Spring is almost here, which means warmer weather and time to do some spring maintenance on your HVAC unit. You’ll want your HVAC unit in good working order for the warmer weather. With a few easy suggestions, you can ensure your unit will keep you cool over the summer. Read on to learn about the steps you should take to prepare your HVAC unit for Spring and Summer.

Always Be Cautious

First things first, and that means being cautious. Always be sure to take the extra safety steps when working on anything that runs on electricity. When it comes to electricity and working on things, it’s better not to take any chances. You should turn off the electricity before diving in. Locate and deactivate the breaker box. If you have an HVAC system that cools and heats your home, you must also switch off the valve for the gas line so the pilot light will go out. Once you have both the electricity and gas valve shut off to your unit, you are ready to get started!

Clean the Areas Around Your Compressor

The compressor for your central air conditioning system is outside of your home. Its job is to produce the cold air that enters your ductwork. Unfortunately, leaves and other debris can build around and even enter this area. As a result, your unit’s performance may suffer. Before you turn on your HVAC unit, remove any branches, leaves, or other debris from around and on top of your compressor. You should also examine the area around your compressor regularly to ensure that it remains clean throughout the year.

Additionally, if you are handy with tools, cleaning the fins of your HVAC unit is a simple job.

Remove the screws from your HVAC unit panels using a screwdriver with a socket.
Start at the back of your HVAC unit and remove the panels one by one, being cautious not to harm the condenser fins.
Use a soft-bristle brush or a hose with a spray nozzle to clean the fins.
Replace the panels in the reverse order that you removed them. Leave the screws loose until all of the panels are in place, then tighten them.

In addition to these duties, you can use your garden hose to clean the outside unit thoroughly. Make sure power is off for your HVAC system while cleaning it.

Clear Out Your Vents

Even if everything in your HVAC unit is operating correctly, you may still notice lower airflow if your vents aren’t clean. As a result, when preparing your system for the summer, you should also clean your vents.

Replace or Clean Your HVAC Filter

Cleaning or replacing your HVAC system’s air filter regularly is one of the best things you can do to guarantee its effectiveness and functionality. Depending on the type of air filter, the air quality, and whether you have pets, change your filter every 30 to 90 days. Over time, this buildup impacts how efficiently your unit operates to cool your house. Check the filter before turning on your air conditioner. If you smoke, have allergies, or have pets, you should change or clean your filter at least once a month. Using high-quality HVAC filters will help ensure the air quality in your home is healthier for you and your family.

Mechanical filters, which are the least expensive and least effective form of HVAC filter, must be replaced more frequently than any other type. On the other hand, Filti HVAC filters, created using nanofiber technology, are highly efficient filters and should be changed or cleaned every three months.

The longer you wait to clean or replace your air filter, the more likely your HVAC system may shut down automatically. You can save yourself a lot of trouble by setting calendar and phone reminders to notify you when to change it again. We also recommend noting the replacement date on the air filter itself, so you know how long it’s been since you changed it.

Inspect the Thermostat

Many homeowners do not realize that it is necessary to test the thermostat regularly. Test your thermostat controls at the start of each new heating or cooling cycle, as you may need to readjust the unit. You should also consider adjusting your programmable thermostat for the upcoming warmer months. What if you don’t have a programmable thermostat? We suggest investing in one.

If you have a programmable thermostat, you can set different temperatures for different times of the day. Adjusting your thermostat while away from your home will help you save up to 10% on cooling and heating costs every year.

Start the System

After you’ve completed the above actions, switch on your air conditioner to ensure adequate airflow from the vents. If the air doesn’t seem cool, switch off the system at the thermostat and double-check that you’ve followed the preceding steps.

If the air still does not seem cool after the second attempt, you may need to contact an HVAC technician to troubleshoot the issue.

Schedule a Maintenance Appointment

Schedule a periodic HVAC maintenance appointment for your air conditioner before you start using it to ensure that it will keep you cool all summer. The appointment guarantees that all of your system’s essential components are in functioning condition.

Some of the components that an HVAC technician will examine are as follows:

Level of refrigerant
Components of electricity
Coils for condensers
The condenser motor
Capacitors
Thermostat
Transformer
Drainage lines

The Importance of Evaluation

Every component of your HVAC system has a specific function. For example:

The refrigerant in your air conditioning unit cools the air before it reaches your home. If your HVAC system does not have enough refrigerant, it will not be able to cool your home sufficiently.
Your compressor is responsible for circulating the refrigerant required for heat exchange via the coils of the interior and outdoor units and applying energy to the refrigerant. When it fails to perform correctly, your entire system fails.
Debris and grime can accumulate in your system and prevent your electrical components from making contact, resulting in your system failing to work.
Your HVAC filter helps keep your system clean and improves the air quality in your home.

Thanks for Reading!

Your home is your palace, and your palace should be a healthy environment where you can relax and unwind with family and friends. By maintaining your HVAC unit using quality HVAC filters, you can breathe easy knowing you are taking care of your home. At Filti, we are on a mission to provide you with best-in-class home and business filtration products, so you have one less thing to worry about. For more information on our mission and our products, be sure to visit our online store.