Despite the groundhog’s best efforts, winter is coming to an end. To you, spring might evoke thoughts of warm, beautiful days and blossoming gardens. For your HVAC system, however, spring is a tough transitional period. Your AC ― which was probably left untouched for months ― now has to do all the heavy lifting. There are a few important ways to prepare for this switch, which can take some of the strain off your cooling system.
First and foremost, an HVAC maintenance appointment with Air Tech of Conroe can identify minor malfunctions before they become disastrous. Before your appointment, here are some steps you can take independently to prepare your system for spring:
Test Your AC and Thermostat
Perhaps the easiest (and most important) step is testing your thermostat. Run your AC for approximately 30 minutes each day. When you do so, look at the thermostat to check that your home reaches your desired temperature.
If your air conditioning unit is successful multiple days in a row, you’re probably in good shape for spring. If your system is unsuccessful, reach out about HVAC repairs right away.
Change Your Filters
Yet another easy step is replacing your filters. Many homeowners wait for a professional to swap out their filters during AC tune-up appointments. However, you should ideally change them every 90 days (or even every 60 days if you have a shedding dog or cat).
On top of spreading allergens and irritants, a dirty filter can overwork your HVAC system, leading to long-term damage that might reveal itself in the new season.
Examine Your Outdoor Unit
Before spring, check your outdoor unit for any debris. Throughout the fall or winter, branches and leaves may have gathered in its vents, or small animals may have even nested inside. All of these troublemakers must be removed before you run your system.
Alternatively, if your family placed condenser covers over the unit through fall and winter, you’ll need to remove them before the weather gets warmer.
Check for Leaks and Cracks
It’s essential to check both your air conditioner and furnace for leaking or cracking. You can glance at your unit to check for any corroded metal components. Additionally, if you notice a dripping or bubble-blowing sound when you run your heater, there’s probably a leak that must be repaired before next fall.
Clean Air Ducts and Vents
Go from room to room checking vents and ducts for any blockage. Much like a dirty filter, a dirty vent can prevent adequate circulation, thus overworking and damaging your system.
Consider Upgrading
If you’re willing to take more extravagant measures for spring preparation, consult with professionals about thermostat upgrades. Newer thermostats have more intelligent automation functions, meaning they can alter your cooling settings based on the current indoor and outdoor environment. This allows your HVAC system to run more efficiently, saving both energy and money.
Schedule an AC Tune-Up
If these steps feel overwhelming, an AC tune-up luckily covers all of the preparations mentioned above. The last thing you want is to notice an AC catastrophe right when the weather warms and you need to stay cool. We’ll ensure all parts of your system (your filter, vents, ductwork, thermostat and outdoor unit included) are running smoothly for spring.
Contact our team at Air Tech of Conroe to schedule an HVAC maintenance appointment.
