Is Your HVAC System Ready for Spring?
With HVAC systems laying dormant in the winter, it’s important to ensure that you get things ready for lift-off in the spring. Re-starting the gears in your HVAC unit can take some time, but having the right checklist will help you get it done fast. With the right guidance, you can be sure that your unit is ready to start cooling you down when warm weather hits. Worried that your HVAC system is not ready for spring? Cardinal Plumbing, Heating and Air will make sure that it’s good to go before you need it most. Call us at (703) 705-4466 or schedule an online appointment. Keep reading for cost-saving tips to help your HVAC unit run smoothly this spring.
Clean the Coils and Unit
After a long winter season, debris can land in and clog your unused HVAC system. Here are some tips to help make HVAC unit cleaning easier:- Use a broom to sweep away any dirt.
- Remove spider webs, dust and other particles.
- Use a cloth towel to wipe away any dirt on the surface and to clean the outside vents.
- Use a broom or towel to clean any exposed coils around the unit.
- Remove any objects or landscaping that may be blocking the unit.
Test the Air Conditioner
Due to the long period of inactivity during the winter, some units may not work as well when you first turn them on. It is important to check for proper functioning as soon as you can, preferably before the weather warms up, so that you’re not stuck without cold air on a hot day. Before you turn your HVAC system on, be sure to remove any debris such as objects or landscaping from the around the unit. Then, you can set the thermostat to “cool” and listen for it to cycle on. After a couple of minutes, you should be able to hear the air rushing through the duct system and out of the vents. Check that the air conditioner is producing cold air. Here are a few things that can alert you to a problem of potential malfunction:- Strange noises that may indicate a faulty or loose part.
- How long it takes for the unit to cycle on.
- Strange smells coming through the vents.
Change the Air Filters
A cost-effective way to ensure that your AC unit is ready for spring is to change out the air filters. They may seem insignificant but air filters have a big job to do when it comes to protecting you and your family. Air filters ensure that the air is free from dust, debris and dirt. After a while, air filters become clogged and reduce a unit’s efficiency. Avoid this with monthly filter changes. By completing this easy task you will save money on utility bills, extend the lifespan of your unit and increase efficiency.Install a Programmable Thermostat
Programmable thermostats are popular for people who spend most of their time away from home during the day. Installing a programmable thermostat will give you the luxury of setting temperature changes throughout the day. For example, in the summer you may want to keep the temperature cool in the morning, as you get ready for work, and in the evening for when you get home from work. During the day, you can set the temperature to increase when you’re not home.This will help to keep your energy bills low and keep you comfortable when you are at home. Some programmable thermostats come with an option to record the history of temperature changes. This recording option is perfect for anyone who wants to be in the know about when their unit is decreasing in efficiency.Seal Up any Cracks or Leaks
You should always expect the unexpected when starting up your air conditioning unit for warmer weather. Sometimes, cracks and leaks can appear during disuse. This is normal. Loose debris and inactivity may create holes and open seals in your unit and in your air ducts. Sealing up any visible cracks is a great task to complete at the start of the spring season. Check around the unit for any openings and seal them with a silicone caulk. Although HVAC unit cracks are easy to seal on your own, for air duct sealing and repair, it is necessary to request expert help. Either way, if you feel out of your depth be sure to call an expert technician.Schedule Maintenance
Routine maintenance is key to successfully getting your HVAC unit ready for spring and summer. It is best to have one maintenance appointment in the winter—to prepare for spring start-up—and one in the spring, to prepare for heavy use in the summer. HVAC technicians may complete some of these tasks during their inspection:- Inspect the HVAC unit for any cracks or broken seals.
- Replace any parts that are broken or malfunctioning.
- Clean the area around and inside of the unit.
- Change the air filters, if you haven’t done so already.
