As the weather warms, many homeowners start the process of spring cleaning. HVAC systems need at least yearly maintenance to work their best. Spring is a great time to ensure there aren’t any issues that could arise during the summer when you rely on efficient cooling systems. With that in mind, we have created this checklist to help you keep your HVAC system working its best all year round.
Perform Basic HVAC Spring Cleaning
At Gunthers Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing, we always advise that licensed professionals perform much of your HVAC maintenance. That said, there are a few things you can do to help promote a healthy HVAC system during the warmer months. Here are three spring cleaning steps that we recommend you perform.
Clear the Area Around Your Air Conditioner
We always recommend cleaning around your air conditioner because a lot of dust, debris, and detritus can accumulate during the months it isn’t in use. Also, look to see if any pests have made the area around your unit their home. If so, perform the necessary cleaning to increase your system’s efficiency.
Clean Around the Condenser Unit
Your HVAC usually has a grate or outer cover, but you can clean around the outside of your external condenser unit with relative ease. While doing this step, you’re just taking care of any small pieces of debris that may have accumulated. Cottonwood seeds, which are common in our area, are a known problem for condenser units since they cause blockages in the system.
After turning off the power, you can also use a garden hose to gently rinse the exterior coils. This helps remove accumulated dirt and improves airflow and efficiency. Additionally, clear away any excess vegetation that’s come up around your system since the last spring cleaning.
Dust Air Vents
Dust can reduce the efficiency of your HVAC system. When there’s an overage of dust, the system will have a hard time distributing air. When the system is having difficulties, this means the system will need more power. This always results in higher energy bills. To avoid this, you can simply dust and vacuum the vents around the house. The accumulated dust usually comes off quickly, and this step saves homeowners money.
Consider HVAC Upgrades
While you’re getting your system ready for the changing weather, it’s also a great idea to consider upgrades. For spring, consider dehumidifiers to control humidity levels and air purifiers to reduce allergens. Our technicians can easily add these to your system to enhance indoor air quality.
Clean Your Filters and Vents
Air conditioning filters are a critical part of any HVAC system, and for the system to run at optimal levels, changing them frequently is imperative. Replace or clean your filters every 1-3 months for standard filters or every 6-12 months for high-efficiency filters. This helps maintain efficiency and improve indoor air quality.
Vents are where the air is released into the home, regardless of whether you are using your heating or cooling system. Make sure nothing is blocking the vents so that the air can flow throughout your home. This will help reduce hot and cold spots all year.
Your Air Quality Will Improve
There are more than 50 million allergy sufferers in the United States, and springtime is one of the most problematic seasons for people to suffer from allergies. During a year, standard HVAC usage introduces many allergens, such as dust, pollen, and pet dander, into the system. Clean filters will help improve your indoor air quality (IAQ).
- Pet dander
- Pollen
- Mold, mildew, and bacteria
- Building materials
When the above particles are on the air filters, they can quickly make their way back into your home’s air. This is especially problematic for those with indoor allergies.
Your System Will Be More Efficient
Blockages in the system make the motor work harder to do its job. Similarly to cleaning air vents, cleaning the air filtration system allows the HVAC to blow air more easily through your living space. This reduces the system’s electricity use, which in turn decreases utility bills.
It’ll Cut Down on Wear and Tear
When your system is working harder to push air, it’s not only less efficient but also puts undue strain on the motor. This directly shortens the lifespan of your HVAC system since greater physical output wears down components.
It Helps Save Money on Repairs
When your HVAC is working harder and wear and tear is increasing, you’ll need more serious upkeep than a simple air filter replacement. Instead, you’ll have to replace components like the blower motor, which is significantly more expensive. Blocked vents cause the entrapment of cold air, and eventually, ice will form in your system. This will damage components, leading to more costly repairs.
Have Electrical Connections Checked
Electrical connections can loosen over time due to vibration. Having a professional inspect and tighten them ensures optimal performance and safety. This ensures that there aren’t any safety issues popping up during the cooling season that will keep you from being comfortable.
Have a Professional Check the AC Drain Line
To prevent water damage and mold growth, flush the AC drain line with a vinegar solution every 3-6 months to remove clogs and buildup. If there’s a clog in the system, it becomes very easy for the system to trap water, leading to potential mold growth and water damage.
Check Your Thermostat
Finally, we suggest that you have one of our technicians check your thermostat. During use, thermostats can develop loose connections or faulty sensors. These issues will affect your home’s internal temperatures, so having your thermostat checked and calibrated can help your system work more efficiently. Also, consider upgrading to a smart thermostat for programmable settings, remote access, and improved energy efficiency, helping you save on utility bills.
Seek One of Our HVAC Specialists Today!
Spring is the perfect time to get your HVAC system ready for warmer weather. Contact Gunthers Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing today to schedule your spring AC maintenance and enjoy reliable comfort all season long! We also offer plumbing services to the American Fork community.
Give us a call today to schedule maintenance for your HVAC system or speak to one of our licensed HVAC specialists about one of our other services.
