Getting your cooling system ready for spring is one of the best things you can do to boost your indoor comfort. Spring maintenance will also help keep your cooling costs affordable. Here are some tune-up tasks you can perform yourself along with others that are best left in the hands of a professional.
Change the Air Filter
The first thing you need to do is inspect the air filter. If it’s full of hair, dust and dirt, clean or replace it. Having a clean filter is paramount to the air conditioner’s ability to maintain proper airflow. Clogged filters cause problems like poor air quality, reduced cooling efficiency and higher energy bills. In addition to changing the filter in the spring, you’ll need to change it every two to three months throughout the year. If you have a ductless AC, you’ll need to change the filter every two weeks.
Check the Thermostat Settings
The thermostat works as the heart of your air conditioner by controlling the temperature. The same settings you used during the winter are not going to work well for spring and summer. A simple adjustment may make a big difference in the AC’s efficiency. Most experts agree a temperature setting between 72 degrees and 78 degrees Fahrenheit will provide the most efficient cooling possible. The higher the temperature, the more energy you’ll save.
Upgrade the Thermostat
The latest thermostats come with programmable features that make automatic temperature adjustments effortless. If you install a smart model, you can adjust the settings from any location via a remote access option. When selecting a thermostat, make sure to get one with learning capabilities. The device will track your temperature preferences and daily routines to keep your home comfortable without constant manual input. This optimizes both comfort and energy efficiency.
Change the Rotation of Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans can work in tandem with HVAC units to provide better heating and cooling. But you have to make sure the blades rotate in the right direction depending on the season. During colder weather, they must rotate clockwise to help circulate warm arm that rises and push it down. In warmer weather, reverse the blades to rotate counterclockwise and help cool air circulate.
Remove the Cover on the Outdoor Unit
Adding a cover to the cooling system’s outdoor unit is an excellent way to protect it from dirt and debris. Many types of covers are available. The best ones usually provide waterproof and breathable features. Once spring rolls around, though, you’ll need to remove the cover to allow proper airflow and prevent moisture buildup.
Inspect the Outdoor Unit
Next, you’ll need to remove any easily accessible branches, leaves or other debris from the outside unit. If you see any debris in hard-to-reach spots, don’t try to remove it. You might injure yourself or damage the AC. One of our technicians can safely clean the unit for you.
Trim Surrounding Landscaping
It’s not good to have any plants, bushes or flowers blocking airflow to the outdoor unit. If they do, this will cause the AC to work harder and become less efficient. Landscaping that’s too close can also present major safety hazards. To keep the outdoor unit safe and functional, trim plants back, and remove any overgrowth. Keep a 2-foot clearance at all times.
Get a Maintenance Agreement
There are multiple spring tune-up tasks that only professionals should perform. We highly recommend purchasing a maintenance agreement to keep your AC running efficiently. During maintenance visits, one of our trained technicians will inspect the refrigerant, evaluate the unit’s starting capabilities and test all safety controls. If any of the moving parts experience friction, they will apply the appropriate lubricant.
Here’s a closer look at the scope of our HVAC maintenance agreement:
- Clean heat exchange or elements
- Monitor flue draft
- Monitor refrigerate pressure
- Test starting capabilities
- Test safety controls
- Clean or replace air filters
- Clean and adjust blower components
- Tighten electrical connections
- Measure volts/amps
- Lubricate all moving parts
- Adjust thermostat calibration
- Clean evaporator coil if accessible
- Clean condenser coil
- Clean condensate drains
- Measure temperature difference
- Measure for correct airflow
At Affordable Service Solutions Heating & Air Conditioning, we’ve been helping homeowners achieve better cooling performance with our expert services since 2012. Our commitment to delivering the highest quality services sets us apart. When you need reliable AC service from a trained technician, we are here to help.
Contact Affordable Service Solutions Heating & Air Conditioning now to book a spring HVAC tune-up in Richmond, KY.
