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 that spring offers. If you’ve started spring cleaning, you might want to consider adding your HVAC system to your checklist.
Did you know that it’s likely your home has more polluted air than the outside? Your home is more confined and collected than the outside, which means dust and allergens can sit around unbothered 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 air conditioning unit, consider this ultimate spring-cleaning checklist for your HVAC system.
Clean Your Rooms and Windows
Before you attend to your unit, consider improving the indoor air quality of your home. You can start by dusting and cleaning the rooms around your home before starting your unit up or look for IAQ services in Beckley, WV. Either way, your goal is to get rid of dust and debris that can travel into your system when you turn it on. Also, consider purchasing an air purifier to keep harmful pathogens away.
Windows are one of the leading causes of high energy bills throughout the warmer months. Wash down windows and curtains and see if you feel any drafts coming from your windows. Re-caulk if needed, and also test if your window’s weather strips hold up in rainy weather. Repair holes on the window screen 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 to efficiently process air through your home when you need it most.
Change the Air Filter
You should already be changing your HVAC air filters every three months, but just in case you took a break during the winter season, your first interior problem to address should be replacing your filter. A dirty air filter can have your air conditioner operating at 5-15% less efficiently than it should be.
Clean Indoor Vents
Sitting around for so long, 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 isn’t debris in the way that could force your AC to work extra hard.
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 air conditioning 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 the new season, you can head out to your yard and work on the exterior duties you have for your system. After the fall and winter elements attack your outdoor unit, you want to make sure it gets good to cleanse to prepare for the harsh summer heat.
Clean Up Near the Unit
With all the debris blown around your yard during insane fall thunderstorms or heavy winter snowstorms, you want to make sure your unit has a free and easy time operating. This means your job is to clean up everything around the unit, including leaves, branches, soil, and other miscellaneous items that find their way into your yard. If you have grass or bushes built up around your unit, you want to cut them away and give your unit about two feet of operating space.
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 out 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 within. After this, you can grab a coil cleaner or just wash down your condenser with a hose.
Test Out Your System
Finally, it’s time to test if your system is working correctly. Turn your system on and listen out for your condenser for any weird noises you might hear. Walk around the house’s interior, checking each vent to ensure air is coming through properly. If the system seems not 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 make a maintenance appointment.
Start Your Spring Cleaning Off Right with Childers Air Plumbing & Electric
If you’re looking for HVAC maintenance done right, 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 the way it’s meant to be cleaned. Get in touch today with one of our experienced HVAC technicians and ask about how our maintenance agreements apply to your system!
