It may not feel so warm yet, but soon enough you will be relying on your AC every day. Spring air conditioner maintenance should be part of your spring-cleaning plan. You can potentially save money down the line and avoid the aggravation of an HVAC breakdown during a heatwave. Taking care of HVAC maintenance early means you’re more likely to receive service quickly rather than have to wait.
You can start by taking your cooling system for a test drive. Bring the thermostat down a few degrees and run one AC cycle. While it’s running, track how long the system takes to cycle on and off and if your indoor air is getting cool. Take note of odors, knocking or banging sounds, and whether room vents are open and unblocked. Check for debris or leakage around the outdoor unit as well.
Also follow these HVAC tips to make sure your heating and cooling system is functional, safe to use, and efficient:
Schedule HVAC Maintenance/Cleaning Service
Spring maintenance should always be performed by an HVAC professional. Preventative maintenance can catch problems before any significant damage is done. Technicians can fill refrigerant, make adjustments, lubricate components, and repair and replace parts if necessary. They also know areas that may be affected by leaks, loose seals, or cracks including coils, pipes, and condensate lines. A complete maintenance and cleaning service can improve both performance and energy efficiency.
Schedule an Air Duct Inspection/Cleaning
Inspecting air ducts allows a technician to spot any blockages, contamination, loose connections, holes, or ductwork damage. A blockage can restrict airflow and strain your HVAC system, while air leakage can dramatically decrease efficiency. Cleaning ducts of dust, dander, pollen, debris, pet hair, bugs, and other allergens as well as toxins improves air quality. An indoor air quality issue can worsen spring allergies and lead to a host of other health issues. Build-up in ducts can become a fire hazard as well.
Replace Your HVAC Filters
Replacing an air conditioning filter is generally a simple task. You can do it on your own or let a service professional help. A technician can find the right-sized filter and suggest a more effective type. Fresh filters prevent dirt and dust from contaminating the system and improve airflow, so your air conditioner can run more efficiently. The filter should be changed at least once each season or more frequently with higher usage if you have pets, or your home is prone to dusty conditions.
Clean Your Vents
Vents and registers are notorious for collecting dust and pet dander. By keeping them clean, you can freshen up the air in your home. It also helps improve overall system efficiency.
Adjust Your Thermostat Based on Outdoor Temps
The outdoor temperature affects comfort inside your home. If your AC is working harder to keep things very cool, and it’s not that hot outside, more energy is used than necessary. Also, adjust the thermostat higher when you are away. And check that it matches the actual indoor air temperature; a variation of just a couple of degrees can cause you to pay more for cooling.
Don’t Forget to Check on the Furnace
A technician should check your furnace regularly for leaks, corrosion, and damage that can lead to heating system failure as well as a fire or carbon monoxide leak. Many furnace issues are hard to spot unless you look closely. A professional can address any possible issues so your furnace will be ready once you need it again. Plus, a furnace in a central AC system uses the same ducts for heating and cooling, so spring maintenance is a good idea.
Contact Sky Heating, AC & Plumbing
We provide heating and air conditioning installation, repair, and replacement as well as HVAC maintenance. Serving Portland, The Dalles, and Gresham, our trained technicians provide comprehensive tune-ups, remove debris, and inspect/adjust equipment with precision while ensuring your system starts up, operates, and shuts down normally. They are also available 24/7 for emergency service. Sign up for our Sky Signature Protection Plan to receive priority maintenance that prevents breakdowns; to make an appointment, schedule service online or call 541-275-2918 today!