Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit (HVAC) works hard to keep you comfortable no matter the weather outside. It blasts cold air in the heat of the summer and sends gentle warmth to keep you cozy in the snow. Even when the ambient temperature is fine, it still helps with air circulation and filtration.
It makes sense, then, that home AC unit cleaning isn’t a once-annual chore. Yes, giving your HVAC unit a thorough spring cleaning is a great idea, but HVAC maintenance should continue through the rest of the seasons as well.
Want to keep your home’s air clean and comfortable all year long? Read on for our complete guide to seasonal HVAC maintenance.
Spring HVAC Tips
Spring brings with it warmer weather, fresh breezes, gentle rains, and allergens galore. It’s the perfect time of year to kick off your HVAC cleaning schedule and get rid of any leftover winter grime before you switch from heat to AC.
The first step in caring for your HVAC system is cleaning your house. Dust, sweep and vacuum your floors and hard surfaces—don’t forget the air vents and fan blades. Wash linens like curtains and throw blankets, and consider steam cleaning your carpets and rugs.
Reducing the amount of dust circulating in your home will keep your air ducts and filters clean for longer and will reduce the load on your HVAC unit.
No matter how clean you keep your home, though, dust and dirt will still build up in your furnace. The beginning of spring is your chance to change the filter and clean the evaporator coils before turning on the AC. This is also a great time to have a professional clean and inspect your ductwork.
Finally, if you have an outdoor HVAC unit, inspect the area to make sure it’s in good shape. Examine the casing, electrical wires, and other exposed components for cracks, leaks, or other damage. Clear plants and debris away from the area as well.
Summer HVAC Tips
Summer is less about HVAC cleaning and more about maintenance. Florida is already seeing record-high temperatures, and it’s looking like the mid-year heatwave we saw in 2019 is here to stay. Your air conditioning unit will be working hard to keep up.
Check the filter and drain lines every week or two to make sure they’re in good condition. If it starts to seem like you can’t keep the house cool no matter what you do, there may be a problem that needs to be repaired.
Looking to lower your summer electric bills while still keeping cool? Hang light-colored curtains or blinds to reflect the heat and keep them closed during the hottest parts of the day. Also, be sure to keep your doors and windows closed tightly—you don’t want to pay to cool your backyard!
If that still doesn’t do the trick, you may need to improve your home’s insulation. For only $1 per square foot, Bowersox Air Conditioning & Heating will fill your empty attic space with blown insulation. This increases your home’s ability to trap air inside and maintain an ambient temperature, no matter how high the thermometer climbs outside.
Fall HVAC Tips
As the seasons change once more and temperatures start to drop, the time comes to prep your HVAC unit for winter.
Fall HVAC maintenance looks a lot like what you did during the spring. Take the time to clean your home, paying close attention to fan blades and air vents. You may also want to switch the direction of your fan blades to blow warm air down instead of pulling cool air up.
Next, change out the filter in your furnace. Even if you already cleaned them in the spring, you may also want to clean off your air conditioner’s evaporator coils to make sure they’re ready to go next year.
Lastly, it’s time to winterize your AC unit. Start by turning off your air conditioning at the main switch. Then, remove any portable window units and put a durable cover over any permanent outdoor units.
While you’re outside, clear away any fallen leaves or debris from your outdoor unit. Always make sure to check for signs of damage during the winterizing process. If you notice something is wrong, it’s better to get it fixed before you need to cool your home again.
Winter HVAC Tips
Like summer, your focus during the winter season should be on maintenance, especially for any permanent outdoor units. If you get snow, ice, or hail, take time to clear it off the unit and ensure that the cover still allows airflow. Don’t allow ice or snow to build up on your air conditioner, as ice can crack the housing and moisture can cause mold to grow inside.
Most of us stay inside a lot more during the winter months, and we may notice air quality issues that we didn’t before. If your indoor allergies pick up despite the plants not being in bloom, it’s likely due to dust in your home. Call a professional heating and air conditioning company to clean your air ducts of pet dander, mold spores, and other irritants.
Home AC Unit Cleaning Is a Year-Round Job
Keeping your HVAC system in good shape isn’t a one-and-done task. It’s a year-round job, and it helps to have a professional on-hand for repairs and upkeep.
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