The Do’s & Don’ts of Spring HVAC Maintenance

With Spring just around the corner you may be wondering how to prepare your HVAC system. Preparing now not only saves you time and money but possibly a lot of aggravation should your cooling system go down in the middle of hot weather. Below are a few tips to keep in mind when preparing.

The Do’s

Clean the Outdoor Unit
After a long winter, your unit can collect debris. Clean it up using a broom and/or brush to clear away any dirt or leaves stuck in the grates and around the base. Be careful not to use anything abrasive or a high power hose, such as a pressure washer. The thin metal fins on the outdoor unit coil could bend or break damaging the equipment.

Clear away Vegetation
Units need room to breathe, so don’t let shrubs or bushes get too close. Trim any overgrown vegetation back from the unit.

Do a Quick Inspection
If the fins are cracked or bent or the unit is leaning to one side or another, you might want to call an HVAC servicer to check it out and replace or repair any broken parts.

Clean your Mechanical Room
Sweep or vacuum around your furnace and HVAC system. The mechanical room might not be on your usual cleaning list, but it’s worth checking and giving it a look to keep debris from entering the system. Make sure nothing is blocking vents or registers.

Consider Installing a New Thermostat
Smart thermostats learn your household’s routine to automatically adjust your indoor temperature, saving energy and reducing your heating and cooling bills. Ecobee thermostats include sensors that monitor temperature, regulate humidity, and detect occupancy – giving you all the information you need to maximize your home’s comfort level while minimizing your energy footprint. With ecobee, you will also be able to track performance and savings right from your device using the free energy reports through their web portal.

The Don’ts

Avoid DIY Repairs on your Systems
The Internet is full of quick and easy DIY projects many of which can be applied at home. Maintaining your HVAC system should always be done by a professional. Do not attempt DIY repairs or maintenance operations if you are not 100% certain on what you are doing.

Don’t Skip Register & Vent Cleaning
These parts can be coated with dust easily and cause IAQ ( Indoor Air Quality ) issues in your home, so cleaning them regularly is advised.

Don’t Forget to Change your Filters
Air can’t pass through a dirty air filter, so check air filters monthly and change them when needed. Don’t forget to change furnace filters on a regular basis to keep the system working efficiently. Traditional filters can’t catch mold, gasses, and viruses – but new technology has made capturing these unwanted particles out of your indoor air possible and more.

Don’t Skip Annual Maintenance
Being a homeowner means you have many things on your To-Do list but regular maintenance on your HVAC system may not be one of them. Skipping essential maintenance for your cooling or heating system can have a negative impact on it’s effectiveness, efficiency and even it’s lifespan.

If you find you are in need of a repair or maintenance before Spring we are here to help! Here at Bolton Construction and Services, we offer preventative maintenance inspections, click here to schedule yours!