Get Your Home Ready for Summer with HVAC Maintenance

You’ve been hibernating all winter, but March is the month when things start shifting in a warmer direction. If you’re like many homeowners, you may be eager to leave winter in the dust and embrace the promise of spring. Amid the flurry of organizing and cleaning, don’t neglect your furnace and air conditioning system. After all, spring is the prelude to another hot summer, making this a great time to get your HVAC system in good shape. Not sure what spring cleaning your HVAC system includes? Add these items to your March home maintenance checklist.

Replace the Air Filter

The air filter is one of the most important parts of your heating and cooling system, protecting your finely tuned home comfort equipment from airborne particles and promoting cleaner indoor air. Routinely swap out the air filter according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. If you have pets in the household or have allergies, change the filter up to once a month to preserve indoor air quality. If not, replacing a dirty filter with a new one every three months is enough. In addition to ridding your home of airborne pollutants more successfully, a clean filter promotes better airflow to boost system efficiency by up to 15%.

Examine the Condensate Drain

Your AC doesn’t only cool your residence—it also dehumidifies. The condensate drain is the key to removing extra moisture from your AC. The drain should be free-flowing and the connecting hose should be leak-free and properly placed. Check on your condensate drain every time you replace the filter to keep your system running properly—and also help you spot warning signs of water damage.

Enjoy Some Fresh Air

Before turning on your AC for the first time this spring, open your windows and doors to circulate fresh air inside. If you notice an excessively stuffy interior before taking this step, consider adding a whole-house ventilation system. This upgrade expels stale, contaminated air to the exterior and replaces it with clean, fresh air from outside. Certain equipment pre-cools and dehumidifies incoming air to reduce the impact on your energy bills while helping you breathe cleaner, healthier air.

Give Your Home a Good Cleaning

Meticulously cleaning your home complements your HVAC maintenance checklist by limiting the amount of dust and allergens that flow through the system. Pay specific attention to these items:

• Wipe down 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.
• Clean light fixtures and exchange old incandescent bulbs for energy-saving LEDs.

Enhance Your Thermostat

If you haven’t yet looked into programmable or smart thermostats, spring is a perfect time to contemplate adding this affordable upgrade. A programmable thermostat makes a huge difference in your home’s comfort and energy use. Start by setting the temperature to 78 degrees F when you’re at home. After that, set up automatic setback periods of 7 to 10 degrees when no one is home during the day. With recovery periods scheduled for your arrival time, you can enjoy up to 10% energy savings without losing comfort.

A smart thermostat takes these perks a step further by letting you make adjustments remotely. You can also monitor your energy use in a mobile app and get customized, cost-cutting tips.

Check Your Ductwork and Insulation Levels

Ductwork may develop leaks that compromise air quality and increase your energy expenses. Sealing these leaks helps your cooling system function more efficiently and circulate clean, healthy air. Once sealed, insulate your ductwork so you don’t lose any cold air before it gets to your living area.

Spray Out the Outdoor Unit

The outdoor condenser unit accumulates debris while hibernating over the winter. Here’s how to give it a good cleaning this March:

• Rake leaves, pine needles and grass clippings from near the unit.
• Delicately wash off the metal fins to remove dirt and cobwebs.
• Trim surrounding shrubs and grasses to maintain a one- to two-foot clearance.
• Check the unit for damage, such as missing insulation or bent fins.

• Get in touch with a professional technician for AC service before the summer heat arrives. 

Try Out Your HVAC Unit

After performing your spring cleaning checklist, it’s time to test your AC. Allow it to run for several minutes to verify it is producing cool air like it should. If you encounter any problems, make sure your thermostat is set to cool before calling a professional for help.

Schedule AC Services in Windsor with Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts

If your air conditioning system needs special help this spring, Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts is the company to call. Our HVAC solutions help keep your home comfortable and energy efficient all year-round. Enjoy fast, long-lasting solutions to all your comfort problems, backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. That’s right—if you’re not absolutely happy with our services, we’ll make it right. For a spring-ready AC system that promises efficiency and peace of mind, call 226-773-3357 to reach the heating and cooling professionals at Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts today.