Your Complete Springtime HVAC Maintenance Checklist
Yay, it’s finally Spring! Don’t we all love the mild temperatures and continued low humidity this time of year? Being outdoors is enjoyable again for a while. Since we are no longer confined to the indoors, we can get some things accomplished around the house—both indoors and outdoors. Time for a little spring cleaning!!
Some spring-cleaning tasks help to maintain your HVAC system. Dust is an enemy of your heat pump and air conditioner, and a clean system operates at an optimal level. This increases your comfort level and saves money each month on the utility bill. Here are some spring-cleaning tips that can prepare your HVAC system for seasonal change.
1 Start Outdoors
Can sprucing up outside influence your air conditioner inside? Indeed, it can! Here are several outdoor maintenance projects that can have a major impact indoors.
- Make sure overhead limbs do not threaten the electric power lines that lead to your home. Downed limbs can bring down the power lines. The sudden stop is not helpful, but the shock of the sudden restoration of electrical power can lead to damage.
- Trim branches from over the exterior AC unit to prevent damage.
- Store lawn furniture, toys, and equipment in a manner that keeps them from blowing around when spring thunderstorms pop up. These items can damage the coils and fins of the AC unit should they blow around uncontrolled.
- The outdoor unit needs plenty of air flow, so trim shrubs at least 2’ from the sides of the outdoor unit.
- Keep the unit clean, free of leaves, limbs, and grass clippings. Clean it gently with a garden hose—NEVER USE A POWERWASHER, since this can damage the delicate fins.
- Inspect the unit for damage.
These things can easily become a part of your regular lawn maintenance schedule. The few extra minutes can make a significant improvement to the life span of your air conditioner.
2 On Your Way In
Check on the windows and doors, the gateways to your home. When was the last time you thoroughly cleaned your windows? Springtime is the perfect time for this project. Giving them a good scrub washes away the winter grime and dirt build-up. Clean windows will let a little more sunlight in, keeping your home warmer. It might reduce the number of times the thermostat is calling for heat each day.
While your attention is focused on the doors and windows, inspect the weather stripping around each, both inside and out. Damaged or aging weather stripping can lead to leaks and drafts. A leaky house is expensive to condition. A drafty house is uncomfortable.
3 Complete the Project Indoors
After completing the outdoor projects, it should not surprise you to see how much dust and grime has accumulated inside your home over the winter months. It does not matter where it has accumulated, this dust poses a threat to your HVAC system. Removing it in the cleaning process will remove it from your home, so let’s get started:
- Store seasonal items promptly since they can collect dust.
- Remove clutter from surfaces and floors, for the same reason.
- Dust everything, then vacuum or dry mop/wet mop every floor.
- Deep clean appliances and furniture. Pull them out to dust under and behind.
- Make sure to clean the dryer vent and outlet.
- Watch for dust near return air registers (on the wall).
- Make sure floor vents have not been covered.
If you have not deep cleaned in a while, take your time and do it right. Consider wearing a mask to protect yourself, especially if dust or pollen triggers allergic responses.
4 Call in the Professional
Keeping your HVAC system functioning properly is a team effort. You are prepared to do your part! Call in an HVAC professional to complete the project. Regular (annual) HVAC maintenance includes procedures and testing that require professional equipment and training. This visit will include:
- Thorough interior cleaning of dust and moisture.
- Functional testing (measuring cooling efficiency)
- Testing of electrical components for stress or decreased function
- Pressure testing of refrigerant gas levels
- Inspecting and cleaning the outside AC unit.
Need help with your Springtime HVAC Maintenance Checklist?
Northwind Air Conditioning and Heat can help with Springtime HVAC Maintenance. Contact us and get the answers you need.
