Get Your Home Ready for Summer with HVAC Maintenance

You’ve been hibernating all winter, but March is the month when things start happening. If you’re like many homeowners, you may be anxious to brush off the cobwebs of winter and throw open the windows. Amid the flurry of straightening up and cleaning, don’t overlook your heating and cooling system. After all, spring is the prelude to another blistering summer, making this an ideal time to get your HVAC system in tip-top shape. Not sure what spring cleaning your HVAC system entails? Add these things to your March home maintenance checklist.

Replace the Air Filter

The air filter is one of the most important parts of your furnace or air conditioner, protecting sensitive equipment from airborne particles and promoting cleaner indoor air. Consistently swap out the air filter according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. If you have pets that live in the residence or have allergies, change the filter up to once a month to preserve indoor air quality. Otherwise, replacing your HVAC filter with a new one every three months is enough. In addition to trapping and removing airborne pollutants more effectively, a clean filter promotes better airflow to increase system efficiency by up to 15%.

Examine the Condensate Drain

Your air conditioning system doesn’t simply cool your residence—it also dehumidifies. The condensate drain is the key to getting rid of extra moisture from your AC. The drain should be free-flowing and the system’s hose should be leak-free and correctly placed. Glance at your condensate drain whenever you replace the filter to keep your system running efficiently—and also help you spot early signs of water damage.

Increase Your Home’s Airflow

Before switching on the air conditioner for the first time this spring, open your windows and doors to circulate fresh air inside. If you notice an excessively stuffy interior before taking this step, you may benefit by adding a whole-house ventilation system. This upgrade blows stale air outside and swaps it for clean, fresh air from outside. Certain equipment pre-cools and dehumidifies incoming air to decrease the impact on your energy expenses while helping you breathe better.

Deep Clean Your Home

Extensively cleaning your home complements your HVAC maintenance checklist by decreasing the amount of dust and allergens that circulate through the system. Pay extra attention to these items:

• Clean off ceiling fan blades.
• Seal gaps under or around windows and doors using caulk or weather stripping.
• Clean the grime out of sliding glass door tracks.
• Clean the coils located beneath or behind the refrigerator.
• Clean light fixtures and swap old incandescent bulbs for energy-saving LEDs.

Enhance Your Thermostat

If you haven’t yet discovered programmable or smart thermostats, spring is a very good time to think about this affordable upgrade. A programmable thermostat makes a big difference in your home’s comfort and energy consumption. Start off by setting the temperature to 78 degrees F when you’re going to be inside the residence. Then, set up automatic setback periods of 7 to 10 degrees when no one is home during the day. With recovery periods planned for your arrival time, you can enjoy up to 10% energy savings without losing comfort.

A smart thermostat takes these perks a step further by letting you make modifications remotely. You can also check your energy consumption in a mobile app and get tailored, cost-cutting tips.

Have Your Ducts Sealed and Insulated

Ductwork may develop leaks that negatively impact your air quality and raise your energy bills. Sealing these leaks helps your cooling system function more efficiently and flow clean, healthy air. Once sealed, insulate your ductwork to keep the air cool on its way to supply registers throughout your home.

Clean the Outside Unit

The outside condenser unit can become filled with debris during the winter. Here’s how to give it a good cleaning this March:

• Remove leaves, pine needles and grass clippings from around the unit.
• Gently wash off the metal fins to remove dirt and cobwebs.
• Cut back adjacent shrubs and grasses to create a one- to two-foot clearance.
• Inspect the unit for damage, such as missing insulation or bent fins.

• Contact a professional technician for AC service before the summer heat takes hold. 

Test Your HVAC Unit

After performing your spring cleaning checklist, it’s time to try out your AC. Run it for several minutes to make sure its working. If you encounter any trouble, verify your thermostat is set correctly before contacting a professional for help.

Schedule Cooling Solutions in Winnipeg with Winnipeg Supply Service Experts

If your heating and cooling system needs special assistance this spring, Winnipeg Supply Service Experts is the team for the job. Our HVAC services help keep your home comfortable and energy efficient all the time. Count on fast, long-lasting solutions to all your comfort concerns, backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. That’s right—if you’re not completely happy with our services, we’ll make it right. For a spring-ready HVAC system that delivers efficiency and peace of mind, call 204-800-0613 to reach the heating and cooling professionals at Winnipeg Supply Service Experts today.