When spring cleaning our houses, many of us don’t usually stop to think about our air conditioning systems. However, just like any other part of your home, your HVAC system deserves some attention and care when the seasons change. In fact, there are many spring HVAC tips you can incorporate into your cleaning schedule to ensure you’re ready for the hot summer months.
Are you unsure where to start? Don’t worry — we’re here to help. Let’s review some important HVAC maintenance tasks for spring!
What Happens if You Don’t Maintain Your HVAC System?
It’s tempting to apply an “out of sight, out of mind” mentality to your air conditioning system. After all, your HVAC unit is tucked away and hidden from view, so it can sometimes be easy to forget that it exists — especially during the winter.
However, neglecting the maintenance needs of your HVAC system can make it work harder than necessary. As a result, you may experience problems that affect your comfort and your wallet. Let’s go over a few reasons why regular maintenance is important and how it can potentially save you money in the long run:
What HVAC Maintenance Checklist Should You Follow?
There’s no doubt that keeping up with the maintenance needs of your HVAC system is crucial. Nonetheless, you might be unsure which tasks you can tackle on your own. Also, it can be challenging to know where to start. Fortunately, we’ve got you covered.
Below, we’ll go through a step-by-step checklist you can use to cover some of the most important HVAC maintenance tasks for spring.
Inspect the Outdoor Unit
When discussing spring HVAC tips, we can’t stress enough how vital it is to inspect the outdoor unit. Otherwise known as the “condenser unit,” this part of your air conditioner, which is usually located near the side of your home, can become covered in dirt and debris during the winter months.
You’ll want to check the unit thoroughly to ensure that it isn’t damaged. If you notice unusual signs of wear, don’t hesitate to call an expert for assistance as soon as possible. On the other hand, if you spot debris or dirt covering the condenser unit, you can perform a thorough cleaning to ensure it runs efficiently.
First and foremost, you’ll want to shut off the air conditioning unit. Afterward, it’s best to remove the outer case or grate so that you have full access to the dirt and debris inside the unit. You can use a small brush to gently clean the aluminum fins. Next, you can use a shop vac and garden hose to wash the inside of the unit.
Clean Up Around the Outdoor Unit
Now that you’ve thoroughly cleaned the outdoor AC unit, it’s time to get proactive. One of the best spring HVAC tips is to clean around the unit. For example, it’s a good idea to cut back any bushes or trees that could restrict the unit’s airflow.
If there are trees or shrubs growing close to your outdoor HVAC unit, this can lead to unexpected issues down the line. Twigs, leaves, and dirt from this greenery can get stuck inside the unit, resulting in poor efficiency and other problems.
Replace the Air Filter
Changing the air filter is also one of the most important HVAC maintenance tasks for spring. When homeowners remember to replace the air filters in air conditioning systems, they can take steps toward improving their comfort while potentially lowering the cost of their energy bills. Plus, you can help enhance your indoor air quality. Really, it’s a win-win situation all around.
When it comes down to it, you’ll generally want to consider replacing your air conditioner’s filter once every 90 days. However, if you heavily rely on your AC system during the summer, suffer from allergies, or have a large household, you may want to consider switching out the filter on a more frequent basis. In any case, you’ll certainly want to include this simple task on your spring HVAC maintenance checklist.
Upgrade Your Thermostat
There’s no shortage of spring HVAC tips you can incorporate into your routine. Because of this, you might feel tempted to skip over some that you don’t think will benefit you. That’s understandable. However, one tip in particular that you won’t want to overlook is replacing your old, outdated thermostat.
Upgrading to a smart thermostat can have many benefits in the long term. For instance, advanced thermostats can make it easier to achieve the perfect temperature in your home. Many of these devices are specially designed to create a schedule that meets your needs. Investing in a smart thermostat can also help you save money over the long term, as it can help increase your energy savings.
Schedule Professional Maintenance
As you can see, there are many HVAC tips for spring that you can use to prepare for the hot months ahead. However, there are some tasks that are better left to a professional. These services can ensure your system is working as efficiently and smoothly as possible. A technician will inspect the unit, check refrigerant levels, test various components for proper operation, and more.
When it comes down to it, spring is the perfect time to schedule air conditioner maintenance with a trained technician. So when the time comes for air conditioner maintenance in Wausau, WI, don’t hesitate to turn to PGA Inc. for help.
Contact Our HVAC Experts in Wausau, WI!
It’s helpful for every homeowner to know about these important HVAC maintenance tasks for spring. This way, they can rest assured knowing that their homes will be comfortable and safe all year long — even when outdoor temperatures soar.
Do you need help with your cooling system? At PGA, Inc., we’re here for all your needs. Whether you need assistance with routine HVAC maintenance or require an AC replacement in Wausau, WI, we guarantee that you’ll be met with five-star service. Contact us today to request an appointment with our team of friendly and professional technicians!
