A Good Spring Cleaning: An HVAC Maintenance Checklist for March

You’ve been hibernating during the colder months, but March is the month when things start shifting in a warmer direction. If you’re like many homeowners, you may be eager to leave winter in the dust and focus on spring. Amid the flurry of organizing and cleaning, don’t forget your HVAC system. Because spring is the prelude to another blistering summer, making this a great time to get your HVAC system in the best shape. Are you uncertain what spring cleaning your HVAC system involves? Include these things to your March home maintenance checklist.

Replace the Air Filter

The air filter is an extremely important piece 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 in the household or suffer from allergies, change the filter up to once a month to preserve indoor air quality. If not, replacing your old filter with a new one every three months is sufficient. In addition to removing airborne pollutants more efficiently, a clean filter promotes better airflow to increase system efficiency by up to 15%.

Check the Condensate Drain

Your AC doesn’t just cool your property—it also dehumidifies. The condensate drain is the key to removing extra moisture from your AC. The drain should be free-flowing and the attached hose should be leak-free and correctly placed. Glance at your condensate drain whenever you replace the filter to keep your system running properly—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 your home usually feels stuffy, think about adding a whole-house ventilation system. This upgrade blows stale air outside and replaces it with clean, fresh air from outside. Certain equipment pre-cools and dehumidifies incoming air to minimize the impact on your energy bills while helping you breathe better.

Give Your Home a Good Cleaning

Meticulously cleaning your home complements your HVAC maintenance checklist by limiting the amount of dust and allergens that move through the system. Pay special attention to these locations:

• Dust ceiling fan blades.
• Seal gaps near windows and doors using caulk or weather stripping.
• Scrub sliding glass door tracks.
• Remove dirt, pet hair and dust bunnies from the coils located beneath or behind the refrigerator.
• Wipe off light fixtures and exchange old incandescent bulbs for energy-saving LEDs.

Adjust Your Thermostat

If you haven’t yet looked into programmable or smart thermostats, spring is a great time to think about this affordable upgrade. A programmable thermostat makes a big difference in your home’s comfort and energy use. Start off by setting the temperature to 78 degrees F when you’re at home. After that, program automatic setback periods of 7 to 10 degrees when no one is home during the day. With recovery periods scheduled for when residents of the home will return, you can enjoy up to 10% energy savings without losing comfort.

A smart thermostat takes these benefits a step further by allowing you to make changes remotely. You can also keep track of your energy consumption in a mobile app and get customized, cost-cutting tips.

Check Your Ductwork

Ductwork can develop leaks that decrease air quality and increase your energy bills. Sealing these leaks helps your HVAC equipment run more efficiently and circulate clean, healthy air. Once sealed, insulate your ductwork so air conditioned air doesn’t leak out of your system.

Hose Debris From the Outside Unit

The outside condenser unit collects debris while hibernating over the winter. Here’s how to clean it out this March:

• Remove leaves, pine needles and grass clippings from near the unit.
• Delicately hose down the metal fins to remove dirt and cobwebs.
• Trim nearby shrubs and grasses to maintain a one- to two-foot clearance.
• Study the unit for damage, such as missing insulation or bent fins.

• Consult with a professional technician for AC service before the summer heat arrives. 

Turn on Your HVAC Unit

After completing your spring cleaning checklist, it’s time to test your air conditioner. Let it operate for several minutes to check for adequate cooling. If you experience any problems, make sure your thermostat is set to cool before phoning a professional for help.

Schedule Air Conditioning Solutions in Fort Lauderdale with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning

If your HVAC system needs special attention this spring, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is the company to call. Our HVAC solutions help keep your home comfortable and energy efficient all the time. Count on fast, long-lasting solutions to all your comfort problems, backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. You read that correct—if you’re not completely happy with our work, we’ll make it right. For a spring-ready AC system that delivers efficiency and peace of mind, call 954-736-4314 to reach the heating and cooling specialists at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning today.