Does anyone do Spring cleaning anymore? What about Spring AC Maintenance? Perhaps it is a custom from a bygone era, but it is grounded in some good and healthy reasoning. Consider how Spring cleaning started.
Spring cleaning is still a good idea, especially in relation to maintaining your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Few homes are heated by coal or wood fires anymore, but to ensure indoor air quality, winter dirt needs to be cleaned away.
Airborne particles abound during the wintertime. Human and animal occupants contribute to dust and dander. When Spring arrives, an abundance of pollen will be added to the dust. The movement of air brings the lion’s share of these particles into an air filter, but the remaining particles will eventually settle onto surfaces below. Dusting, vacuuming, and mopping every surface possible will remove whatever has been collected. Make sure to clean drapes, blinds, and ceiling fans as well.
The HVAC blower motor draws air from the house into the air handler and pushes it back into the various rooms and hallways. An air filter traps dust, pollen, mold spores, and other airborne particles. When the collection covers the surface of the filter, it will slow the flow of air through the air handler. This makes the whole system work harder to heat or cool the home, so change the filter regularly, about every three months. Scheduling an air filter change with the change in seasons is a good reminder prompt.
How long has it been since the ducts were cleaned? Dust that makes it past the air filter will collect in the ducts when the heating/cooling cycle ends. This dust needs to be cleaned occasionally; having ductwork cleaned every 3 to 5 years is the recommendation.
The condenser is the outdoor portion of the air conditioning system. Its walls are composed of a network of tubes and very thin aluminum fins, designed to release heat into the great outdoors. A large fan in the center draws air across the tubes, and these also need to be cleaned. Pollen gets pulled in, and it is sticky. The pollen collects dirt and other particles. Every time the mower passes, lawn clippings get drawn to the surface.
The collection of particles interferes with the air passing between the tubes and it needs to be cleaned off. Use a garden hose (not a power washer) to gently rinse away the accumulation of gunk that builds up. Remove the few screws on each side panel to gain access to the network, then replace the panels.
The HVAC system should be cleaned and checked by an HVAC professional annually. A trained professional will check the refrigerant level, check electrical parts for wear, and clean areas that are not normally accessed by homeowners. Maintenance boosts the system’s efficiency and reduces the need for repair calls during the long cooling season.
Northwind Air Conditioning and Heat can help answer your AC maintenance questions for your home. Contact us and get the help you need.
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