A Handy Spring-Cleaning Checklist for Your HVAC System
Spring is the perfect time to give your Orchard Park, NY, home a deep and thorough cleaning. During these efforts, your HVAC equipment should be a top priority. In the spring, diligent HVAC maintenance can improve your indoor air quality (IAQ), lower your energy bill and limit the likelihood of repair issues. To help you get started, the following is a handy checklist that covers all indoor and outdoor components.
1. Change Your HVAC Air Filter and Consider an Air Filter Upgrade
Regardless of the season, your HVAC air filter should be inspected about once every 30 days. Before it’s completely covered in dust, dander, dirt and other particulates, you’ll want to switch it out. Leaving an overloaded filter in your furnace can damage the interior components of your HVAC system and affect your indoor air quality.
With summer looming just around the corner, this is also a great time to consider upgrading to a higher-rated air filter. This is an improvement that will remove more allergens and contaminants from your indoor air while also limiting the buildup of dust and other elements on your HVAC system’s internal components. Whether you choose to stick with your standard HVAC filter or opt for one with a higher maximum efficiency reporting value (MERV) rating, use spring as a chance to stock up. This way, when your AC is constantly in use and the need for filter changes becomes more frequent, you’ll always have a few spare filters on hand.
2. Clear Your AC Condenser’s Perimeter
Head outside to inspect your air conditioner’s condenser unit. The typical installation method for this equipment is on a concrete slab or suspended by way of a bracket on the home. If the condenser has shifted, cracked or sustained any other damage during the winter, make an appointment to have it adjusted or repaired.
Around the condenser, make sure that there’s at least two feet of clearance on all sides. Cut or pull any overgrown grass, weeds or shrubs. Pick up loose sticks, rocks and leaves that have accumulated around the condenser. With the new growth that the spring season brings, this is a maintenance task that you should repeat every few weeks.
3. Clean Your HVAC Air Registers and Vents
Make sure that all air registers, grilles and vents throughout your home are open. Keeping HVAC vents closed for any extended period of time can cause pressure to build within your system. The only way to create customized temperatures throughout the building without stressing your heating and cooling equipment is by having your central HVAC system zoned. Spring is as good a time as any to schedule an appointment to discuss HVAC zoning.
In the meantime, after checking all air registers and vents, wipe these features down with a damp cloth. They may be especially dirty if you’ve neglected to change your HVAC air filter for too long. If they are, open and remove your HVAC vent covers. Use your vacuum cleaner’s hose attachment to suction away any visible buildups of debris.
4. Have Your HVAC Air Ducts Cleaned and Sealed
HVAC air ducts should be inspected at least once per year. If you see any torn, sagging or collapsed materials in areas where ducts are exposed, schedule this inspection right away. You should also schedule an appointment for HVAC air duct cleaning about once every three to five years. If your ducts are due for professional maintenance, consider having them sealed as well. This will prevent air leaks, energy waste and excessively high energy bills.
5. Schedule Annual Air Conditioner Tune-up Service
There’s no better time to schedule routine maintenance for an HVAC system and air conditioner than in the spring. This gives technicians the opportunity to find and resolve problems before you are left without a functional cooling system.
An experienced professional will make sure that your outside condenser and indoor evaporator/air handler units are completely clean. Your AC condensate drain line will be checked for blockages, and a cleanup will be performed for all AC coils. Although there’s a fair amount of work that homeowners can do on their own, it’s best to leave tasks like these in the hands of trained technicians.
Vastola Heating & Cooling has been proudly serving Orchard Park, NY, for more than 70 years. If you need help with your springtime HVAC maintenance, we’ve got you covered. We offer heater, heat pump and air conditioner installation as well as repair and maintenance services. We also provide generator installations, IAQ service and preventative maintenance plans. Contact Vastola Heating & Cooling now to schedule an appointment.
