replace the filter every one to three months, based on usage and filter type. Select the appropriate size and efficiency rating for your system, due to the fact that 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 specialist during your next scheduled maintenance appointment to demonstrate.

Examine the Outdoor Condensing Unit

The outdoor portion of your AC system that blows out hot air, also known as a condensing unit, is a crucial part of the cooling process. Here’s how to get your exterior AC equipment ready for another summer:

• Pull off the AC cover: If you threw a cover or board over your outdoor unit to protect it from snow and ice, remove it before powering up the AC for the first time this spring.
• Clean the unit: Over the fall and winter, your exterior unit may have become covered in leaves, dirt and other waste. Gently hose it down with a garden hose to wash away this buildup.
• Remove nearby debris: The area surrounding your outdoor unit must remain clear for optimal airflow. Clear away leaves, pine needles and other debris around the condenser. 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 placed on may shift or settle through the years, causing the unit to tilt. To avoid improper operation and premature wear, straighten the unit by wedging shims below its base. Check your efforts with a carpenter’s level.

Change the Thermostat

Change your thermostat to a comfy yet energy-efficient temperature. For the summer months, 78 degrees F is advised while you’re at home. If you feel overheated, run the ceiling fan to make the room feel cooler without reducing the thermostat.

Raise the temperature by 7 to 10 degrees when no one is home during the day to reduce your energy bills. To avoid compromising comfort, get a programmable thermostat and set it to resume to a higher temperature when you are going to be back home. This strategy saves up to 10% on your energy bills.

Inspect and Clean 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. Next, verify all your vents are open and not covered up by furniture, rugs or curtains.

Contrary to popular belief, closing vents in spare rooms does not conserve energy; all it does is interrupt the system’s return/supply balance. To avoid unnecessary strain, keep a minimum of 80% of your supply registers open and unblocked at all times.

Locate and Close Air Leaks

Leaky windows, doors and other gaps enable hot, humid air to find its way into your home. To fix this concern, scrutinize window and door seals, using caulk and weatherstripping to seal any holes. After that, inspect the attic for insufficient insulation or gaps next to 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.

Turn on Your System to Test It

Before the season warms up, run your AC for a few minutes. Walk around your home and make sure cool air flows freely from every single vent. If you find anything wrong, call in a professional HVAC tech for AC repair to correct the issue right away.

Schedule Professional HVAC Maintenance with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing

While at-home HVAC service is helpful, it can’t replace the thorough care provided by a certified professional. Duties like measuring the refrigerant charge, tightening electrical connections and cleaning the evaporator coil demand specialized tools and training that only professionals possess.

Spring is a perfect time to set up AC maintenance, enabling you to address issues early on and prepare the system for the summer heat. Prioritize this service to appreciate the following benefits:

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

Why Choose Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for Your HVAC Needs in the U.S.?

Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing 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 needs. For professional service that lives up to our name, reach out to us at 866-397-3787 today!