Maintaining a comfortable home environment throughout the year requires some effort and foresight. One of the most critical components of this is your HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system. Regular maintenance of your HVAC system not only ensures it runs efficiently but also prolongs its lifespan and saves you money on energy bills. Here’s a seasonal approach to keeping your system in top shape.
Spring Maintenance
Spring is a time of renewal, and it’s also the perfect season to give your HVAC system a fresh start. After a long winter, your system may need some attention to prepare for the warmer months ahead. The key areas of focus during spring maintenance should include:
Changing Air Filters
The general rule of thumb is to change or wash (if you have a reusable type) air filters every two or three months. Wintertime demands consistent HVAC use, so it’s likely that your filters have accumulated a lot of dirt, pet dander, and other debris. Clogged filters restrict airflow, leading to poor system performance and increased energy consumption. Replacing them will improve air quality, reduce indoor allergens, and increase the lifespan of your HVAC unit.
Cleaning Outdoor Unit
The strong winter winds and snow can deposit debris and dirt on your outdoor unit. Clear off any debris, leaves, or branches that have accumulated around the condenser coils and check for signs of damage. Note that heavy snow and ice can sometimes bend the condenser fins, obstructing airflow. You should call an HVAC contractor to straighten them if this is the case.
Checking Refrigerant Levels
Refrigerant is the lifeblood of your air conditioning system, and keeping it at optimal levels is crucial for efficient cooling. A professional HVAC technician should check refrigerant levels during spring maintenance and top up if necessary. Low levels may point to a leak that is both dangerous and costly.
Inspecting Ductwork
Holes, cracks, and leaks in your ductwork can result in up to 30% energy loss through air leakage. Sealing any gaps or damage will keep the cool air inside during summer and reduce your energy bills. It’s also essential to clean out any debris that may have accumulated in the ducts over winter.
Testing Thermostat
Check for the accuracy of your thermostat by setting it to your desired temperature and comparing it to the actual room temperature. If there’s a significant difference, you may need to calibrate or replace your thermostat for accurate temperature control. Also, remember to get new batteries for your thermostat if it uses them.
Scheduling a Professional Inspection
To be certain that your HVAC system is functioning at its best, it’s advisable to schedule a professional inspection every spring. A certified HVAC technician will thoroughly inspect and tune up your system, ensuring it runs efficiently and identifying any potential issues before they become costly problems.
Spring is the best time for professional maintenance because it sits between the two seasons that your system sees heavier use. Your HVAC professional will assess and repair any winter damage. They’ll also prepare your system for the upcoming months in doing so.
Summer Preparation
Summer brings scorching temperatures, increased humidity levels, and indoor air quality concerns. The best approach to preparing your HVAC system should focus on two areas: maintaining comfort and indoor air quality.
Maintaining Comfort
Start with the simple task of cleaning or replacing your air filters as you did for spring preparation. Next, revisit your home’s insulation. If it’s been a while, consider having a professional assess and add insulation where necessary. This is important because you don’t want the outdoor heat to penetrate your home and force your HVAC system to work harder.
You should also consider installing ceiling fans if you don’t have them already. Ceiling fans can complement your HVAC system by helping to circulate cool air throughout your home, reducing the strain on your AC unit. Setting your fans to rotate counterclockwise pushes air downward to cool you, much like the wind does.
Lastly, provide shade for the outdoor unit of your HVAC system: the condenser. Direct sunlight can increase the temperatures around the condenser, thus making it work harder.
Installing an awning or planting shrubs can provide much-needed shade. However, remember to maintain a few feet of clearance around the condenser to ensure proper airflow.
Indoor Air Quality
Summer is also a prime time for allergens and pollutants to thrive. So, the first preventative step you can take to improve indoor air quality is to keep the home tidy at all times. Regular vacuuming and dusting can greatly reduce the amount of allergens and pollutants in your home.
Second, consider investing in an air purifier to filter out any lingering particles. Look for purifiers with HEPA filters because they can capture the smallest particles, including dust mites and pollen.
Third, keep windows and doors closed, especially when the AC is running. This will prevent outside air and pollutants from entering your home.
Lastly, consider a programmable or a smart thermostat. These advanced thermostats can allow you to set temperature schedules, some can control humidity levels, and others even monitor air quality.
Fall Maintenance
Summertime places significant stress on your HVAC system, making fall maintenance as crucial and comprehensive as spring’s. The checklist here includes:
- Checking and replacing air filters
- Cleaning the condenser coils
- Inspecting and cleaning the evaporator coils
- Cleaning the condensate drain line
- Checking for any leaks or damage in ductwork
Professional maintenance is particularly important if you have an older heating system or experience frequent issues with it. It’s better to catch and address any potential problems before the colder months arrive and you heavily rely on your heating system. They’re also busier seasons, which can result in hectic scheduling.
Winter Readiness
Thorough fall maintenance will keep you warm and comfortable during winter, but there are additional steps you can take to ensure your HVAC system is ready for the cold season.
First, check and replace any worn-out weather stripping around windows and doors. This will prevent cold drafts from entering your home and causing your heating system to work overtime.
Next, inspect all air vents and registers to make sure they are not blocked or obstructed by furniture or other items. Proper airflow is essential for efficient heating.
If you have a fireplace, make sure to have it professionally inspected and cleaned before using it. It’s common to have birds, rodents, or debris accumulate in chimneys during the warmer months, which can lead to fires or carbon monoxide poisoning if not addressed.
Remember to insulate your pipes to prevent freezing and potential damage. This will also help your heating system by not making it work harder to compensate for any heat loss in those areas.
Conduct a final check of all the basic components, such as filters, vents, and ductwork, and test your heating system to ensure it’s working properly before the first cold day arrives. A professional can also help with this step and perform any necessary repairs or maintenance.
Call Air Care Heating & Cooling for Exceptional Tune-Ups
Air Care Heating & Cooling offers comprehensive HVAC preventative maintenance services, including inspections, repairs, and tune-ups in Shawnee, KS. We also provide tankless water heater installations and geothermal energy solutions. Call us today if you suspect an issue with your HVAC system or if you need to schedule routine AC maintenance.
