How to Prepare Your HVAC System for the Spring
Spring is the season for clearing clutter and cleaning the house as we anticipate warmer weather. But rising temperatures and humidity can increase your utility bills and impact the system’s longevity. So it is wise to prepare your air conditioning system for the busy season ahead. Here are some tips to increase the system’s efficiency in spring.
Troubleshoot Airflow Problems
A lot of debris can accumulate around the outdoor unit in winter. First, ensure there is a 2 feet of clearance around the outdoor unit to facilitate airflow. Pick up the twigs and branches and cut down any overgrowth.
Your system can experience airflow problems because of debris blockages or a clogged filter. The warmer season comes with dust, pollen, and allergens. Therefore, spring is an ideal time for a filter replacement. Our HVAC maintenance team recommends changing or washing the filter at least once a month.
Also, consider upgrading your filter, especially if your household has occupants with allergies. Upgrading to a high-efficiency pleated filter can boost your efficiency and indoor air quality. Nonetheless, ensure the filter can handle the airflow requirements of your system. Otherwise, it could have the opposite effect on your HVAC equipment.
Vacuum Vents, Condenser, and Refrigerator Coils
Spring is an ideal time to clean the vents and registers. Vents can accumulate dust and debris that eventually gets into the HVAC system’s components.
You can clean the registers with a vacuum or wipe them with a damp cloth. As you carry out other spring cleaning tasks, ensure that no rugs, paintings, or seats cover the vent. Airflow blockages can wear out the system’s components and shorten the HVAC
Vacuum the condenser coil to get rid of dust and debris. Dust could cover the tubes and force your air conditioner to work harder to cool the room.
However, an AC maintenance technician should clean the condenser coil. Household cleaners may contain chemicals that are too harsh for the copper tubes. Contact Trusted Heating & Cooling for timely AC services in Austin.
Identify and Seal Air Leaks
Gaps around the windows and doors could be the reason behind your rising utility bills. Even if the HVAC system is efficient, it will constantly run to compensate for the energy losses.
As the weather gets warmer in Williamson County, cracks in your home’s walls or air ducts will increase the heating load. If the conditioned air is leaking, You may notice temperature imbalances between rooms.
Spring is the best season to check for air leaks around windows and doors when cleaning the house. Replace cracked weather stripping and seal the areas around the door. A well-sealed home will reduce the workload on the HVAC system and boost your comfort.
Spring Duct Cleaning and Sealing
Changes in weather and spring cleaning activities can introduce dust, pollen, and allergens into your ductwork. Consider scheduling duct cleaning to clear contaminants from the system. Duct cleaning in spring enhances indoor air quality and makes the house comfortable for loved ones with allergies. The NATE-certified team at Trusted Heating & Cooling recommends duct cleaning every three to five years.
You may also want to schedule an inspection of your ductwork for leaks, clogs, and faulty connections. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates duct sealing your HVAC system can boost efficiency by 20%. Leaks could mean that the air from the attic and crawlspaces is blowing into the room. The humid spring atmosphere can encourage microbes to spread. Holes and cracks in your ductwork often cause temperature imbalances in the house.
Back-drafting can occur through the holes and cracks in the ductwork. The back-draft could draw pesticides and toxic gases back into the building. Duct sealing ensures safety amid the increase in outdoor activity that can introduce toxins into your home. Professional duct sealing involves sophisticated tools to prevent any pollutants from blowing back into the house. A substandard procedure can damage the connection and create air leaks and HVAC system defects.
Check Thermostat Function and Configurations
Your thermostat is another critical component of your HVAC system. It turns the air conditioner on when the room temperature exceeds a specified limit. Therefore, an efficient thermostat will reduce the workload of the AC. The warmer season is the best time to check the thermostat’s function. Replace the batteries. You can also raise the temperature settings by several degrees to reduce energy consumption in spring and summer.
Also, consider acquiring a smart thermostat for precise temperature regulation and enhanced comfort in spring. A programmable device can store multiple profiles for different times of the day or week. For example, you can configure the device to keep temperatures at 78 degrees when you are home. A different profile can have 67 degrees for nighttime sleep or when you are away.
The placement of the device can impact the system’s energy efficiency. Therefore, ensure that it is in an area away from cooking ovens, space heaters, or direct sunlight. You can call Trusted Heating & Cooling expert team in Austin for more information on smart thermostat installations.
Perform a Trial Run
After preparing an HVAC system for spring, perform a trial run to test the AC’s cooling function. First, ensure that the thermostat settings are lower than the room’s temperature. If the air from the vents doesn’t get cooler, your AC could be faulty.
As the system is running, go into different rooms in the house. If you detect temperature imbalances, your ductwork is leaking, or your system is inefficient.
Choose a day in spring when you can check up on the air conditioner every other hour. Observe the system cycles and listen for noises from your equipment or ductwork. Call a professional if you detect faults in your air conditioning systems.
Schedule a Professional HVAC Tune-up
Dealing with a broken AC can be frustrating, especially when it’s sweltering hot and muggy in Austin. That’s why spring is the best time to tune up your air conditioning system. The service prepares your air conditioner for the warm season ahead.
A maintenance service involves checking the AC’s components for defects. Tapping into their experience and training, certified technicians can spot faults at the earliest stages. HVAC system technicians use specialized equipment to detect leaks in the condenser and evaporator coils. The maintenance team will also clean the coils and recharge the refrigerant to restore the system’s efficiency.
An efficient AC will regulate moisture, even as humidity levels rise in the warmer season. The refrigerant system is the principal part that dispels moisture from the system through the drain pan. A professional tune-up will ensure that your home is cozy through the spring. The maintenance team will check the electrical connections, fan, and motor blade for defects. Our staff always carries the necessary tools to address issues as soon as possible. That way, you can prevent complications that would be too expensive to fix in the future.
Trusted Heating & Cooling has been proudly serving Austin since 2013, delivering quality HVAC service. Our service is built on the core values of honesty, integrity, and respect. We are a BBB accredited company with A+ ratings, a reflection of our commitment to service excellence. You can expect a world-class customer service experience and attention to detail from our team. We install, maintain, and service all manner of HVAC units as well as provide ductwork services. Give our team a call today to schedule an appointment.
