Spring HVAC: Prepare Now, Be Comfortably Cool Later

As the temperatures climb this spring, your attention shifts from heating your home to cooling it. Preparing your HVAC system for the changing seasons is crucial if you hope to maintain home comfort and energy efficiency. Use these HVAC system transition tips from the HVAC professionals at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to ensure your air conditioner is primed and ready for the warmer months ahead.

Check the Air Filter

Your HVAC filter slowly traps dust, pollen and other particles, decreasing airflow. This forces your system to work harder. Preferably, you should replace the filter every 30-90 days, depending on usage and filter type. Install the correct size and efficiency rating for your system, because using anything other than the recommended size and type of filter can overly restrict airflow and diminish efficiency. If you’re unsure which filter to buy or how to install it into your system, ask your HVAC professional during your next maintenance visit to demonstrate.

Look Over the Outside Condensing Unit

The outdoor unit of your AC system that releases hot air, also known as a condensing unit, is a very important part of the cooling process. Here’s how to prepare your condensing unit for another summer:

Take off the AC cover: If you placed a cover or board over your outdoor unit to protect it during the cold months, remove it before firing up the AC for the first time this spring.
Clean the unit: Over the fall and winter, your exterior unit may have gotten buried in leaves, dirt and other rubbish. You can hose it down with a garden hose to remove this buildup.
Remove nearby debris: The area surrounding your outdoor unit needs to remain clear for proper airflow. Rake away leaves, pine needles and other debris near the unit. Also, prune nearby vegetation to ensure at least 12 to 24 inches of clearance on all sides.
Make sure the unit is level: The concrete pad your condensing unit is placed on may shift or settle as time passes, causing the unit to tilt. To protect against improper operation and premature wear, adjust the unit by wedging shims underneath its base. Verify your adjustments with a carpenter’s level.

Increase the Temperature on the Thermostat

Set your thermostat to a comfortable yet energy-efficient temperature. For the warmer months, 78 degrees F is recommended while you’re at home. If you feel overly warm, run the ceiling fan to make the room feel cooler without reducing the thermostat.

Raise the temperature by 7 to 10 degrees when the house is empty during the day to reduce your energy bills. To avoid compromising comfort, install a programmable thermostat and set it to resume to a cozy temperature when you are going to be back home. This approach saves up to 10% on your energy bills.

Examine and Vacuum Your Air Registers

Dust, pet hair and other debris can build up on supply and return registers, hindering airflow. Use the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to remove this mess. Next, ensure that all your vents are open and not covered up by things like rugs or curtains.

In spite of what you might think, closing vents in unused rooms does not save energy; all it does is interrupt the system’s return/supply balance. To protect against undue strain, keep a minimum of 80% of your supply registers open and unblocked at all times.

Find and Fix Air Leaks

Leaky windows, doors and other cracks let hot, humid air to get in your home. To correct this concern, inspect window and door seals, using caulk and weatherstripping to seal any holes. After that, check the attic for insufficient insulation or spaces near pipes, ductwork and light fixtures. Fix these leaks with spray foam and top them with additional insulation to cut down on unwanted air exchange through the attic floor.

Turn on Your System to Test It

Before the season really gets hot, run your AC for a short while. Walk around your home and make sure cool air flows effortlessly from every vent. If you discover anything amiss, schedule AC repair to take care of the problem before it becomes a large issue.

Schedule Professional HVAC Maintenance with Service Experts

While DIY upkeep is helpful, it can’t replace the thorough care provided by a certified professional. Duties like measuring the refrigerant charge and tightening electrical connections demand specialized tools and training that only professionals possess.

Spring is a great time to set up AC maintenance, enabling you to deal with issues quickly and prepare the system for the summer heat. Prioritize this service to enjoy the following benefits:

Reduced energy bills
Fewer midseason breakdowns
Reduced repair bills
Better home comfort
Longer system life span
Protected warranty coverage

Why Choose Service Experts for Your HVAC Needs in the U.S.?

Service Experts offers reputable AC services to ensure your comfort and satisfaction this spring. Our ACE-certified technicians are trained to provide prompt, effective solutions to all your heating and air conditioning challenges. For expert service that lives up to our name, reach out to us at today!