Spring is the season to spring into action against poor indoor air quality and winter clutter. It’s also the ideal time to prepare your HVAC system for the warmer upcoming months.

Since it still feels like winter, not many homeowners are prioritizing getting their HVAC system prepped for spring. Soon spring will bring forth a lot of beautiful things — warmth, flowers, Easter. But as anyone with allergies knows, spring also brings pollen and other allergens. Airborne allergens on top of dirty air ducts could make for a sick and drowsy household.

Beyond indoor air quality, it is a good idea to schedule a professional air conditioning tune-up to increase energy efficiency, lower utility bills, and ward off repairs and replacements By having your system cleaned and maintained regularly, you are guaranteed greater efficiency and a healthier environment.

Use this HVAC Spring Maintenance Checklist to prepare your HVAC system for spring. From changing the filter to cleaning around the condenser unit, learn why you need to prepare for spring and how to do it.

HVAC Spring Maintenance Checklist

Air Filter

Use the change in seasons as an opportunity to change out the air filter. Air filters should be replaced according to need and use, approximately every 30 to 90 days. Make it a habit of inspecting the air filter every month and wait no longer than 3 months to replace it.

Air filters are key to maintaining healthy indoor air quality. If the air filter is dirty, the air is dirty. Additionally, if the air filter is dirty, then it is harder for your air conditioner to do its job; resulting in poor airflow, more wear and tear, and higher energy costs.

Duct Cleaning

In the interest of easier breathing and better indoor air quality, we recommend scheduling a professional duct cleaning at least every 5-7 years. During a professional tune-up, an HVAC technician can inform you on the state of your air ducts. Speak with a professional about testing your air ducts for cleanliness and air-tightness.

Duct Sealing

Don’t let precious conditioned air escape out of gaps and cracks in your ductwork. In the average home, around 20-30% of conditioned air flowing through the air ducts escapes through cracks and gaps in the ductwork. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, “Sealing and insulating ducts can improve the efficiency of your heating and cooling system by as much as 20 percent – and sometimes much more.”

In addition to keeping your HVAC and duct system cleaner, professional duct sealing also improves efficiency and lowers energy bills.

Clean Around the Unit

Do you ever pay attention to your outdoor unit? Every once in a while, it needs to be checked up on. It’s possible that over the winter months, overgrown foliage, trash or other debris could have found its way around the condenser unit. Keep the area around the unit clear to prevent any issues. There should be a minimum 2-foot clearance around the entire unit. Be careful when planting around your HVAC unit—think about how large your plants will grow. A clean and clear unit is essential for maintaining high-efficiency levels and reliability. HVAC technicians also appreciate the clear path.

When clearing the area around your unit, you may possibly notice a pest that has found its way inside. Turn the system off and contact an HVAC technician right away if you suspect that an animal could be in your unit.

Indoors, make sure there is nothing located near the vents, registers, or indoor air handler. The key is to keep the air flowing as free as possible around your HVAC system.

Thermostat Upgrade

Your thermostat has been set to “HEAT” for months now. When spring comes, be sure to switch over to the cooling option. What type of thermostat do you currently have? Consider a programmable thermostat upgrade if you do not currently have this convenient and cost-effective piece of equipment in your home. Easily control the temperature of your space whether it’s day or night, whether you’re headed to work or headed to bed. Smart thermostats offer energy savings by learning your unique schedule, self-correcting, and providing energy tips and reports.

Schedule a Spring Tune-Up

Bi-annual maintenance by a professional HVAC technician is vital to the performance and longevity of your system. At McCoy’s Heating & Air, we are offering a spring cleaning starting at $149 or sign up for our preventative maintenance plan starting at $199. Contact us today to schedule your spring air conditioning cleaning for the Hub City area.