Spring will soon arrive, but you should prepare your HVAC system before it does. It has been working hard all winter, so it needs a little tender loving care to get it ready to work throughout the warmer months.
Schedule an HVAC Tune-Up
The first step is to contact a professional firm like Island Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule a routine HVAC tune-up Spring is often a hectic time for our hard-working professionals, so you’ll want to get them to come to check out your unit as soon as possible to prevent problems during the warmer months. While talking to them, have them install a programmable thermostat if you don’t already have one. With a programmable thermostat, you won’t have to get up to adjust it at night or remember to change it when you leave for work.
Change Your Filters
It’s easy to forget, but take the time to change your HVAC filters once a month, or as directed in the manufacturer’s instructions. When dirt and debris build up in your unit, it must work harder than normal, which can end up leading to higher utility bills. In the worst-case scenario, debris buildup can make your system stop working altogether.
Clean Around Your HVAC System
Make sure to clean the area around your HVAC unit. Whether there’s leftover trash that didn’t make it into your local garbage truck or the last leaves of fall managed to stick around, if you leave debris near your system, you risk problems similar to what happens if you neglect to change your filters. It’s also a good idea to mow any grass that might be present to prevent bugs from entering your unit. Plus, cleaning around the unit gives you a chance to check for any wetness that might indicate a water leak.
Check for Air Leaks in Your Home
Air leaks in your house mean that your cooled air will be escaping throughout the upcoming warmer months. Therefore, you should identify these areas and get them fixed. A great way to do this is to turn off anything that causes air movement in your home, including your HVAC system and ceiling fans. Then, walk through your house with a candle. If the flame flickers, then air is moving. Common culprits include:
- Windows
- Doors
- Plumbing vents
- Attic hatch
- Wiring holes
- Recessed lighting
- Basement rim joists
- Areas behind knee walls
Add Insulation
You should have adequate insulation in your home so that cooled air doesn’t escape through the roof or the outside walls. Insulation up to R38 is cost-effective in Washington attics, and depending on the circumstances in your house, you may save money by increasing that amount to R60. While you may notice the most significant difference in the winter, you’ll also see a difference during the spring and summer months.
Get Your Air Ducts Cleaned
Even the most effective air filters won’t be able to keep up if your air ducts are dirty. Dust and debris buildup can make the air inside of your home more laden with particulates than the air outside, which can end up aggravating asthma and allergies. Buildup in your ducts can also cause funky odors or stale smells. Just like with your filters and any debris that makes its way into your HVAC unit itself, dirt and other items in your ducts can force your system to work harder than necessary, leading to a higher electricity bill.
Think About Upgrading Your HVAC Unit
If your unit is older than 10 years old, then it may be time to consider replacing it. Most HVAC units have lifespans of 10 to 15 years, depending on when they were manufactured. At the very least, talk with an HVAC technician to see if an upgrade is in order. Newer units are often more efficient than older ones, so you can cool your home and save money at the same time if you’re lucky!
From HVAC maintenance to new unit installation and more, Island Heating & Air Conditioning can help. Though some common HVAC problems are easy to fix on your own, it’s often better to get professional help. Contact Island Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule an appointment for your HVAC system in the Oak Harbor area today! Our technicians will gladly evaluate your unit and help you get it ready as warmer weather approaches.
Tags: SpringTags: Air Conditioning
March 17, 2022 5:15 pm
