It won’t be long now. The cold winter winds will give way to warm spring breezes, Rock River’s waters will begin to thaw, and you’ll need to switch your HVAC system to cooling mode. Putting your home through a good spring cleaning before that takes place is imperative.
Your HVAC system has worked hard all winter, keeping you and your home warm. And after several months of non-stop running, it’s probably developed a little dust and debris of its own. This is exactly why you should take a little time to make sure it’s ready to run at maximum performance once the hot, humid days of summer roll in.
HVAC Maintenance Tasks for Homeowners
Here are five things you need to do to ensure your HVAC system performs at its peak this spring and summer:
- Change the air filter. If you value clean, clear air, replace your system’s air filter regularly. Air filters exist for one purpose: to catch all the dust out of the air so it doesn’t accumulate on the components of the HVAC system. Over the course of a long, cold winter — when your windows are shut and your doors rarely open — your HVAC system’s air filter probably worked overtime. Get in the habit of checking the air filter every month and changing it when dirt is visible.
- Have a Professional check the coils. The air conditioner depends on its coils to generate cold, refreshing air and then pump it through your home. But because it hasn’t been used in months, the A/C coils are probably covered in dirt, dust, dead leaves, and other debris. Before you fire up your system to cool down your house, it’s a good idea to have a professional inspect the coils in your unit to ensure they aren’t dirty. Your HVAC system will run more efficiently after the coils are clean.
- Check air ducts. Your home’s air ducts play an important role in properly cooling your home. If they’ve become cracked or separated, you might be cooling parts of your home that you don’t use and paying for cool air you never get to enjoy. Before you turn on your HVAC system and run the air conditioner, take some time, and inspect all of your air ducts for cracks. If you find any cracks, these are areas where the ductwork has separated, make sure to seal it immediately and make the most of the cool air.
- Fire it up and make sure it cools down. Once you’ve changed the air filter, cleaned the coils, and checked air ducts for leaks, it’s time to turn on your system. Make sure it turns on without any problems. Listen for strange sounds coming from the system. Turn up the thermostat and then turn it down to make sure the system responds properly. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, contact a trusted HVAC professional to have the cooling system inspected.
- Schedule an HVAC system inspection. While it’s possible for you to change your air filter, clean up the coils, and even check the air ducts, there are some things that require a professional. An experienced technician will perform several tasks during a routine maintenance call that homeowners can’t tackle themselves, like lubricating parts, ensuring everything is operating correctly, and identifying and fixing potential problems before they can get worse.
Learn more about Axberg’s HVAC system maintenance services or contact us today at (815) 873-6003 to schedule an appointment!
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