Meeting the Challenge: Get Your AC Ready for Spring

As the days and nights get warmer this spring, your attention shifts from heating your home to cooling it. Preparing your HVAC system for the changing seasons is essential if you hope to maintain home comfort and energy efficiency. Follow these HVAC system transition tips from the HVAC professionals at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning to ensure your cooling system is primed and ready for the warmer months ahead.

Check the Air Filter

Your HVAC filter over time collects dust, pollen and other particles, decreasing airflow. This can force your system to work harder. Ideally, you should replace the filter every 30-90 days, with exactly how often you change it determined by your system usage and filter type. Select the proper size and efficiency rating for your system, because using an incorrect filter can overly restrict airflow and decrease efficiency. If you’re unsure which filter to buy or how to install it into your system, ask your HVAC technician during your next maintenance visit to demonstrate.

Inspect the Exterior Condensing Unit

The outdoor unit of your air conditioning system that expels hot air, also known as a condensing unit, is a necessary part of the cooling process. Here’s how to prepare your condensing unit for another summer:

• Take off the AC cover: If you put a cover or board over your outdoor unit to protect it during the cold months, remove it before firing up the air conditioner for the first time this spring.
• Clean the unit: Over the fall and winter, your exterior unit may have become covered in leaves, dirt and other clutter. Carefully hose it down with a garden hose to get rid of this buildup.
• Remove neighboring debris: The area surrounding your outdoor unit should remain clear for ideal airflow. Remove leaves, pine needles and other debris near the unit. Also, trim nearby vegetation to make sure you have at least 12 to 24 inches of clearance on all sides.
• Verify the unit is level: The concrete pad your condensing unit is situated on may shift or settle through the years, causing the unit to tilt. To protect against improper operation and premature wear, straighten the unit by wedging shims below its base. Confirm your adjustments with a carpenter’s level.

Change the Thermostat

Set your thermostat to a comfortable yet energy-efficient temperature. For the warmer months, 78 degrees F is suggested while you’re inside your home. If you feel overheated, run the ceiling fan to make the room feel cooler without lowering the thermostat.

Boost the temperature by 7 to 10 degrees when no one is home during the day for energy savings. To avoid compromising comfort, buy a programmable thermostat and set it to resume to a higher temperature before you return home. This approach saves up to 10% on your air conditioning costs.

Examine and Clean Your Air Registers

Dust, pet hair and other particles can accumulate on supply and return registers, restricting airflow. Use the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to remove this accumulation. Then, ensure that all your vents are open and not blocked by furniture, rugs or curtains.

Contrary to popular belief, closing vents in unused rooms does not use less energy; all it does is interrupt the system’s return/supply balance. To prevent undue strain, keep a minimum of 80% of your supply registers open and unblocked at all times.

Find and Close Air Leaks

Leaky windows, doors and other openings allow hot, humid air to sneak into your home. To correct this concern, scrutinize window and door seals, using caulk and weatherstripping to seal any holes. Then, inspect the attic for insufficient insulation or gaps around pipes, ductwork and light fixtures. Seal these leaks with spray foam and top them with additional insulation to minimize unwanted air exchange through the attic floor.

Run a Test Cycle

Before the season heats up, run your AC for a few minutes. Walk around your home and make sure cool air flows freely from each vent. If you find anything amiss, schedule AC repair to correct the issue right away.

Schedule Knowledgeable HVAC Maintenance with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning

While do-it-yourself maintenance is worthwhile, it can’t replace the complete care provided by a certified professional. Tasks like measuring the refrigerant charge and tightening electrical connections demand specialized tools and training that only pros possess.

Spring is a perfect time to set up AC maintenance, helping you to deal with issues quickly and prepare the system for the summer heat. Prioritize this service to experience the following perks:

• Reduced energy costs
• Fewer midseason breakdowns
• Fewer repair costs
• Better home comfort
• Longer system life span
• Protected warranty coverage

Why Choose Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for Your HVAC Needs in Fort Lauderdale?

Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning provides reliable AC services to ensure your comfort and satisfaction this spring. Our ACE-certified technicians are trained to provide speedy, effective solutions to all your HVAC needs. For experienced service that lives up to our name, phone 954-736-4314 today!