With spring in full bloom here in the Midwest, it's important to add your HVAC system to spring cleaning tasks. A clean, properly maintained central cooling and heating system will operate more efficiently, provide greater comfort and be less prone to breakdowns. Try these HVAC spring cleaning steps:
- Check the air filter in your A/C air handler (or furnace, if your furnace blower serves as the A/C's air distributor). If the filter's clogged with dust and debris, replace it with a new one (or clean a reusable filter). A clean filter will keep dirt and dust from coating mechanical parts and creating friction, plus it will help keep particulates from contaminating your A/C coils. Ensuring that filtered air is circulating in your HVAC system will improve efficiency and performance, as well as indoor air quality if you're using relatively high-quality filters.
- Remove yard debris from around the A/C's outside unit. Sticks, leaves and other debris can impede the vital flow of air into the compressor/condenser unit. Take a garden hose, with a spray attachment, and spray down the outside unit, to clear away grime and dirt that accumulated over the winter. Make sure that rain gutters are clear of leaves and debris, to keep water from overflowing onto your HVAC unit and foundation.
- If you have ceiling fans, get a step ladder and clear the dust off the fan blades. When dust starts flying around during fan operation, indoor air quality will suffer. Make sure the fan rotation is set for counter-clockwise, the proper mode for warm-weather operation. (Some people switch the rotation to clockwise in the winter to help recirculate warm air that collects near the ceiling.)
- Check windows for air leaks that may have developed over the winter. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal leaks.
- Schedule a preventive maintenance visit with a trusted HVAC contractor. It should include an HVAC spring cleaning for system components that you can't clean yourself.
To schedule a spring maintenance visit, please contact us at Hartman Brothers Heating & Air Conditioning, providing quality service in the Fort Wayne area.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in New Haven, Indiana and surrounding Fort Wayne area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about how to spring clean your HVAC system and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 260-376-2961.
Credit/Copyright Attribution: “lsantilli/Shutterstock”