Although we aren’t experiencing consistently warm weather yet, it is still important to ensure your residential HVAC system is prepped for spring and summer. In fact, now is the time to take advantage of the weather not being too hot. We highly suggest that homeowners use this time to make sure their ducts are in a row so they can keep their HVAC systems running at their highest potential. The following tips and tricks from your Madeira Heating & Air experts will help you prepare your HVAC system for the spring:
Should I Upgrade My Thermostat for the Spring Season?
If you’ve been wondering about the benefits of a smart or programmable thermostat, look no further! Both smart and programmable thermostats are great options, especially for homeowners who are always on the move. With a programmable thermostat, you can set it to coincide with timeframes you know no one will be at home. This feature is helpful for those who abide by a consistent work schedule and arrive home around the same time each day. In addition, you can set the temperature to a few degrees higher when you’re away to produce energy savings. With a smart thermostat, you get the same features, but as a plus, you also get to control the thermostat settings from the convenience of your smartphone. This is especially helpful during the spring and summer, so your AC unit isn’t running on full blast for the entire day. Upgrading to either of these will significantly help with the energy efficiency of your HVAC system.
Should I Clean the Registers & Vents?
Dust buildup is a real thing on registers and vents. It can easily slip by unnoticed until you suddenly notice and wonder how it got away from you. If you can relate to this, don’t feel bad! It’s happened to the best of us. So jumpstart spring cleaning mode by showing those dust bunnies who’s boss. You can clean registers and vents with a vacuum cleaner, and if they need further cleaning, you can wipe them down with warm soapy water.
Should I Change My Air Filter at the Start of the Season?
The answer is a resounding yes! Air filters play a huge role in your HVAC system running at its best capacity. Keep in mind that clogged air filters can lead to various issues such as short cycling or poor air quality. It is recommended that homeowners change their air filters every 1-2 months; however, with it being springtime and pollen infiltrating the air, it would be wise to check your air filters repeatedly during the spring and summer seasons. And starting the spring off with a fresh air filter is not a bad idea either!
Should I Check for Air Leaks in My Ductwork?
Think about it. You are paying the energy bill for your HVAC system to heat or cool your house. So it’s probably safe to assume that you don’t want the air leaking out and escaping. Unfortunately, ductwork doesn’t last forever. Normal wear and tear are completely normal. Therefore, if you have any exposed ductwork within your home, you should perform a quick inspection, ensuring there are no holes, rips, tears, or gaps that will allow the air to leak out. Should you find any, make sure they are repaired immediately. You don’t want to delay necessary repairs as this issue can further stress your HVAC system and cause it to overwork.
Should I Clean the Area Around the Outdoor Unit?
The condenser or outdoor unit outside is often overlooked due to its location. But it’s essential that this area receives a little TLC too! When your AC unit is turned on during the warmer months, it sucks in the air around it. For this reason, the vicinity must be kept clear of loose debris or other items, weeds, vegetation, or leaf buildup. The last thing you want is for the wind to pick these up, blow them into the condenser, and then cause the fan to get stuck and your unit to stop working. So, we can’t stress enough how important it is for homeowners to frequently check this outdoor area during the next few months.
Should I Book a Spring Maintenance Check?
If you have not had your AC unit serviced for its spring maintenance check already, you will want to do so as soon as possible. Spring maintenance checks, also known as a spring tune-up & safety check, ensure everything is functioning and up to par as it should be. Just like you take your vehicle in yearly for a tune-up, you should do the same for your HVAC system. Doing so can help extend your system’s lifespan. In addition, keeping up with your seasonal maintenance checks also keeps your manufacturer’s warranty active. That sounds like a no-brainer, right? So call us today if you still need to get a spring tune-up & safety check. We will get you squared away!
Preventative maintenance is mandatory to keep your HVAC system properly maintained. Proper upkeep also extends the lifespan of your heating and cooling units. So if you have any concerns or questions regarding your furnace or AC unit, or perhaps you want to upgrade your thermostat, please don’t hesitate to call us. We are here to serve you and your home as your local, trusted HVAC professionals. You can reach Madeira Heating & Air at (513) 655-5125 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
