Spring AC Maintenance and Indoor Air Quality

Get Your AC Ready for Spring: Pollen, AC Maintenance, and More

Spring has arrived! That means:

• Daylight savings time
• Warmer weather
• Leaves on trees again
• A few days when everything in sight is covered in pollen

Of course, this means that your air conditioner system will need some AC Maintenance and preparation since the cooling season will be long and hard.

AC Maintenance and Indoor Air Quality

Family members who suffer from asthma, severe allergies, or other breathing difficulties suffer during the spring pollen season. Several steps can lighten the difficulties and improve indoor air quality.

• Change the air filter regularly. With each heating and cooling cycle, the air filter collects pollen, dust, and mold spores, key allergy triggers. After about three months, the collection is serious and the filter needs to be changed.
• Clean regularly during pollen season. Pollen enters the home every time the window or door opens and rides in on clothes and shoes. Dusting, mopping, and vacuuming help to remove these airborne particles.
• If allergies or asthma symptoms are severe, consider having ultraviolet lights installed inside the ductwork. UV lights will disrupt the cell membranes of living organisms. This includes pollen, mold, bacteria, viruses, and dust mites, all key allergy triggers.
• Anything that gets past the air filter can end up stuck in the ductwork. For this reason, the home’s ducts should be cleaned every 3 to 4 years.

Clean the Condenser

The condenser unit is the outdoor portion of the air conditioner. All that pollen on cars and driveways also coats the condenser; the large fan inside also draws them into the network of tubes and fins. Since pollen is sticky, it captures anything else that it encounters, including dirt and grass clippings.

The pollen and dust are easily washed away with a garden hose. Remove the covers, wash the tubes until they are clean, and reattach the covers. Do not use a power washer, since the high pressure of the water can damage the fragile network.

Preventative HVAC Maintenance

To ensure that your air conditioner is ready for spring, summer, and fall, schedule a visit from an AC Maintenance professional. The technician will:

• Check the refrigerant level and inform if the level is low. It travels in a closed network of tubes, so if the pressure is low, it indicates a leak. The leak will need to be repaired, and the refrigerant will need to be replaced before it cools properly.
• The thermostat will be checked and calibrated as needed.
• The sensitive switches and controls will be tested. These electrical components experience significant stress and wear. Finding weakened parts before they fail is essential for preventing breakdowns and failure.
• Maintaining the system is key to longevity. It can add as much as five years of useful life to the air conditioning system. Maintenance is also key to avoiding a very inconvenient breakdown during the hottest week of the summer.
• Efficiency is measurable. Without maintenance, the air conditioner is forced to work hard to achieve the desired results. Working harder requires additional energy, and the increase in energy can be measured. Collect utility bills from year to year and compare the kilowatt hours used for the same month.

Northwind AC’s Guide to Spring AC Maintenance

From regular filter changes and condenser cleaning to scheduling professional AC maintenance, these measures contribute to a healthier, more comfortable home and prevent costly breakdowns. Investing in spring AC maintenance prep guarantees a reliable system, allowing you to enjoy the warmer weather without worry.

Northwind Air Conditioning and Heat can help answer your AC maintenance questions for your home. Contact us and get the help you need.