As the last of winter’s frost melts away and the first flowers start to bloom, homeowners like to spend their time doing a bit of spring cleaning and general home maintenance.
Spring is also a fantastic time to prepare your HVAC system for the upcoming season by taking care of some spring HVAC maintenance tasks.
Spring is the perfect time to give your HVAC system some TLC to ensure it operates efficiently and effectively for another glorious year. We have some excellent spring HVAC tips to help move your system from the dark days of winter to the brighter days of spring.
From simple tasks, such as changing air filters, to scheduling professional maintenance for those tough-to-do jobs, our experienced technicians at Diamondback have got you covered.
Let’s dive in and ensure your spring ac tune-up leaves your system in top shape for the spring season!
7 Spring HVAC Maintenance Tasks
Here are seven important tasks that you should tackle every spring if you want your HVAC system to function to its full potential:
1. Change Your Air Filters
Dirty air filters can restrict the quality of airflow and reduce the efficiency of your HVAC system. Having your heating firing away throughout the winter can undoubtedly result in some big filter clogs.
Start the spring season with clean air filters to improve indoor air quality and help your HVAC system operate more efficiently. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations for filter replacement frequency and choose filters with a MERV rating appropriate for your system.
Before attempting to change the air filter, turning off the HVAC system to ensure safety is essential.
The air filter is usually located in the air handler unit, which is generally found in the return air duct or near the blower motor of your HVAC system. It may also be located in a filter grille on a wall, ceiling, or floor.
- Open the air handler unit or the filter grille, and carefully slide or pull out the old filter. Pay attention to the direction of the airflow indicated on the filter, as the replacement filter should be installed in the same direction for optimal performance.
- If you have a reusable filter, you can vacuum or wash it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If your air filter is disposable, simply discard the old filter and replace it with a fresh filter of the same type and size.
- Insert the new filter into the filter slot, making sure it is correctly aligned with the airflow direction indicated on the filter. Ensure the filter fits snugly and securely in the filter slot or grille.
You can write the date, in pencil, on the outer edge of your filter. This will make it easy to know when three months are up and it’s time to change your filter once more. - Once the new filter is installed correctly, you can turn on the HVAC system and resume regular operation.
2. Inspect Your Outdoor HVAC Unit
The outdoor unit of your HVAC system, also known as the condenser, can accumulate dirt, debris, and leaves during the fall and winter months.
Start by cleaning the area immediately around the outdoor unit and remove any debris that may have accumulated on or around it.
Next, trim back any shrubs or plants that may be obstructing the unit, and ensure that you’ve left at least two to three feet of full clearance all around the unit. Taking the time to do this will ensure proper airflow, resulting in better HVAC performance.
3. Check the Thermostat Settings in Your Home
It’s likely that your spring heating and cooling schedule will differ from your winter routine. With the change in season, it’s an excellent time to review and adjust your thermostat settings.
Consider setting your thermostat to a higher temperature during the warmer months to save energy and reduce your utility bills. We find that raising the temperature by a half degree every few days gives you time to adjust and become comfortable at a higher temperature.
Now’s also a good time to check the programmable settings and adjust them to reflect your springtime schedule.
4. Consider Upgrading to a Programmable Thermostat
If you don’t have one already, spring is the perfect time to consider upgrading to a programmable thermostat. A programmable thermostat allows you to set temperature schedules throughout the day, which can help save energy and money on your utility bills.
5. Check and Clean Your Air Vents
Make sure all of your air vents are open and are not blocked by furniture, carpets, or other obstructions.
Clean the air vents and registers to remove dust and debris that may have accumulated during the winter months. This helps ensure proper airflow and has the added bonus of improving indoor air quality.
6. Book a Cleaning for Your Air Ducts
If it’s been a while since your last air duct cleaning, spring can be an excellent time to consider having your air ducts professionally cleaned.
Clean air ducts can improve indoor air quality and ensure that your HVAC system operates efficiently.
7. Schedule a Professional Spring Air Conditioner Maintenance Session
Consider scheduling a professional maintenance service for your HVAC system. A qualified HVAC technician can inspect, clean, and tune up your system to ensure it’s operating at its best. This can help prevent potential issues, improve energy efficiency, and extend the lifespan of your HVAC system.
Seven Spring HVAC Tips for Transitioning into the New Season — Conclusion
With the arrival of a new season, it’s essential to give your HVAC system the attention it deserves. This tune-up will ensure your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning performs optimally during the warmer months.
By following these seven essential HVAC tips for transitioning into the new season, you can improve energy efficiency and indoor air quality as well as extend the lifespan of your HVAC system.
From changing air filters to cleaning the outdoor unit, scheduling professional spring HVAC maintenance, to checking thermostat settings, these simple steps can go a long way in keeping your HVAC system in top shape.
Remember, always consult a qualified HVAC technician for professional maintenance and repairs and to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for maintenance and usage. By taking proactive measures, you can enjoy a comfortable and energy-efficient spring season with your HVAC system running smoothly.
Best of luck, and have a happy spring!