Spring Checklist For Your HVAC System

Before you clean or check any other parts of your HVAC system, it’s imperative you examine the electrical connections of your HVAC system. Why is this? Well, you don’t want any faulty electric connections wreaking havoc on your home since it can be very unsafe for this to continue without being checked by a professional to ensure the safety of you and your family.

Also, a faulty electric connection can reduce the lifespan of your system, which will cost you more money in the long-run. Make sure your electrical connection is safe and adequately connected before firing it up again for those summer days that are just around the corner.

You want to make sure you are going to get the best level of coolness coming out of your air conditioner when the summer days turn humid and hot. Therefore, you should start by checking the refrigerant levels to verify there’s enough in there to effectively cool your home during those dog days of summer. Otherwise, you put yourself at risk of not getting that cool air when you need it most.

Next, you should change your air filters since dust and dirt accumulate on them. Dirty filters can have a negative effect on the air circulation capacity of your air-conditioning unit. Therefore, changing your air filters every month can help prevent any damage from occurring to your HVAC system. You might think you are cutting costs by waiting a few months between each filter change, but you can actually lose money by not changing the filter frequently.

During those cold winter months, everyone neglects their front- and backyards a bit. We often forget to clear away those stray branches and dirt left over from winter storms or high winds. However, leaves or other debris can block your vents, which will affect the airflow that leads into your home.

So, take advantage of the more-hospitable spring weather and clean your outdoor unit with a garden hose (be sure to turn the unit’s power off first), or use whatever buckets or barrels you have on hand to gently wash away any contaminants; be sure not to use a pressure washer, which is too strong and can damage your coil. By taking care of your HVAC system in spring, you’ll ensure that it can return the favor for you and your family all summer.

You should also clean and lubricate your unit’s indoor components, such as the blower fans and coils. This will allow your system to work more effectively and efficiently. You can use anything gentle like warm water mixed with a mild dishwashing liquid or even some household white vinegar.