Spring HVAC: Prepare Now, Be Comfortably Cool Later
As the days and nights get warmer this spring, your attention shifts from home heating to air conditioning. Getting your heating and cooling equipment ready for the changing seasons is essential if you want to maintain home comfort and energy efficiency. Follow these HVAC system transition tips from the HVAC specialists at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning to ensure your air conditioner is primed and ready for the warmer months ahead.
Change the Air Filter
Your HVAC filter slowly accumulates dust, pollen and other particles, reducing airflow. This forces your system to work harder. Preferably, you should replace the filter every 30-90 days, based on usage and filter type. Install the correct size and efficiency rating for your system, since using the wrong filter can overly restrict airflow and diminish efficiency. If you’re not sure which filter to buy or how to install it into your system, ask your HVAC professional during your next maintenance visit to demonstrate.
Look Over the Outside Condensing Unit
The outdoor unit of your air conditioning system that releases hot air, also known as a condensing unit, is a crucial part of the cooling process. Here’s how to get your exterior AC equipment ready for another summer:
- Take off the AC cover: If you placed a cover or board over your outdoor unit to protect it during the winter, remove it before powering up the AC for the first time this spring.
- Clean the unit: Over the fall and winter, your outside unit may have become covered in leaves, dirt and other waste. Carefully give it a good rinse with a garden hose to wash away this buildup.
- Clear away neighboring debris: The area around your outdoor unit should remain clear for optimal airflow. Rake away leaves, pine needles and other debris close to the HVAC equipment. Also, cut back nearby vegetation to maintain at least 12 to 24 inches of clearance on all sides.
- Check that the unit is level: The concrete pad your condensing unit is situated on may shift or settle over time, causing the unit to tilt. To avoid improper operation and premature wear, straighten the unit by wedging shims underneath its base. Confirm your adjustments with a carpenter’s level.
Adjust the Thermostat
Adjust your thermostat to a pleasant yet energy-efficient temperature. For the hotter months, 78 degrees F is recommended while you’re at home. If you feel overly warm, operate the ceiling fan to make the room feel cooler without turning down the thermostat.
Increase the temperature by 7 to 10 degrees when the house is empty during the day for energy savings. To avoid losing comfort, buy a programmable thermostat and set it to resume to a comfortable temperature when you come home. This method saves up to 10% on your air conditioning expenses.
Check and Clean Your Air Registers
Dust, pet hair and other airborne waste can collect on supply and return registers, obstructing airflow. Use the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to clear away this mess. Then, make sure all your vents are open and unobstructed by things like rugs or curtains.
In spite of what you might think, closing vents in rarely used rooms does not use less energy; all it does is disrupt the system’s return/supply balance. To protect against excessive strain, keep at least 80% of your supply registers open and unblocked at all times.
Detect and Fix Air Leaks
Leaky windows, doors and other openings let hot, humid air to get into your home. To correct this concern, examine window and door seals, using caulk and weatherstripping to seal any holes. Next, check the attic for insufficient insulation or gaps around pipes, ductwork and light fixtures. Seal these leaks with spray foam and top them with additional insulation to minimize unwanted air exchange through the attic floor.
Conduct a System Test
Before the season really gets hot, turn on your AC for a couple of minutes. Walk around your home and make sure cool air flows freely from every single vent. If you discover anything amiss, schedule AC repair to correct the issue right away.
Schedule Expert HVAC Maintenance with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning
While DIY HVAC service is helpful, it can’t replace the comprehensive care provided by a certified professional. Work like measuring the refrigerant charge and tightening electrical connections demand specialized tools and training that only specialists possess.
Spring is an excellent time to plan AC maintenance, allowing you to fix issues quickly and prepare the system for the summer heat. Prioritize this service to enjoy the following advantages:
- Lower energy bills
- Fewer midseason breakdowns
- Fewer repair expenditures
- Better home comfort
- Longer system life span
- Protected warranty coverage
Why Choose Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for Your HVAC Needs in Fort Lauderdale?
Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning provides reputable AC services to ensure your comfort and satisfaction this spring. Our ACE-certified technicians are trained to provide speedy, effective solutions to all your heating and cooling needs. For skilled service that lives up to our name, call 954-736-4314 today!
