A Good Spring Cleaning: An HVAC Maintenance Checklist for March
You’ve been hibernating all winter, but March is the month when things start happening. If you’re like many homeowners, you may be excited to brush off the cobwebs of winter and embrace the promise of spring. Amid the flurry of straightening up and cleaning, don’t ignore your heating and cooling system. The fact is, spring is the prelude to another blistering summer, making this a perfect time to get your HVAC system in the best shape. Unsure what spring cleaning your HVAC system entails? Add these things to your March home maintenance checklist.
Replace the Air Filter
The air filter is one of the most important parts of your heating and cooling system, protecting your finely tuned home comfort equipment from airborne particles and promoting cleaner indoor air. Regularly change the air filter according to the manufacturer’s suggestions. If you have pets in your home or suffer from allergies, change the filter up to once a month to maintain indoor air quality. If you don’t, replacing your old filter with a new one every three months is enough. In addition to removing airborne pollutants more effectively, a clean filter promotes better airflow to boost system efficiency by up to 15%.
Tend to the Condensate Drain
Your AC doesn’t only cool your property—it also dehumidifies. The condensate drain is the key to getting rid of excess moisture from your AC. The drain should be free-flowing and the connecting hose should be leak-free and correctly placed. Check on your condensate drain while you replace the filter to keep your system running smoothly—and also help you spot warning signs of water damage.
Enjoy Some Fresh Air
Before firing up the air conditioner for the first time this spring, open your windows and doors to circulate fresh air inside. If you notice an excessively stuffy interior before taking this step, think about adding a whole-house ventilation system. This upgrade blows stale air outside and replaces it with clean, fresh air from outside. Certain equipment pre-cools and dehumidifies incoming air to minimize the impact on your energy bills while helping you breathe cleaner, healthier air.
Give Your Home a Good Cleaning
Thoroughly cleaning your home complements your HVAC maintenance checklist by limiting the amount of dust and allergens that move through the system. Pay special attention to these areas:
- Dust ceiling fan blades.
- Seal gaps under or around windows and doors using caulk or weather stripping.
- Wipe out sliding glass door tracks.
- Clean the coils located beneath or behind the refrigerator.
- Dust light fixtures and switch out old incandescent bulbs for energy-saving LEDs.
Enhance Your Thermostat
If you haven’t yet explored programmable or smart thermostats, spring is a very good time to contemplate adding this budget-friendly upgrade. A programmable thermostat makes a substantial difference in your home’s comfort and energy consumption. Start off by setting the temperature to 78 degrees F when you’re going to be inside the residence. Then, plan automatic setback periods of 7 to 10 degrees when no one is home during the day. With recovery periods planned for your arrival time, you can enjoy up to 10% energy savings without compromising comfort.
A smart thermostat takes these advantages a step further by giving you the power to make adjustments remotely. You can also keep track of your energy usage in a mobile app and get individualized, cost-cutting advice.
Check Your Ductwork and Insulation Levels
Ductwork may develop leaks that compromise air quality and increase your energy expenses. Sealing these leaks helps your HVAC equipment operate more efficiently and flow clean, healthy air. Once sealed, insulate your ductwork to keep the air cool on its way to supply registers throughout your home.
Hose Debris From the Exterior Unit
The outdoor condenser unit accumulates debris during the cold season. Here’s how to spring clean it this March:
- Clear away leaves, pine needles and grass clippings from near the unit.
- Delicately wash off the metal fins to remove dirt and cobwebs.
- Cut back adjacent shrubs and grasses to maintain a one- to two-foot clearance.
- Inspect the unit for damage, such as missing insulation or bent fins.
- Contact a professional technician for AC service before the summer heat arrives.
Turn on Your HVAC Unit
After completing your spring cleaning checklist, it’s time to try out your HVAC system. Allow it to run for several minutes to verify it is producing cool air like it should. If you encounter any issues, double-check the thermostat settings before calling a professional for help.
Schedule Cooling Services in Fort Lauderdale with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning
If your air conditioning system needs special assistance this spring, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is the team for the job. Our HVAC solutions help keep your home comfortable and energy efficient throughout the year. Enjoy fast, long-lasting solutions to all your comfort problems, backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. That’s right—if you’re not completely happy with our solutions, we’ll make it right. For a spring-ready air conditioning system that provides efficiency and peace of mind, call 954-736-4314 to reach the heating and cooling professionals at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning today.