Spring is the season during which families traditionally clean their homes in Amherst, NY. Known worldwide as “spring cleaning,” this process allows homeowners to scour every section of their homes. While scrubbing each nook and cranny of the house, a major area homeowners should never neglect is the HVAC system. Keeping up with spring HVAC maintenance is an excellent way to boost energy efficiency and conserve the lifespan of all HVAC equipment. A look at the top tasks on your spring maintenance checklist can help ensure that your system operates smoothly all year long.
1. Air Filter Replacement
One of the most important parts of spring HVAC maintenance is changing your HVAC filter. Clogged or dirty air filters can obstruct your system and restrict necessary airflow. This makes the system work overtime to distribute indoor air, and the extra energy consumption can result in higher utility bills. A dirty filter can also cause contaminants to circulate throughout the home, reducing your indoor air quality.
You can also ask an HVAC professional about installing a high-efficiency particulate air filter. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, HEPA filters may remove up to 99.97% of contaminants that are 0.3µm or smaller. You can also ask about installing filters with the best minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) rating. The higher the MERV rating, the more efficient a filter will be at removing dirt and debris from your system.
2. Air Duct Cleaning
Spring cleaning should include maintenance of your ductwork. As air circulates through ductwork, airborne dirt and dust can get trapped inside and eventually reach your HVAC equipment. These contaminants can compromise performance and shorten the lifespan of your system. The particles can also re-circulate through the home and lower indoor air quality. Other issues, like cracks or leaks in the ductwork, can result in energy loss.
An HVAC professional can inspect the ducts and offer solutions as needed. In addition to the ducts, be sure to clean the corresponding air registers and unblock vents. As a rule, you should not close more than 20% of the vents in your home to avoid air pressure or ventilation issues.
3. Air Conditioner Unit Maintenance
Springtime is the perfect season for biannual maintenance or for scheduling HVAC tune-ups. HVAC maintenance enables a technician to examine the system’s chambers and components to prevent performance problems as the weather heats up. An HVAC tune-up may include testing electrical connections, checking refrigerant levels, and lubricating mechanical parts to eliminate friction or damage. An HVAC technician may also empty clogged HVAC drains or inspect the outdoor HVAC unit.
4. Air Conditioner Coil Cleaning
During spring cleaning, many HVAC professionals give special attention to HVAC coils. These parts provide the surface area for heat transfer during the cooling cycle. Unfortunately, dirt and other debris can gradually settle on these coils over time. Dirt and grime can hinder the heat-exchange process, leading to an uncomfortable home and potentially shortening the lifespan of your equipment. Professional cleaning can remove harmful debris and help the system operate at an optimal pace.
5. Thermostat Testing
Spring cleaning is the perfect time for thermostat testing and calibration. If your thermostat is outdated or malfunctioning, it can have a negative effect on the temperature settings for your HVAC equipment. This can create problems ranging from decreased efficiency to hot or cold spots throughout your home. If you need to replace an older thermostat, consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat. The latest models allow you to optimize settings that keep your house comfortable while you are in it but conserve energy whenever you are away from home. Some thermostats also include remote or WiFi settings that allow you to adjust preferences from your laptop, smartphone, or tablet.
Contact Us Today
Seasonal HVAC maintenance helps ensure that warmer weather gets off to a great start. If the responsibility of spring cleaning your HVAC equipment feels overwhelming, don’t worry. The experts are here to help.
Heatwave Heating & Cooling provides spring HVAC maintenance for homes in Amherst and the surrounding areas. We offer both AC maintenance and heating equipment maintenance. Our HVAC technicians can also help with traditional water heaters, tankless water heaters, and generators. If you need help with indoor air quality, we offer air filtration as well as air duct cleaning. Our technicians also work with ductless systems and heat pumps. No matter the concern, we can help keep your home fresh and clean.
Contact Heatwave Heating & Cooling today for all your HVAC system needs.
