The arrival of Daylight Saving Time makes it easy to remember essential springtime chores like replacing the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, but it's also an opportunity to tackle important HVAC maintenance. Here are some HVAC tips to help you spring forward.
Take Care of the Ductwork
Have an HVAC professional inspect the ductwork, fix any deficiencies, then seal and insulate the accessible runs. If it's recommended, have the ducts professionally cleaned, and vacuum or dust all the heating and cooling registers throughout your home.
Clean Up Around the Outdoor Unit
The outdoor condenser needs adequate airflow to work properly once you're running the cooling system, so clear away accumulated yard debris like leaves and fallen branches, and trim back shrubs and other vegetation in a two-foot radius around the unit.
Lessen Your HVAC Equipment's Load
Lowering your HVAC system's workload makes it easier to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home, plus it also reduces energy consumption and wear that causes breakdowns or failures. To lessen the load, tighten up your home's exterior by caulking and weatherstripping around the doors and windows, and seal gaps, cracks and holes with expandable spray foam. Air seal the attic as well, and make sure there's ample insulation between the floor joists.
Schedule a Spring Cooling System Tuneup
During a visit, an HVAC technician performs key maintenance tasks that get your cooling system ready to handle hot, humid summer weather. In addition to cleaning the coils, servicing the blower unit and checking the refrigerant level, a pro should also flush the condensate drain system, replace the air filter and test that the system is working properly.
Stock up on Air Filters
During cooling season, you need to check the filter monthly and change it when you see any sign of debris accumulation, so it's vital to have a supply of replacement filters on hand. Be sure to follow your equipment manufacturer's recommendations on filter type and MERV rating.
If you're ready to spring forward and need more HVAC tips for your Fort Wayne home, contact Hartman Brothers Heating & Air Conditioning.
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 other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 260-376-2961.
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