The Ultimate Spring-Cleaning Checklist for Your HVAC System
Spring has sprung, and that means it’s time for you to clear out the cold winter energy from your home and welcome the fresh new vibes of spring. If you’ve started spring cleaning, you should consider adding your HVAC system to your checklist.
Did you know that your home likely has much more polluted air than the air outside? Your home is more confined and insulated than the outside, which means dust and allergens can build up for months.
Your HVAC unit is the perfect resting spot, so if you want to keep yourself and your family healthy while improving the energy efficiency of your HVAC, consider this ultimate spring-cleaning checklist for your HVAC system.
Prep Your Home Before Turning Your System On: Clean Rooms & Windows
Before you attend to your unit, consider improving your home’s indoor air quality. You can start by dusting and cleaning the rooms before starting your unit or schedule professional indoor air quality services in Beckley. Either way, your goal is to get rid of dust and debris that can get into your HVAC system. Also, consider purchasing an air purifier to keep harmful pathogens away.
Windows are one of the leading causes of high energy bills throughout summer. Wash the windows and curtains and see if you feel any drafts coming from your windows. Re-caulk if needed, and test if your window’s weatherstrips hold up in rainy weather. Repair holes on the window screens and replace any cracked or damaged windows.
Interior HVAC Checklist
Now that your home is prepared for your HVAC system, you can address the interior components of your system to improve your home’s air quality. Following these steps will help you efficiently process air through your home when you need it:
1. Change the Air Filter
You should already be changing your HVAC air filters every one to three months, but in case you took a break during winter, your first interior problem to address should be replacing the air filter. A dirty air filter can have your air conditioner operating 5% to 15% less efficiently than it should be.
2. Clean Indoor Vents
Your indoor supply and return vents will probably be filled with dust. Open all vents and use a wet rag to wipe down the slats to make sure there’s no debris in the way that could force your AC to work extra hard.
3. Invest in Your Thermostat
If you haven’t yet, purchasing a programmable thermostat for your home would be wise. This would provide you with pre-set temperatures and seasonal settings that can improve the efficiency of your AC system. Whether you’re asleep or away from home, programmable thermostats will help you save money.
Outdoor HVAC Checklist
Once you set up your interior for summer, you can head out to your yard and work on the exterior unit of your system. After sitting outside in the fall and winter elements, you want to make sure it gets a good cleanse to prepare for the harsh summer heat.
1. Clean Around the Unit
With all the debris blown around your yard during fall storms or winter snowstorms, you want to make sure your unit has a free and easy time operating. Clean up everything around the unit, including leaves, branches, soil, and other miscellaneous items that get into your yard. If you have grass or bushes built up around your unit, cut them away and give your unit about two feet of operating space.
2. Clean Your Condenser Coils
A clean condenser would thank you repeatedly if it could. Grab a small brush to remove any debris in the coils and straighten any bent or damaged coil fins. A vacuum with a brush attachment works exceptionally well, and you can use it to suck up any debris stuck inside. After this, grab a coil cleaner or just wash down your condenser gently with a hose.
3. Test Your System
Finally, it’s time to test if your system is working correctly. Turn it on and listen to the condenser for any weird noises. Walk around your home’s interior, checking each vent to ensure air is coming through properly. If the system doesn’t seem to be blowing air properly, or if the house isn’t cooling as you’d expect, adjust the temperature or restart the system. When all else fails, it might be time for you to schedule professional maintenance.
Start Your Spring Cleaning Off Right With Childers Air Plumbing & Electric
If you’re looking for HVAC maintenance done right, the Childers Air Plumbing & Electric pros know a thing or two about getting your system in pristine condition. Spring cleaning can be fun, but sometimes it’s good to speak to professionals who can help you identify any issues and clean your system properly.
Contact our experienced HVAC technicians today to ask how our maintenance agreements apply to your system.
