Photo by Naveen Venkatesan on Unsplash
With warmer weather on the way, it will soon be time to stop using your furnace and start using your central air conditioning. During this time of year, it’s important to take steps toward ensuring that your home’s HVAC system is in good condition. Spring maintenance reduces your risk of needing to have repairs done and helps your HVAC system run at optimal efficiency. Use the following tips to keep your heating and cooling system in good shape.
Change Your Air Filter
Air filters do an important job of trapping particles, such as indoor pollutants and allergens, so that they won’t spread throughout your home. You should check your HVAC system’s air filter to see if it’s dirty. Keep in mind that it doesn’t take long for these filters to become covered or clogged with particles, especially if you have pets. Replace your air filter with a new one to make sure that your HVAC system keeps operating efficiently this spring. You should plan on checking and changing your air filter regularly, such as each month or every few months as needed.
Keep the Outdoor Unit Clear
The outdoor unit for your HVAC system shouldn’t have any debris around it, since this can cause airflow problems. When air isn’t able to move through your outdoor unit, you can end up with a damaged compressor or other serious problems that shorten your HVAC system’s lifespan. Get rid of weeds, branches, leaves and other vegetation or debris that has built up around your outdoor unit. You should also trim bush, shrub or tree branches, so that you have a couple of feet of clear space around your outdoor unit. Make a habit of keeping this area clear throughout the year.
Schedule a Professional Inspection
Your HVAC system has a lot of components that can become loose or worn over time. Schedule a professional HVAC inspection this spring, so that any problems with your system can be found and handled right away. HVAC technicians can perform other maintenance tasks to ensure that your system is in good condition, such as checking refrigerant levels. Having routine inspections and professional maintenance done is an effective way to make sure your HVAC system is able to heat or cool your home without any issues.
Check Your Thermostat
Problems with your thermostat can prevent your HVAC system from being able to heat or cool your home as needed this spring. Test your heating and cooling settings to make sure your thermostat is working properly. If you have a battery-operated thermostat, put a fresh set of batteries in it this spring.