Spring Checklist: Knock Off the Dust with HVAC Maintenance

You’ve been hibernating all winter, but March is a time of year when things finally start to warm up. If you’re like many homeowners, you may be excited to leave winter in the dust and focus on spring. Amid the flurry of decluttering and cleaning, don’t forget your HVAC system. The fact is, spring is the prelude to another hot summer, making this a perfect time to get your HVAC system in the best shape. Are you uncertain what spring cleaning your HVAC system entails? Include these things to your March home maintenance checklist.

Swap Out the Air Filter

The air filter is one of the most important parts of your heating and cooling system, protecting delicate equipment from airborne particles and promoting cleaner indoor air. Consistently change the air filter according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. If you have pets in the household or someone in your home has allergies, change the filter up to once a month to maintain indoor air quality. If you don’t, replacing a dirty filter with a new one every three months is adequate. In addition to trapping and removing airborne pollutants more efficiently, a clean filter promotes better airflow to improve system efficiency by up to 15%.

Tend to the Condensate Drain

Your AC doesn’t simply 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 properly placed. Check on your condensate drain while you replace the filter to keep your system running efficiently—and also help you spot warning signs of water damage.

Get the Air Moving

Before firing up the air conditioner for the first time this spring, open your windows and doors to let the spring air flow into your residence. If you notice an excessively stuffy interior before taking this step, think about adding a whole-house ventilation system. This upgrade sends stuffy air out of your home and brings in clean, fresh air from outside. Certain equipment pre-cools and dehumidifies incoming air to reduce the impact on your energy bills while helping you breathe cleaner, healthier air.

Spring Clean Your Home

Extensively cleaning your home complements your HVAC maintenance checklist by reducing the amount of dust and allergens that circulate through the system. Pay special attention to these locations:

• Wipe down ceiling fan blades.
• Seal gaps near windows and doors using caulk or weather stripping.
• Scrub sliding glass door tracks.
• Vacuum debris out of the coils located beneath or behind the refrigerator.
• Wipe off light fixtures and swap old incandescent bulbs for energy-saving LEDs.

Enhance Your Thermostat

If you haven’t yet discovered programmable or smart thermostats, spring is a perfect time to consider this budget-friendly upgrade. A programmable thermostat makes a big difference in your home’s comfort and energy use. Start by setting the temperature to 78 degrees F when you’re at home. Next, program automatic setback periods of 7 to 10 degrees when the house is empty during the day. With recovery periods set for your arrival time, you can enjoy up to 10% energy savings without sacrificing comfort.

A smart thermostat takes these advantages a step further by letting you make changes remotely. You can also monitor your energy consumption in a mobile app and get personalized, cost-cutting tips.

Have Your Ducts Sealed and Insulated

Ductwork sometimes can develop leaks that negatively impact your air quality and increase your energy expenses. Sealing these leaks helps your air conditioner operate more efficiently and flow clean, healthy air. Once sealed, insulate your ductwork so air conditioned air doesn’t leak out of your system.

Clean the Outside Unit

The outdoor condenser unit can become filled with debris throughout the winter. Here’s how to give it a good cleaning this March:

• Rake leaves, pine needles and grass clippings from around the unit.
• Delicately hose down the metal fins to remove dirt and cobwebs.
• Cut back surrounding shrubs and grasses to create a one- to two-foot clearance.
• Inspect the unit for damage, such as missing insulation or bent fins.

• Get in touch with a professional technician for AC service before the summer heat arrives. 

Test Your HVAC Unit

After performing your spring cleaning checklist, it’s time to test your air conditioning system. Let it operate for several minutes to make sure its working. If you experience any trouble, make sure your thermostat is set to cool before phoning a professional for help.

Schedule AC Services in Edmonton with McKinley Heating Service Experts

If your HVAC system needs special attention this spring, McKinley Heating Service Experts is the company to call. Our HVAC solutions help keep your home comfortable and energy efficient all year-round. Enjoy fast, long-lasting solutions to all your comfort concerns, backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. You read that correct—if you’re not totally happy with our solutions, we’ll make it right. For a spring-ready HVAC system that provides efficiency and peace of mind, call 780-800-7092 to reach the heating and cooling professionals at McKinley Heating Service Experts today.