Spring Checklist: Knock Off the Dust with HVAC Maintenance

You’ve been hibernating all winter, but March is the month when things start happening. If you’re like many homeowners, you may be eager to put winter behind you and focus on spring. Amid the flurry of organizing and cleaning, don’t ignore your furnace and air conditioning system. Because spring is the prelude to another blistering summer, making this an ideal time to get your HVAC system in tip-top shape. Unsure what spring cleaning your HVAC system entails? Add these items to your March home maintenance checklist.

Change the Air Filter

The air filter is one of the most important parts of your HVAC system, protecting your finely tuned home comfort equipment from airborne particles and promoting cleaner indoor air. Consistently swap out 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 preserve 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 effectively, a clean filter promotes better airflow to boost system efficiency by up to 15%.

Examine the Condensate Drain

Your AC doesn’t only cool your residence—it also dehumidifies. The condensate drain is the key to removing excess moisture from your AC. The drain should be free-flowing and the attached hose should be leak-free and correctly placed. Check on your condensate drain every time you replace the filter to keep your system running efficiently—and also help you spot initial signs of water damage.

Get the Air Moving

Before turning on your AC for the first time this spring, open your windows and doors to circulate fresh air inside. If you notice an excessively stuffy interior before taking this step, think about 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 decrease the impact on your energy costs while helping you breathe easier.

Give Your Home a Good Cleaning

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

• Wipe down ceiling fan blades.
• Seal gaps near windows and doors using caulk or weather stripping.
• Scrub sliding glass door tracks.
• Clean the coils located beneath or behind the refrigerator.
• Wipe off light fixtures and swap old incandescent bulbs for energy-saving LEDs.

Upgrade Your Thermostat

If you haven’t yet looked into programmable or smart thermostats, spring is a great time to think about this affordable upgrade. A programmable thermostat makes a substantial difference in your home’s comfort and energy consumption. Start by setting the temperature to 78 degrees F when you’re at home. Next, plan automatic setback periods of 7 to 10 degrees when the house is empty during the day. With recovery periods set for when you will be back home, you can enjoy up to 10% energy savings without compromising comfort.

A smart thermostat takes these advantages a step further by allowing you to make adjustments remotely. You can also check your energy consumption in a mobile app and get tailored, cost-cutting tips.

Check Your Ductwork

Ductwork sometimes can develop leaks that decrease air quality and raise your energy bills. Sealing these leaks helps your AC operate more efficiently and circulate clean, healthy air. Once sealed, insulate your ductwork to keep the air cool on its way to supply registers throughout your home.

Clean the Exterior Unit

The outdoor condenser unit accumulates debris during the winter. 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 adjacent shrubs and grasses to maintain a one- to two-foot clearance.
• Inspect the unit for damage, such as missing insulation or bent fins.

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

Turn on Your HVAC Unit

After performing your spring cleaning checklist, it’s time to test your AC. Allow it to run for several minutes to verify it is producing cool air like it should. If you encounter any issues, double-check the thermostat settings before phoning a professional for help.

Schedule Air Conditioning Services in Calgary with A1 Chesney Service Experts

If your air conditioning system needs special service this spring, A1 Chesney Service Experts has you covered. Our HVAC services help keep your home comfortable and energy efficient throughout the year. Expect fast, long-lasting solutions to all your comfort problems, backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. You read that correct—if you’re not absolutely happy with our services, we’ll make it right. For a spring-ready AC system that promises efficiency and peace of mind, call 587-315-5271 to reach the heating and cooling authorities at A1 Chesney Service Experts today.