While spring is a nice relief from the winter, some may forget that it is a harbinger of summer. With this in mind, it’s a good time to check on your air conditioning before summer comes. The following maintenance tips could save you money and reduce the risk of inconvenient failures or need for expensive urgent repairs.
Clean up your outdoor unit
During fall, leaves from nearby trees can cause a lot of clutter. These and other debris may build up around your outdoor unit during the off-season. So, as one of your first priorities when spring comes, rake away leaves or branches and cut back nearby plants. Also wash or vacuum off grime from the coils.
Give your outdoor unit a once-over
Even a simple visual inspection could uncover issues that will need to be fixed before you can turn your air conditioning on. If you see anything unusual, especially if the condenser looks damaged, give your HVAC tech a call.
Replace or upgrade your HVAC filter
Old, clogged filters reduce air quality and put strain on your HVAC system, consuming more energy and increasing the risk of damage. You should change out your filter once every 30 to 90 days. Also, when you replace your filter, consider upgrading to a newer filter.
Check for air leaks inside your home
No matter how smoothly your air conditioning is running, it will have difficulty keeping a house with air leaks cool. Give the weather stripping around your windows and doors a once-over. If any of these are cracked, warped, or detached, you should replace them. Keeping your air envelope properly sealed greatly reduces the amount of strain on your HVAC system during both summer and winter.
Test your air conditioning
It may seem like a no-brainer, but make sure you test your air conditioning before you need it. Make sure that after a minute or two of running, cool air is coming from the vents. Also listen for any abnormal noises that could signal a problem.
Schedule a professional maintenance service
There’s no better way to make sure your entire system will be ready for the coming season than to schedule a professional HVAC checkup. A professional service will tighten any loose components and look for signs of wear on the system. Regular HVAC maintenance is important for keeping your system in top condition.
If you’re looking for someone to have a look at your HVAC system, consider Brock Heating & Air! We can reliably make sure your air conditioning is ready for the coming summer, or that your heating is ready for the winter.