Spring Cleaning for Your HVAC System: A March Maintenance Checklist

You’ve been hibernating all winter, but March is the month when things start happening. If you’re like many homeowners, you may be anxious to brush off the cobwebs of winter and embrace the promise of spring. Amid the flurry of organizing and cleaning, don’t neglect your HVAC system. After all, spring is the prelude to another blistering summer, making this a perfect time to get your HVAC system in good shape. Don't know what spring cleaning your HVAC system involves? Add these items to your March home maintenance checklist.

Replace the Air Filter

The air filter is a critical part of your heating and cooling system, protecting delicate equipment from airborne particles and promoting cleaner indoor air. Consistently Replace the air filter according to the manufacturer’s suggestions. If you have pets that live in the residence or suffer from allergies, change the filter up to once a month to maintain indoor air quality. If not, replacing your HVAC filter with a new one every three months is adequate. In addition to removing airborne pollutants more successfully, a clean filter promotes better airflow to increase system efficiency by up to 15%.

Examine the Condensate Drain

Your AC doesn’t simply cool your property—it also dehumidifies. The condensate drain is the key to getting rid of 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 while you replace the filter to keep your system running efficiently—and also help you spot initial signs of water damage.

Enjoy Some Fresh Air

Before turning on your home's air conditioning system for the first time this spring, open your windows and doors to allow fresh air into your home. If you notice an excessively stuffy interior before taking this step, consider adding a whole-house ventilation system. This upgrade blows stale air outside and brings in clean, fresh air from outside. Certain equipment pre-cools and dehumidifies incoming air to decrease the impact on your energy expenses while helping you breathe better.

Spring Clean Your Home

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

• Clean off ceiling fan blades.
• Seal gaps under or around windows and doors using caulk or weather stripping.
• Clean the grime out of sliding glass door tracks.
• Clean the coils located beneath or behind the refrigerator.
• Wipe off light fixtures and exchange old incandescent bulbs for energy-saving LEDs.

Upgrade Your Thermostat

If you haven’t yet looked into programmable or smart thermostats, spring is a very good time to consider this reasonably priced upgrade. A programmable thermostat makes a substantial difference in your home’s comfort and energy usage. Start by setting the temperature to 78 degrees F when you’re at home. After that, program automatic setback periods of 7 to 10 degrees when the house is empty during the day. With recovery periods scheduled 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 monitor your energy usage in a mobile app and get tailored, cost-cutting tips.

Have Your Ducts Sealed and Insulated

Ductwork sometimes can develop leaks that decrease air quality and raise your energy expenses. Sealing these leaks helps your air conditioner 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.

Spray Out the Outdoor Unit

The Outdoor condenser unit can become filled with debris while hibernating over the icy-cold months. Here’s how to spring clean it this March:

• Remove leaves, pine needles and grass clippings from around the unit.
• Gently wash off the metal fins to remove dirt and cobwebs.
• Remove surrounding shrubs and grasses to create a one- to two-foot clearance.
• Check the unit for damage, such as missing insulation or bent fins.
• Consult with a professional technician for AC service before the summer heat sets in.

Try Out Your HVAC Unit

After completing your spring cleaning checklist, it’s time to turn on your AC. Run it for several minutes to make sure its working. If you experience any problems, make sure your thermostat is set to cool before phoning a professional for help.

Schedule Cooling Services in the U.S. with Service Experts 

If your HVAC system needs professional service this spring, Service Experts is the team for the job. Our HVAC Services help keep your home comfortable and energy efficient all the time. Expect fast, long-lasting solutions to all your comfort concerns, backed by a Service Experts Guarantee. We mean it—if you’re not absolutely happy with our work, we’ll make it right. For a spring-ready air conditioning system that promises efficiency and peace of mind, call to reach the heating and cooling specialists at Service Experts today.