Like all major home appliances, HVAC units need preventative care to ensure they operate efficiently all year long. Spring is the perfect time to maintain your unit and ensure it is running optimally ahead of the new season. This is also a great time to schedule a maintenance appointment for your HVAC unit to ensure it is ready to face warmer weather. Continue reading to discover our spring HVAC maintenance checklist:
Replace Air Filters
One of the first things homeowners should do this spring is replace the air filters in their HVAC units. Dirty or clogged air filters can lead to many problems, including inefficient cooling/heating, increased utility bills, and even become a fire hazard if not replaced. The dust that builds up on HVAC air filters prevents clean airflow, which can exacerbate seasonal allergies and decrease the air quality in your home. We recommend that homeowners replace their air filters every 3 months to ensure they are receiving clean and efficient airflow. Depending on how quickly your air filters get dirty, you may need to replace them more frequently.
Clean Indoor Vents
Like HVAC air filters, indoor air vents can also get clogged and lead to poor indoor air quality over time. Spring is a great time to clean around your indoor air vents while you are dusting and doing your routine spring cleaning. To clean your indoor air vents, remove the vent cover and vacuum any visible dust from the area. Then you can simply wipe clean the air vent covers to ensure they are free of dust and debris. If your air vents haven’t been cleaned in a while, they may need a more in-depth clean, but always make sure the vent covers are dry before replacing.
Consider Indoor Air Quality
Providing health and clean airflow is the most important job your HVAC unit has. However, pollen, pet dander, and other airborne pollutants can make your HVAC unit work inefficiently, leading to inadequate heating/cooling and poor indoor air quality. During the spring, homeowners need to be even more aware of indoor air quality with the onset of pollen and seasonal allergies. The best way to maintain good indoor air quality is by investing in products that can reduce indoor contaminants, prevent bacteria build up, and improve the lifespan of your HVAC unit. At Carolina Comfort Air, we offer a variety of products to help improve your indoor air quality, including:
- Air Cleaners
- Air Purifiers
- Media Filters
- UV Lights
Clean Around the Unit
Dirt and debris can build up around your unit over time, especially if it is located near trees or shrubs. As a part of your spring HVAC checklist, we recommend that homeowners clean around their units to ensure they are free of any hazardous debris like fallen branches or tree limbs. During this inspection, take a look around the unit and make note of anything that looks abnormal. If you notice any damaged or missing parts, be sure to schedule an appointment with an HVAC technician who can assess and remedy the problem. Preventative care like this can help extend the lifespan of your HVAC unit and save you from inconvenient breakdowns.
Adjust Thermostat Settings
With the arrival of spring, you will likely need to adjust your thermostat settings in response to the changing weather. Spring is a good time to consider upgrading to a programmable thermostat to ensure you have the best control over the temperature of your home. Whether you use a manual or programmable thermostat, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal comfort during spring months. If you find 78 degrees Fahrenheit too warm, try decreasing the temperature by 2-3 degrees.
Schedule HVAC Maintenance
While there are many ways to maintain your HVAC unit at home, it is recommended that you schedule a professional HVAC maintenance appointment at least once every year. At Carolina Comfort Air, we recommend seasonal maintenance to ensure your unit is free of debris and damage. Seasonal maintenance can also ensure your unit is prepared to keep your home comfortable all season long. A licensed HVAC technician can provide a comprehensive inspection of your unit to ensure it is running smoothly and does not have any faulty parts.
Get your HVAC unit ready for spring by scheduling your routine maintenance appointment today with the experts at Carolina Comfort Air. Give us a call at (919) 348-4451 to make your appointment today.