Get Your Home Ready for Summer with HVAC Maintenance

You’ve been hibernating during the colder months, but March is the month when things start shifting in a warmer direction. If you’re like many homeowners, you may be eager to brush off the cobwebs of winter and focus on spring. Amid the flurry of straightening up and cleaning, don’t ignore your furnace and air conditioning system. After all, spring is the prelude to another hot summer, making this a great time to get your HVAC system in tip-top shape. Unsure what spring cleaning your HVAC system entails? Include these tasks to your March home maintenance checklist.

Swap Out the Air Filter

The air filter is one of the most important parts of your HVAC system, protecting sensitive equipment from airborne particles and promoting cleaner indoor air. Routinely change the air filter according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. If you have pets that live in the residence or suffer from allergies, change the filter up to once a month to maintain indoor air quality. If not, replacing your old filter with a new one every three months is sufficient. In addition to trapping and removing airborne pollutants more efficiently, a clean filter promotes better airflow to boost system efficiency by up to 15%.

Tend to the Condensate Drain

Your air conditioning system doesn’t only cool your residence—it also dehumidifies. The condensate drain is the key to getting rid of unwanted moisture from your AC. The drain should be free-flowing and the attached hose should be leak-free and correctly placed. Take a quick look at your condensate drain whenever 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 your home’s air conditioning system for the first time this spring, open your windows and doors to circulate fresh air inside. If your home usually feels stuffy, you may benefit by adding a whole-house ventilation system. This upgrade blows stale air outside 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.

Deep Clean Your Home

Meticulously cleaning your home complements your HVAC maintenance checklist by limiting the amount of dust and allergens that flow through the system. Pay special attention to these areas:

• Clean off ceiling fan blades.
• Seal gaps around windows and doors using caulk or weather stripping.
• Wipe out sliding glass door tracks.
• Clean the coils located beneath or behind the refrigerator.
• Wipe off light fixtures and exchange old incandescent bulbs for energy-saving LEDs.

Enhance Your Thermostat

If you haven’t yet explored programmable or smart thermostats, spring is a very good time to contemplate adding this budget-friendly upgrade. A programmable thermostat makes a substantial difference in your home’s comfort and energy consumption. Start off by setting the temperature to 78 degrees F when you’re in the home. After that, plan automatic setback periods of 7 to 10 degrees when no one is home during the day. With recovery periods scheduled for when residents of the home will return, you can enjoy up to 10% energy savings without losing comfort.

A smart thermostat takes these benefits a step further by giving you the power to make modifications remotely. You can also check your energy usage in a mobile app and get individualized, cost-cutting recommendations.

Have Your Ducts Sealed and Insulated

Ductwork can develop leaks that compromise air quality and increase your energy expenses. Sealing these leaks helps your cooling system function more efficiently and circulate clean, healthy air. Once sealed, insulate your ductwork to keep the air cool on its way to supply registers throughout your home.

Hose Debris From the Outdoor Unit

The outside condenser unit can become filled with debris throughout the icy-cold months. Here’s how to give it a good cleaning this March:

• Remove leaves, pine needles and grass clippings from around the unit.
• Delicately hose down the metal fins to remove dirt and cobwebs.
• Cut back nearby shrubs and grasses to create a one- to two-foot clearance.
• Examine 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. 

Try Out Your HVAC Unit

After performing your spring cleaning checklist, it’s time to try out your AC. Let it operate for several minutes to check for adequate cooling. If you experience any problems, make sure your thermostat is set to cool before calling a professional for help.

Schedule AC Solutions in Fort Lauderdale with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning

If your HVAC system needs special assistance this spring, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is the company to call. Our HVAC solutions help keep your home comfortable and energy efficient throughout the year. Enjoy fast, long-lasting solutions to all your comfort concerns, backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. That’s right—if you’re not absolutely happy with our solutions, we’ll make it right. For a spring-ready HVAC system that promises efficiency and peace of mind, call 954-736-4314 to reach the heating and cooling specialists at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning today.