Homeowner Tips for HVAC Maintenance
t’s officially spring here in Colorado! That means it is time for your annual Spring – Tune Up on your HVAC! The weather is getting warmer every day, and you are getting ready to fire up your AC for the first time. But as many homeowners find out too late, improper maintenance can lead to a faulty or broken system right when you need it the most.
Routine maintenance on your HVAC is the best way to avoid preventable problems, just like getting your vehicle maintenance, so does your HVAC system…
Test Your HVAC System Early
Big Mistake! Many homeowners wait till the hot weather is upon us to turn on their AC for the first time.
You should test your AC about a month before you need it. If you hear any strange sounds or smells as you turn it on, call a professional immediately for a Spring HVAC Maintenance visit.
Additionally, you should inspect the unit and look for anything that appears to be visually not quite right, or out of place.
Clear the Area Around your A/C Unit
The general rule of thumb is to clear at least 2 feet of free space surrounding your HVAC system on all sides. Look for yard debris. Spring – Time is when everything in your yard is blooming and growing. Trim any bushes or shrubs within 2 feet of your unit.
Check Your Air Filter
Every spring, remember to check your HVAC system’s air filter to make sure it isn’t dirty. We recommend checking your air filter every 90 days. Fortunately, it is very easy to check and replace the air filter. Make sure you turn off your system completely beforehand. You may need to check it more often during high times of usage, like spring and summer.
If air filters get too dirty, they can not function properly. Your house won’t cool down and you will spend more money on energy costs.
If you have further questions or need help finding the right size and brand of air filters for your unit, reach out to our team!
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Check the Drainage Hole
Sometimes AC Systems experience clogs in their drainage pipes. It is simple to tell if you have this problem.
Go to the bottom of your unit and pull out the drainage tray. If there is any standing water in the tray, it is likely that you have a clog in the drainage pipe. Call our team to help with this issue before you begin using your AC system for the season.
Getting on our V.I.P. Maintenance Program our team will come out one month prior to perform a Spring Tune-Up before you start using you AC regularly in the hot summer months.
Get your Air Ducts Cleaned
Your HVAC unit blows hot or cool air, and it travels through the ducts and into the rooms of your house through grates. When those grates or ducts get dirty, your HVAC system cannot work at maximum efficiency.
If too much of it builds up, it can obstruct airflow, causing your HVAC system to work harder than necessary and cause your energy bill to raise.
The problem is, you cannot see your air ducts since they are inside your walls. What signs that your air ducts may be clogged:
There is a lot of dust on the duct grates
You smell musty burning dust when you turn your HVAC unit on
Your energy bill is higher than it should be
Your allergies are acting up, or you have a respiratory illness that won’t go away
Keep Doors and Windows Shut
As attempting it is when the weather is nice out to open doors and windows, you may want to reconsider. The spring months, everything is in bloom. The air is full of pollen, which is not good for your HVAC system. But if you let that airborne pollen into your home, chances are it will end up in your HVAC system.
If that happens, you may start experiencing some of the issues mentioned above. Particularly, pollen may clog your sir filters or air ducts.
You can prevent clogs and damages just by keeping your windows and doors shut in the spring.
Keeping doors and windows shut will help with itchy eyes or a runny nose besides avoiding pollen isn’t good for your HVAC system.
Upgrade to a Programmable Thermostat
Programmable thermostats allow you to set timers to save on energy cost.
Many smart thermostats even allow you to control them remotely. With many smart thermostats, you can double – check your thermostat with your phone.
Ultimately, efficiency leads to fewer problems and easier maintenance.
Check Your House for Leaks
Air leaks are more common than you would think. Homeowners can locate them easily by placing your hand about an inch from your windowpane or door frame and slowly move it around the perimeter.
Some leaks you can fix easily on your own. To close air leaks on your own, caulk around your windows and doors to close – up air leaks. For more significant leaks you may need to call a professional.
Ultimately, closing these air leaks helps your HVAC system work efficiently. You may even notice that your energy bills go down a sum!
Schedule a Spring HVAC Maintenance Check-Up
Scheduling a Spring Maintenance on your HVAC system is the best thing you can do for your system.
Calling out a professional to look at your HVAC system and make sure that it is in good shape is a smart maintenance move for all homeowners. Regular maintenance, just like with a vehicle, is a great way to avoid problems that can accumulate over time.
To ensure a comfortable summer, use these spring months to prepare your HVAC system. Spring HVAC maintenance is the best way to run your system efficiently and ensure the long-term upkeep of your unit
Reach out to our team here at Better Built Heating and Cooling. We can help you prepare your HVAC system for the hot months ahead. Our expert staff can answer any of your questions about maintenance, HVAC installation, and more.
Most homes suffer from poor indoor air-quality, and high energy bills. Poor indoor quality can lead to headaches, irritated eyes, nose, throat and lungs. We provide integrity-based solutions. Providing our clients with a healthy, comfortable, cost-effective home.
