Spring Forward: HVAC System Transition Strategies for the Spring Season
As the weather warms this spring, your awareness shifts from heating your home to cooling it. Getting your heating and cooling equipment ready for the changing seasons is crucial if you want to maintain home comfort and energy efficiency. Stick to these HVAC system transition tips from the HVAC pros at Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts to ensure your air conditioner is primed and ready for the warmer months ahead.
Check the Air Filter
Your HVAC filter gradually traps dust, pollen and other particles, minimizing airflow. This requires your system to work harder. If possible, you should replace the filter every three months or less, based on usage and filter type. Pick 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 decrease efficiency. If you’re unsure which filter to buy or how to install it into your system, ask your HVAC specialist during your next maintenance visit to demonstrate.
Examine the Outside Condensing Unit
The outdoor unit of your AC system that releases hot air, also known as a condensing unit, is a crucial part of the cooling process. Here’s how to get your exterior AC equipment ready for another summer:
- Pull off the AC cover: If you threw a cover or board over your outdoor unit to protect it during the cold months, remove it before turning on the air conditioning for the first time this spring.
- Clean the unit: Over the fall and winter, your outdoor unit may have gotten buried in leaves, dirt and other waste. Carefully hose it down with a garden hose to wash away this buildup.
- Get rid of neighboring debris: The area around your outdoor unit must remain clear for optimal airflow. Remove leaves, pine needles and other debris around the condenser. Also, trim nearby any plants to maintain at least 12 to 24 inches of clearance on all sides.
- Check that the unit is level: The concrete pad your condensing unit is situated on may shift or settle as time passes, causing the unit to tilt. To protect against improper operation and premature wear, level the unit by wedging shims underneath its base. Confirm your adjustments with a carpenter’s level.
Adjust the Thermostat
Set your thermostat to a comfortable yet energy-efficient temperature. For the warmer months, 78 degrees F is suggested while you’re at home. If you feel overheated, operate the ceiling fan to make the room feel cooler without reducing the thermostat.
Increase the temperature by 7 to 10 degrees when no one is home during the day to reduce your energy bills. To avoid sacrificing comfort, buy a programmable thermostat and set it to resume to a comfortable temperature when you are going to be back home. This approach saves up to 10% on your cooling expenses.
Examine and Clear Out Your Air Registers
Dust, pet hair and other debris can collect on supply and return registers, restricting airflow. Use the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to clear away this buildup. Then, ensure that all your vents are open and not blocked by furniture, rugs or curtains.
Contrary to popular belief, closing vents in spare rooms does not save energy; all it does is disrupt the system’s return/supply balance. To prevent undue strain, keep at least 80% of your supply registers open and unblocked at all times.
Detect and Close Air Leaks
Leaky windows, doors and other cracks allow hot, humid air to get into your home. To correct this issue, inspect window and door seals, using caulk and weatherstripping to seal any cracks. Then, check the attic for insufficient insulation or gaps next to pipes, ductwork and light fixtures. Close these leaks with spray foam and top them with additional insulation to cut down on unwanted air exchange through the attic floor.
Run a Test Cycle
Before the season warms up, run your air conditioner for a few minutes. Walk around your home and make sure cool air flows easily from every single vent. If you discover anything wrong, call a heating and cooling specialist to conduct AC repair to take care of the problem before it becomes a large issue.
Schedule Knowledgeable HVAC Maintenance with Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts
While at-home maintenance is helpful, it can’t replace the thorough care provided by a certified professional. Work like measuring the refrigerant charge, tightening electrical connections and cleaning the evaporator coil call for specialized tools and training that only professionals possess.
Spring is an excellent time to plan AC maintenance, allowing you to fix issues at the beginning and prepare the system for the summer heat. Prioritize this service to experience the following benefits:
- Lower energy costs
- Fewer midseason breakdowns
- Reduced repair costs
- Better home comfort
- Longer system life span
- Protected warranty coverage
Why Choose Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts for Your HVAC Needs in Windsor?
Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts provides dependable AC services to ensure your comfort and satisfaction this spring. Our certified technicians are trained to provide fast, effective solutions to all your heating and cooling desires. For experienced service that lives up to our name, call 226-773-3357 today!