Updated September 2023
When the warm weather approaches, every homeowner has a few things that they need to cross off their to-do list. One often overlooked item that belongs on every spring preparation checklist is preparing your HVAC system. Learn everything you need to do to get your air conditioning ready for the heat.
1. Take Off Your Condenser Cover
In the fall, some homeowners choose to cover their condenser units. Doing so protects the unit from the brutality of winter and may extend the life of your system. However, leaving your HVAC covered while it’s running is a recipe for disaster. If you fail to remove the cover, your whole system could be in jeopardy. Be sure to remove the cover before you turn on your air conditioner.
2. Tidy Up the Area Around Your Condenser
Your condenser coils work by transferring heat. If there is any debris touching the coil, the system won’t work efficiently. You can prevent this from happening by checking the area around the condenser. Look for any vegetation that may have fallen near the condenser and remove it. If there are any shrubs or plants growing near it, trim them so that there’s clear space around the condenser.
3. Change Your Filters
HVAC filters prevent allergens and other particles from circulating throughout your home. But they don’t have eternal life, and a dirty filter does more harm than good. Every one to three months, you should change all of the filters on your air conditioning. When the warm weather approaches, use it as a reminder to change out your filters. The winter can be particularly harsh on your filters, so there’s a good chance yours will need to be replaced in the spring. Before changing out your filter, make sure you have the right size and type of filter. It needs to fit snugly in your vent, or it won’t do its job. If you have any questions about the location of your filters or what type of filters you need, you should speak with someone who has experience working on HVAC.
4. Clean Out Your Registers and Supply Vents
Your filter isn’t the only part of your HVAC that needs to be changed after the long winter. While your heating system is on overdrive, your HVAC system’s registers and supply vents become dirty. To clean them, use a vacuum and suck up dust, pet hair, and other particles. Even if your system uses different grills for cooling and heating, you should follow this step. It will make your system more efficient and limit the need for frequent repairs.
5. Schedule a Duct Cleaning
Air ducts are responsible for moving air from your HVAC system to the various rooms in your home. Thanks to the ducts, you can keep the temperature of your house relatively steady. Over time, your air ducts collect dust and other contaminants. Fortunately, you can remove those unwanted particles by cleaning your ducts. This is not a DIY job, and you should hire a professional to ensure that your ducts are cleaned safely and effectively.
6. Test the Thermostat on Your Air Conditioning
Before you start using your air conditioner, you should make sure the thermostat is working properly. Otherwise, you’ll be in for a harsh surprise when the temperatures rise. If there’s a problem with your thermostat, you should get it fixed before the weather becomes uncomfortable. To test your thermostat, switch the system to cooling. Then, drop the temperature to several degrees lower than the temperature of your home. Does the system kick on? If not, you could have a problem with your thermostat. The early spring is a great time to upgrade your thermostat. If you don’t already have one, you may want to consider changing out your old thermostat for a programmable one. You could cut costs on your monthly energy bill.
7. Let the System Run
After testing your thermostat, you should test the whole system. Let it run for a few hours and make sure air is flowing from all of your vents. If your home doesn’t feel cool enough, you should consult with an HVAC technician.
8. Schedule Routine HVAC Maintenance
Although you can take some steps towards preparing your HVAC system for the warm weather, you need an HVAC technician to finish the job. Your system should be serviced at least once a year. Doing your maintenance in the spring is ideal because it gives you time to make repairs to your system. Additionally, it may identify problems with your system before it requires an expensive repair. Routine maintenance in the spring means that you won’t need to live in discomfort when the summer approaches.
Why Is It So Important to Prep Your HVAC System?
Some people don’t make HVAC system prep a priority. However, this is a mistake. There are several reasons you need to prepare your system for the warm weather. For one, it’s unlikely that you ran your air conditioner at all in the winter. As it sat there unused, your air conditioner may have become damaged. You need to take steps to ensure that your system is in working order. Another reason to prep your system is to save money. When you don’t perform routine maintenance, your HVAC system suffers. It’s more likely to break down and could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs. Furthermore, a poorly maintained system costs you money on your energy bill. Finally, prepping your HVAC system keeps you comfortable. No one wants to be stuck in the sweltering heat. Why wait for the warm weather to find out that your HVAC system won’t keep you cool? Getting your system ready before the heat index rises is a great way to identify problems and stay cool all summer long. If you want to prep your system for the spring and summer, contact us at Home Comfort Solutions. We’re ready to get your air conditioning in tip-top shape.
