Most people get lax in maintaining and caring for their air conditioning units in the winter months. It’s a habit that allows AC units to break and need HVAC maintenance all throughout the warmer months of the year. With spring well on the way and summer soon to follow, there are a few steps that you can take to care for your air conditioning unit and keep your home nice and cool for the warmer months.
Clean Off All Dirt and Debris
Many people get lax with their lawn care during the winter, allowing leaves and branches to lay where they fall until the spring. This usually affects AC units as well and they build up dirt and leafy debris as a result.
Your first step in treating your unit is to clean your unit from superficial dust and dirt. All the clutter can force your unit to work harder to cool your home, expending more energy – than you’ll be paying for in your bills – and opening itself up to damage. After clearing away the larger debris, vacuuming the fins of your unit works well to remove the smaller particles.
Give your Unit a Trial Run
If you’ve not been using your AC unit at all during the winter, giving it a trial run for inspection is a good idea. After cleaning your unit, give it 30 minutes to an hour to run and examine how it’s functioning both inside and outside the house. Does anything look or sound amiss?
A trial run gives you the opportunity to notice anything abnormal about your unit before it can become a larger issue.
Clean the Air Ducts
Your AC unit circulates the air in your home but also recycles air from your air ducts. If your air ducts contain dust and debris, your AC unit will move that air throughout your home.
It’s another way that an AC unit can work inefficiently and a duct cleaning will make your unit run much more smoothly. It’s also a way to increase the air quality in your home and provide relief from spring’s allergens.
Change Your Filter
Regularly changing your AC filter is vital in the South; a worn filter allows particles into the air of your home. This can wreak havoc on any family members who suffer from allergies and it can also damage your AC unit. The spring is a perfect time to replace your filter just as you’re getting ready to begin using your unit in earnest.
If you haven’t done so already, then spring is an excellent time to change your filter. Changing out your filter will not only improve your air quality, but it will also help your unit to run efficiently.
Schedule a Preventative HVAC Maintenance Session
The most significant fear of most homeowners is that their HVAC unit won’t function at the peak of the summer. Scheduling a Preventative Hvac Maintenance session with a professional is the best way to prevent any sort of summertime issue.
A trained HVAC technician can identify the first signs of potential issues and treat your unit before they ever become noticeable. During this inspection, they will locate any refrigerant leaks or other problems that can cause your unit to fail.
Your HVAC unit is one of the most expensive and necessary systems in your home. By treating it early in the spring, you can prevent any issues and allow yourself to enjoy the warmer months of the year.
