Prepare Your HVAC System for Spring

As the weather warms this spring, your awareness shifts from keeping your home warm to cooling it down. Making sure your HVAC system is prepared for the changing seasons is critical if you hope to maintain home comfort and energy efficiency. Follow these HVAC system transition guidelines from the HVAC specialists at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning to make sure your cooling system is primed and ready for the warmer months ahead.

Inspect the Air Filter

Your HVAC filter slowly accumulates dust, pollen and other particles, minimizing airflow. This forces your system to work harder. Preferably, you should replace the filter every 30-90 days, based on usage and filter type. Select the proper size and efficiency rating for your system, since using anything other than the recommended size and type of filter can overly restrict airflow and decrease efficiency. If you’re not sure which filter to buy or how to install it into your system, ask your HVAC professional during your next maintenance visit to demonstrate.

Inspect the Outside Condensing Unit

The outdoor unit of your AC system that expels hot air, also known as a condensing unit, is a necessary part of the cooling process. Here’s how to prepare your condensing unit for another summer:

• Remove the AC cover: If you threw a cover or board over your outdoor unit to protect it during the cold months, remove it before powering up the air conditioner for the first time this spring.
• Clean the unit: Over the fall and winter, your outside unit may have accumulated leaves, dirt and other rubbish. Gently give it a good rinse with a garden hose to remove this buildup.
• Remove neighboring debris: The area surrounding your outdoor unit needs to remain clear for ideal airflow. Rake away leaves, pine needles and other debris near the HVAC equipment. Also, prune nearby flowers, shrubs and trees to maintain at least 12 to 24 inches of clearance on all sides.
• Verify the unit is level: The concrete pad your condensing unit is placed on may shift or settle through the years, causing the unit to tilt. To protect against improper operation and premature wear, adjust the unit by wedging shims under its base. Check your work with a carpenter’s level.

Increase the Temperature on the Thermostat

Set your thermostat to a comfortable yet energy-efficient temperature. For the summer months, 78 degrees F is encouraged while you’re inside your home. If you feel too hot, run the ceiling fan to make the room feel cooler without lowering the thermostat.

Boost the temperature by 7 to 10 degrees when no one is home during the day to save on power costs. To avoid losing comfort, install a programmable thermostat and set it to resume to a cozy temperature when you are going to be back home. This approach saves up to 10% on your energy costs.

Assess and Clear Out Your Air Registers

Dust, pet hair and other particles can accumulate on supply and return registers, hindering airflow. Use the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to clear away this buildup. Then, make sure all your vents are open and not covered up by furniture, rugs or curtains.

Despite what some have been told, closing vents in unused rooms does not save energy; all it does is disrupt the system’s return/supply balance. To protect against excessive strain, keep no less than 80% of your supply registers open and unblocked at all times.

Find and Seal Air Leaks

Leaky windows, doors and other gaps allow hot, humid air to find its way into your home. To tackle this issue, look over window and door seals, using caulk and weatherstripping to seal any holes. Then, check the attic for insufficient insulation or gaps near pipes, ductwork and light fixtures. Close these leaks with spray foam and top them with additional insulation to minimize unwanted air exchange through the attic floor.

Run a Test Cycle

Before the season warms up, run your AC for a few minutes. Walk around your home and make sure cool air flows easily from each and every vent. If you see anything awry, call a heating and cooling specialist to conduct AC repair to nip the problem in the bud.

Schedule Expert HVAC Maintenance with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning

While at-home maintenance is beneficial, it can’t replace the comprehensive care provided by a certified professional. Work like measuring the refrigerant charge and tightening electrical connections require specialized tools and training that only specialists possess.

Spring is a great time to set up AC maintenance, allowing you to deal with issues at the beginning and prepare the system for the summer heat. Prioritize this service to experience the following perks:

• Lower energy costs
• Fewer midseason breakdowns
• Reduced repair bills
• Better home comfort
• Longer system life span
• Protected warranty coverage

Why Choose Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for Your HVAC Needs in Fort Lauderdale?

Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning delivers dependable AC services to ensure your comfort and satisfaction this spring. Our ACE-certified technicians are trained to provide speedy, effective solutions to all your HVAC challenges. For experienced service that lives up to our name, phone 954-736-4314 today!