Get your HVAC system summer-ready
Ah, spring! Time to plant your lettuce and tomatoes, stock up on allergy medicine, and perform spring ac maintenance to prepare your home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system for the warmer months.
Keeping your system clean will help it run more efficiently and extend its life, plus check off a task from your spring maintenance to-do list. However, if you aren’t experienced with HVAC systems, it’s best to contact an air conditioning company near you to perform the maintenance. That being said, use these spring HVAC tips to get your system warm-weather ready.
Scheduling an HVAC inspection every six months is crucial for ensuring your system operates efficiently and safely, preventing unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs. Regular inspections can also extend the lifespan of your system, providing comfort and peace of mind throughout the year.
Tackle the outdoor chores on the first sunny day of spring when you can be outside comfortably. If you chose to cover your AC for the winter, start by uncovering it.
The unit that sits outside that you think is the air conditioner is the condenser. After a long winter, it might be dirty. Clean it up using a broom or brush to clear away any dirt or leaves from the condenser base or stuck in the grates.
Your condenser unit needs room to breathe, so don’t let shrubs or bushes get too close to it. To provide a perimeter around the outdoor condenser, trim any encroaching vegetation back about two feet from the unit. Trim your bushes and shrubs using a hand-held pruner, loppers, or a hedge trimmer.
It’s best to hire a local professional HVAC technician to clean the inside of the unit. If you decide to try it, make sure you turn off the power to the air conditioner before attempting to clean the inside. You can use a soft brush to remove any dirt from inside the unit. Wipe or rinse off the fins with a garden hose if there’s caked-on dirt.
If the fins are cracked or bent or the AC unit is leaning to one side or another, you should hire an HVAC contractor to check it out and replace or repair any broken parts. It’s ideal to conduct a HVAC inspection every year, so take the turning of the seasons as a sign to check in on the health of your AC unit.
Save this spring AC maintenance task for a rainy day so you can enjoy the sunshine. Air can’t pass through a dirty air filter, so check air filters monthly and change them if they look dirty.
You should also change furnace filters regularly to keep the system working efficiently. HVAC filters can catch mold, gasses, and even viruses.
Sweep around your furnace and HVAC system, or use a vacuum to collect dirt or dust. The maintenance room might not be on your usual vacuum route, but it's worth peeking your head in and giving it a cleaning pass occasionally to keep debris from entering the essential system. Make sure nothing is blocking vents or registers by moving storage boxes as needed before you clean.
Cleaning an evaporator coil requires some basic HVAC knowledge. Otherwise, you should contact an HVAC company to tackle the task. If you have prior HVAC cleaning experience and try it yourself, the easiest method is to clean it without removal. Always ensure the system’s power is off before you start.
Refer to the manufacturer's manual to familiarize yourself with how to clean the coil properly for your unit. You can mix mild dish detergent with water and gently clean the coil with a soft brush. Make sure the coils are completely dry before turning the unit back on.
Another essential item on your spring AC maintenance checklist is to check the ductwork. Start by checking for leaks, holes, or signs that sections are disconnected. Also, keep an eye out for signs of mildew and mold.
You can also check the connections to see if any air is leaking out of the ducts. Make sure the insulation around the ductwork is in good condition and intact. For a full review of your ductwork, hire an air duct cleaning service.
Most techniques for detecting refrigerant leaks are best left to the pros. But there are a couple of methods you can try yourself if you suspect your AC’s refrigerant is leaking.
You can determine if there is a leak by performing a visual inspection. Check the fittings, connections, and valves for signs of oil or residue. These changes can be a sign there is a leak that needs addressing.
Another method is to use an electronic leak detector. This specialized tool will alert you of leaks, which can take the guesswork out of the task and help you find it more easily. However, leak detectors can be pricey, so it’s best to contact an HVAC technician who can identify and devise a plan for fixing leaks.
Spring is the best time to call an HVAC repair technician for a bi-annual system tune-up. If you wait until the first hot day, you risk running an inefficient AC unit and a longer service wait time because everyone will want their systems checked, too. You should have your HVAC system inspected and maintained by a professional twice a year—once in the spring and again in the fall.
HVAC technicians will check the refrigerant level and ensure all the belts, blower, and motor are working correctly. The technician will also clean the fins and coils. So, add HVAC maintenance to your spring cleaning checklist.
The cost of annual maintenance depends on the type of HVAC system you have. AC service typically costs an average of $200 but ranges from $100 to $550. If your system needs repairs, the price will vary significantly depending on what needs fixing. However, addressing the issues as they arise can prevent further damage to your unit and keep it operating efficiently for much longer.
Avoiding HVAC maintenance can end up costing you much more money down the road. Maintenance is essential for keeping your HVAC system operating efficiently and avoiding system breakdowns.
If you avoid maintaining the system, it can lead to higher electric bills, reduced performance, and costly repairs. If some issues are left unattended, they can even permanently damage your system, meaning you will have to replace the entire unit.
