Spring has sprung. In Texas, that means the heat is coming on. This is the time of year when you most desperately need your HVAC system to be working. But a functioning HVAC system requires routine HVAC maintenance. Without it, you may accidentally overwork or break your unit. Can you imagine being without AC in the hottest months of a Texas summer?
Fortunately, you don’t have to. Keep reading for 7 important spring HVAC maintenance tips. This guide will help you maintain your HVAC system and keep it running smoothly.
1. Test Your AC Before You Need It
Too often, homeowners wait until the hot weather is upon them before they turn on the AC for the first time that season. This is a mistake.
If you haven’t been routinely using your AC, it may have developed an issue over the winter that you are not aware of. You may go to turn on your AC for the first time in a few months and realize that it doesn’t work.
This is why you should always test your AC about a month before you think you will need it. Listen for weird sounds and look for leaks. If you notice either of these things, call a professional for HVAC service.
2. Change Your Air Filter
The air filter on your HVAC system needs to be changed fairly regularly. Experts recommend changing it at least every 90 days. Perhaps more frequently during times of high use, like spring and summer.
A professional can help you determine the appropriate size for replacement filters. They can also tell you what kind of filter will be the most efficient for your system. But changing the air filter is an easy process that you can do on your own.
Turn off your HVAC system. Then remove the access panel on the unit. Remove the dirty air filter and replace it with the clean one.
Then replace the access panel. You are ready to go for the next 90 days!
3. Install a Digital Thermostat
One way to make HVAC maintenance easier is to make your system more efficient. Installing a digital thermostat makes your heating and cooling system instantly more effective.
Digital thermostats allow you to set your HVAC to a precise temperature. Programmable thermostats will let you control the temperature in different rooms and set time limits on your heating and cooling. This kind of precision creates maximum efficiency and helps keep your system running smoothly.
4. Clean the Air Ducts
Air ducts have a tendency to collect dust and grime. The more accumulation there is, the harder your HVAC system has to work in order to get its job done. Dirty air ducts can lead to higher energy bills, dirty homes, and even health problems.
You should have your air ducts cleaned by a professional every 3-5 years. Telltale signs that it’s time to clean the air ducts include dusty vents and mold or mildew in the home. Pay special attention to your air duct vents in the spring, since that’s when many people activate their AC for the first time in a few months.
5. Unclog Your Drain Line
AC problems sometimes stem from a clogged drain line. If you suspect that you have this issue, turn off your HVAC unit at the breaker and at the thermostat. Then locate the AC condensate pan.
This pan is likely located under the unit. Pull it out. If you have any standing water in the pan, it is probably due to a clogged drain.
Call a professional to help you with this issue. Leaving it unresolved can result in a broken or hazardous system.
6. Trim Back Your Garden
Keeping obstructions away from your HVAC system is a good rule of thumb all year round. Try to keep at least two feet clear in any direction. But it is especially true for outdoor units during the spring.
Everything begins to bloom, and things may grow in front of your system that were not there in the winter. For outdoor units, mow any grass that may be in the way. Also, take care to trim any branches, stalks, or leaves that could become an obstruction.
The same goes for indoor units. Did you get a portable AC unit to beat the heat during the warm spring months? Then be sure to keep the area clear on all sides to avoid inefficiency and hazards.
7. Clean Vents
The vents, also known as “grills,” are the connectors between your air ducts and the rooms of your house. Your HVAC system blows air through the air ducts and vents to heat or cool your home. If there’s anything clogging the vents, your system won’t be able to function effectively.
To clean the vent, remove it from the wall or floor and wipe it down on both sides with a damp rag.
Remember that your vents also serve as a litmus test for your air ducts and HVAC system. If there is a large accumulation of dust, grime, or mold, it is likely indicative of a larger problem. Call a professional immediately.
HVAC Maintenance Keeps Your Home Running Smoothly
Spring maintenance is important for a functioning HVAC system. And if you have questions about the process, we are here to help.
Our team at P&M Air Conditioning and Heating has been servicing the Houston area since 1947. We’re a family-owned and operated business that is committed to providing you with one-on-one customer service every time.
If you have HVAC maintenance questions or concerns, we can help. Visit our Contact page to get in touch with us today!