A Good Spring Cleaning: An HVAC Maintenance Checklist for March

You’ve been hibernating all winter, but March is the month when things start shifting in a warmer direction. If you’re like many homeowners, you may be anxious to leave winter in the dust and embrace the promise of spring. Amid the flurry of straightening up and cleaning, don’t neglect your HVAC system. After all, spring is the prelude to another hot summer, making this a great time to get your HVAC system in the best shape. Not sure what spring cleaning your HVAC system involves? Include these items to your March home maintenance checklist.

Replace the Air Filter

The air filter is a critical part of your furnace or air conditioner, protecting your finely tuned home comfort equipment from airborne particles and promoting cleaner indoor air. Regularly swap out the air filter according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. If you have pets that live in the residence or have allergies, change the filter up to once a month to maintain indoor air quality. Otherwise, replacing your HVAC filter with a new one every three months is sufficient. In addition to ridding your home of airborne pollutants more effectively, a clean filter promotes better airflow to boost system efficiency by up to 15%.

Check the Condensate Drain

Your air conditioner doesn’t just cool your property—it also dehumidifies. The condensate drain is the key to removing extra moisture from your AC. The drain should be free-flowing and the connecting hose should be leak-free and properly placed. Check on your condensate drain while you replace the filter to keep your system running smoothly—and also help you spot early signs of water damage.

Get the Air Moving

Before turning on your AC for the first time this spring, open your windows and doors to circulate fresh air inside. If you notice an excessively stuffy interior before taking this step, think about adding a whole-house ventilation system. This upgrade expels stale, contaminated air to the exterior and replaces it with clean, fresh air from outside. Certain equipment pre-cools and dehumidifies incoming air to minimize the impact on your energy costs while helping you breathe better.

Spring Clean Your Home

Thoroughly cleaning your home complements your HVAC maintenance checklist by reducing the amount of dust and allergens that circulate through the system. Pay special attention to these locations:

• Dust ceiling fan blades.
• Seal gaps around windows and doors using caulk or weather stripping.
• Wipe out sliding glass door tracks.
• Vacuum debris out of the coils located beneath or behind the refrigerator.
• Wipe off light fixtures and swap old incandescent bulbs for energy-saving LEDs.

Adjust Your Thermostat

If you haven’t yet explored programmable or smart thermostats, spring is a perfect time to think about this budget-friendly upgrade. A programmable thermostat makes a substantial difference in your home’s comfort and energy usage. Start off by setting the temperature to 78 degrees F when you’re going to be inside the residence. Then, program automatic setback periods of 7 to 10 degrees when the house is empty during the day. With recovery periods planned for when residents of the home will return, you can enjoy up to 10% energy savings without compromising comfort.

A smart thermostat takes these advantages a step further by enabling you to make modifications remotely. You can also check your energy consumption in a mobile app and get tailored, cost-cutting advice.

Check Your Ductwork

Ductwork sometimes can develop leaks that negatively impact your air quality and increase your energy expenses. Sealing these leaks helps your cooling system run more efficiently and flow clean, healthy air. Once sealed, insulate your ductwork to keep the air cool on its way to supply registers throughout your home.

Hose Debris From the Outside Unit

The outside condenser unit accumulates debris during the icy-cold months. Here’s how to give it a good cleaning this March:

• Rake leaves, pine needles and grass clippings from around the unit.
• Delicately hose down the metal fins to remove dirt and cobwebs.
• Remove adjacent shrubs and grasses to maintain a one- to two-foot clearance.
• Study the unit for damage, such as missing insulation or bent fins.

• Contact a professional technician for AC service before the summer heat arrives. 

Try Out Your HVAC Unit

After performing your spring cleaning checklist, it’s time to test your air conditioner. Run it for several minutes to check for adequate cooling. If you discover any problems, make sure your thermostat is set to cool before contacting a professional for help.

Schedule Air Conditioning Solutions in the U.S. with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing

If your HVAC system needs professional help this spring, Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is the team for the job. Our HVAC solutions help keep your home comfortable and energy efficient all year-round. Expect fast, long-lasting solutions to all your comfort concerns, backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. You read that correct—if you’re not absolutely happy with our solutions, we’ll make it right. For a spring-ready AC system that delivers efficiency and peace of mind, call 866-397-3787 to reach the heating and cooling authorities at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing today.