With the spring quickly approaching, it’s important to get your residential HVAC system prepared for the upcoming season. You did it for winter, so don’t get caught slacking now. Here’s how you can go about getting your residential HVAC system prepared for the spring.
Replace Air Filters
The air filter is the first line of defense for your HVAC system, especially during the spring. It keeps dust, pollen and other contaminants from entering your home. If you have pets or allergies in the home, it’s important to replace your filters every 3 months. Replace with a filter of the appropriate size and MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values) rating for your system; this information should be listed on the side of the current filter you have installed.
If you’re confused about what MERV ratings you should aim for when selecting air filters, the EPA offers a breakdown of the ratings-to-particle capture ratio that you should be aware of. Essentially, the higher the rating, the smaller the particle it can catch (which can be great for areas susceptible to microbial growth). The ratings system is developed by ASHRAE, the leader in HVAC associations.
If you’re unsure how often your particular unit requires changing, check with the manufacturer’s recommendations for replacement frequency on their website or manual. Most manufacturers recommend changing filters every couple months regardless of use because they can become clogged over time (especially if there is heavy traffic through a room).
Replacing filters is an easy task that can be done in just a few minutes! Simply take out old ones by pulling them straight up from their frame (they should come right off) then put new ones back into place by lining up tabs with slots on either side before pushing down until they click into place securely under pressure from springs within the framing structure itself.
Clean the Outdoor Unit Ahead of Spring
The next step in getting your HVAC system ready for spring is to clean the outdoor unit. You’ll want to make sure that there are no leaves or other debris in the condenser coil, which can cause damage and reduce efficiency. You should also inspect the fan blades and make sure they are free of any dirt or grime; if they’re dirty, it’s best to replace them before using the system again so you don’t have any issues later down the road.
Just remember, spring is coming — so there will definitely be loads of pollen and other allergens that can build up on your outdoor unit! There can also be excess branches and leaves from the previous season that might’ve got caught in the outdoor unit, so be sure to get rid of those.
Finally, don’t forget about checking out everything else outside as well — from drains on downpipes through which water drains from roof gutters during rainstorms (or snows), through drain valves near where pipes enter into homes’ basements/crawl spaces.
Check for Cracks and Leaks
If your system is old, it’s likely that there are small cracks in the pipes. These can be repaired by a professional, but if they go unnoticed, they will cause bigger problems later on. You should also make sure that all of your vents are clear of debris so that air can flow freely through them and cool or heat up your home as needed without being blocked by dust or other particles that could cause damage over time.
Clean the Air Ducts
It’s important to clean your HVAC system’s ducts because they can become clogged with dust and other debris. The more often you get them cleaned, the longer they will last.
When cleaning your air ducts:
- Use a vacuum cleaner with an attachment that is designed specifically for this purpose. Do not use regular household vacuums or any other kind of tool that could damage the ductwork. If you don’t have access to one of these specialized tools, contact us here at XTRAIRE! We’ll be happy to help you out!
- Make sure all vents are open so there is better airflow throughout the house while cleaning them out (you may want someone else there in case something falls down into one of those vents).
Ensure the Thermostat is Working
Another important step towards preparing your HVAC system for spring is to make sure your thermostat is functioning appropriately. If you have an older, manual thermostat, consider replacing it with a programmable model that will allow you to easily adjust temperatures and save money on energy bills. Test out the new model and set it to the desired temperature before spring arrives.
Finally, once everything is all in order inside the house, don’t forget to test out the air conditioning system. Make sure it’s able to turn on and cool the home quickly and effectively before spring sets in. Clean off any dust or dirt from around the unit (especially near vents) for maximum performance.
Test Your Residential HVAC System Out
To ensure that your air conditioner is ready for the spring, it’s important to test its operation. This can be done by checking the following:
- Leaks: Check for any signs of leakage around your house. If there are any leaks, they should be repaired before turning on your system so that no damage is done to it or other parts of your home. If there are any leaks, it’s perhaps a sign of a burst pipe (a much greater issue). If you have a burst pipe, it’s important to call an HVAC professional immediately. If not, water can begin building up in your walls and create a breeding ground for mold and other airborne illnesses.
- Proper Operation: Make sure that when you turn on your AC, it works properly and cools down rooms quickly without any issues or difficulties with getting cold air flow where needed around the house. Make sure that there are no dead zones in the home where air isn’t being received — that could be a sign of clogged pipes. On the other hand, if one area is receiving more air than the other, that could mean that your insulation might be lacking or a pipe might have a hole.
- Proper Refrigerant Levels: Check refrigerant levels in each zone by using a thermometer; if there aren’t enough refrigerants left (or more likely — too many), then this will cause problems with proper air conditioning throughout all areas where those zones are located within an HVAC system’s ductwork lines which transport heat from one place to another within their respective rooms/areas throughout homes across America today!
Schedule Maintenance
When your HVAC system is in good working order, it can save you money and make your home more comfortable. When something breaks down, however, it can be costly to fix and even more so if the problem goes unnoticed until it’s too late.
The best way to prevent this from happening is by scheduling regular maintenance visits with a qualified professional who knows what they’re doing. A good rule of thumb is once a year for most residential systems; some may need more frequent service depending on their age or type (for instance, older furnaces tend not to last as long).
The technician will inspect all major components including:
- The blower motor(s) which are responsible for moving air through the ductwork
- The furnace itself which burn fuel such as gas or oil in order heat up water inside coils before sending it through pipes into your home’s rooms
Getting Your Residential HVAC System Prepared for the Spring with XTRAIRE
Taking these steps now to ensure your residential HVAC system is prepared for the spring will go a long way towards helping it run more efficiently and effectively. Replace air filters, clean the outdoor unit, and clean the air ducts – with these three simple tasks you’ll have your HVAC system in tip-top shape come springtime.
By taking care of these tasks, you’ll be able to get your residential HVAC system ready for the coming spring. Not only will this help keep it running efficiently all season long, but it could also save you money by preventing expensive repairs down the line. Plus, having a cleaned and properly maintained HVAC system can make your home more comfortable during those upcoming spring and summer months.
If you’re looking to get your residential HVAC system prepared for the spring, XTRAIRE is ready, willing and able to get the job done! For our Long Island-based residents, please visit our website and get in touch with us to make an appointment!