Prepare Your HVAC System for Spring
As the days and nights get warmer this spring, your focus shifts from keeping your home warm to cooling it down. Getting your heating and cooling equipment ready for the changing seasons is essential if you want to maintain home comfort and energy efficiency. Stick to these HVAC system transition strategies from the HVAC specialists at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning to be sure your air conditioner is primed and ready for the warmer months ahead.
Inspect the Air Filter
Your HVAC filter slowly accumulates dust, pollen and other particles, decreasing airflow. This forces your system to work harder. Preferably, you should replace the filter every three months or less, depending on usage and filter type. Select the correct size and efficiency rating for your system, because using an incorrect filter can overly restrict airflow and diminish efficiency. If you’re uncertain which filter to buy or how to install it into your system, ask your HVAC technician during your next routine tune-up to demonstrate.
Inspect the Exterior Condensing Unit
The outdoor portion of your AC system that releases hot air, also known as a condensing unit, is a fundamental part of the cooling process. Here’s how to get your exterior AC equipment ready for another summer:
- Pull off the AC cover: If you placed a cover or board over your outdoor unit to protect it from snow and ice, remove it before turning on the air conditioner for the first time this spring.
- Clean the unit: Over the fall and winter, your outside unit may have gotten buried in leaves, dirt and other waste. You can spray it with a garden hose to remove this buildup.
- Get rid of neighboring debris: The area surrounding your outdoor unit must remain clear for proper airflow. Rake away leaves, pine needles and other debris close to the HVAC equipment. Also, prune nearby any plants to make sure you have at least 12 to 24 inches of clearance on all sides.
- Make sure the unit is level: The concrete pad your condensing unit is situated on may shift or settle as time passes, causing the unit to tilt. To prevent improper operation and premature wear, adjust the unit by wedging shims under its base. Verify your adjustments with a carpenter’s level.
Change the Thermostat
Set your thermostat to a comfortable yet energy-efficient temperature. For the warmer months, 78 degrees F is suggested while you’re going to be home. If you feel overheated, operate the ceiling fan to make the room feel cooler without reducing the thermostat.
Raise the temperature by 7 to 10 degrees when everyone is out of the residence during the day to save on power costs. To avoid compromising comfort, use a programmable thermostat and set it to resume to a higher temperature when you are going to be back home. This approach saves up to 10% on your cooling costs.
Examine and Vacuum Your Air Registers
Dust, pet hair and other particles can build up on supply and return registers, restricting airflow. Use the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to remove this buildup. After that, verify all your vents are open and unobstructed by things like rugs or curtains.
Despite what some have been told, closing vents in spare rooms does not save energy; all it does is interrupt the system’s return/supply balance. To avoid excessive strain, keep at least 80% of your supply registers open and unblocked at all times.
Locate and Fix Air Leaks
Leaky windows, doors and other gaps enable hot, humid air to sneak in your home. To correct this issue, examine window and door seals, using caulk and weatherstripping to seal any gaps. Then, search the attic for insufficient insulation or breaks near pipes, ductwork and light fixtures. Seal these leaks with spray foam and top them with additional insulation to minimize unwanted air exchange through the attic floor.
Turn on Your System to Test It
Before the season really gets hot, turn on your air conditioning for a few minutes. Walk around your home and make sure cool air flows effortlessly from every vent. If you discover anything amiss, call in a professional HVAC tech for AC repair to take care of the problem before it becomes a large issue.
Schedule Knowledgeable HVAC Maintenance with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning
While at-home HVAC service is beneficial, it can’t replace the thorough care provided by a certified professional. Work like measuring the refrigerant charge, tightening electrical connections and cleaning the evaporator coil demand specialized tools and training that only specialists possess.
Spring is an excellent time to schedule AC maintenance, helping you to deal with issues early on and prepare the system for the summer heat. Prioritize this service to appreciate the following benefits:
- Reduced energy costs
- Fewer midseason breakdowns
- Lower repair costs
- Better home comfort
- Longer system life span
- Protected warranty coverage
Why Choose Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for Your HVAC Needs in Fort Lauderdale?
Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning provides reputable AC services to ensure your comfort and satisfaction this spring. Our ACE-certified technicians are trained to provide speedy, effective solutions to all your heating and air conditioning desires. For skilled service that lives up to our name, phone 954-736-4314 today!