Get Your Home Ready for Summer with HVAC Maintenance

You’ve been hibernating all winter, but March is a time of year when things start happening. If you’re like many homeowners, you may be excited to brush off the cobwebs of winter and embrace the promise of spring. Amid the flurry of organizing and cleaning, don’t overlook your HVAC system. The fact is, spring is the prelude to another sweltering summer, making this a perfect time to get your HVAC system in the best shape. Not sure what spring cleaning your HVAC system includes? Include these actions 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 delicate equipment from airborne particles and promoting cleaner indoor air. Regularly change the air filter according to the manufacturer’s suggestions. If you have pets that live in the residence or someone in your home has allergies, change the filter up to once a month to maintain indoor air quality. If you don’t, replacing your old filter with a new one every three months is enough. In addition to ridding your home of airborne pollutants more successfully, a clean filter promotes better airflow to boost system efficiency by up to 15%.

Check the Condensate Drain

Your air conditioning system doesn’t only cool your home—it also dehumidifies. The condensate drain is the key to carrying away excess moisture from your AC. The drain should be free-flowing and the connecting hose should be leak-free and correctly placed. Check on 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 switching on your home’s air conditioning system for the first time this spring, open your windows and doors to allow fresh air into your home. If the air inside your home often feels stale or stuff, you may benefit by adding a whole-house ventilation system. This upgrade blows stale air outside and swaps it for clean, fresh air from outside. Certain equipment pre-cools and dehumidifies incoming air to reduce the impact on your energy costs while helping you breathe cleaner, healthier air.

Give Your Home a Good Cleaning

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

• Wipe down ceiling fan blades.
• Seal gaps around windows and doors using caulk or weather stripping.
• Wipe out sliding glass door tracks.
• Remove dirt, pet hair and dust bunnies from the coils located beneath or behind the refrigerator.
• Dust light fixtures and switch out old incandescent bulbs for energy-saving LEDs.

Enhance Your Thermostat

If you haven’t yet discovered programmable or smart thermostats, spring is a great time to contemplate adding this budget-friendly upgrade. A programmable thermostat makes a substantial difference in your home’s comfort and energy use. Start by setting the temperature to 78 degrees F when you’re at home. After that, plan automatic setback periods of 7 to 10 degrees when the house is empty during the day. With recovery periods scheduled for when residents of the home will return, you can enjoy up to 10% energy savings without sacrificing comfort.

A smart thermostat takes these perks a step further by letting you make adjustments remotely. You can also monitor your energy use in a mobile app and get personalized, cost-cutting advice.

Have Your Ducts Sealed and Insulated

Ductwork can develop leaks that negatively impact your air quality and raise your energy expenses. Sealing these leaks helps your AC function more efficiently and move clean, healthy air. Once sealed, insulate your ductwork so air conditioned air doesn’t leak out of your system.

Spray Out the Outside Unit

The exterior condenser unit can become filled with debris while hibernating over the icy-cold months. Here’s how to clean it out this March:

• Clear away leaves, pine needles and grass clippings from near the unit.
• Carefully wash off 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.

• Consult with a professional technician for AC service before the summer heat arrives. 

Turn on Your HVAC Unit

After completing your spring cleaning checklist, it’s time to try out your AC. Let it operate for several minutes to verify it is producing cool air like it should. If you discover any issues, make sure your thermostat is set to cool before contacting a professional for help.

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

If your air conditioning system needs professional help this spring, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is the company to call. Our HVAC services help keep your home comfortable and energy efficient all the time. Expect fast, long-lasting solutions to all your comfort problems, 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 delivers efficiency and peace of mind, call 954-736-4314 to reach the heating and cooling professionals at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning today.