Spring AC Maintenance
Getting your air conditioner ready for warmer weather is key to improving efficiency and preventing breakdowns. To help make the process as easy as possible, this spring AC maintenance guide highlights the key tasks needed to prepare your cooling unit for the summer months.
Change the Filter
One of the easiest and most impactful spring AC maintenance tasks is changing your HVAC system’s filter. This will improve energy use and overall performance, lowering energy bills in the process. Replacing the filter every 90 days is part of year-round routine maintenance, so be sure to replace it at least once in the spring before summer arrives.
Remove the Cover
Although protective covers can keep snow and debris out of your outdoor unit during the winter, forgetting to take it off in the spring can lead to disastrous results. As explained by Maryland-based Rod Miller HVAC, turning on your air conditioner with the cover on can overheat and damage the compressor, potentially beyond repair. Covers can also trap in moisture, leading to mold or rust, so remember to take off the cover as soon as temperatures are consistently above freezing.
Clear the Area
Experts recommend keeping at least 1FT (30CM) of clearance around your outdoor unit to maintain optimal airflow, so clear away any debris like leaves or twigs that may have accumulated around the condenser before powering on your cooling system. Check again in late spring, trimming any encroaching grass or shrubs, and continue cutting back new growth as needed throughout the summer.
Rinse the Fins
Fins play a critical role in the heat transfer process between the outside air and the system’s refrigerant, so keeping them free of dust is very important. That’s why it’s a good idea to clean them in the spring by gently spraying them with a garden hose to wash away the debris that’s accumulated over the winter–just be careful about using too much water pressure since this can bend or damage the fins.
Check CO Detectors
While checking carbon monoxide detectors isn’t the main focus of spring HVAC maintenance, adding it to your to-do list will help keep a consistent inspection schedule. Remember to check your CO detectors monthly to confirm they’re in good working order, and note their age so you can replace them every 5-7 years to stay ahead of potential issues–these simple steps will go a long way in ensuring your family’s safety when your heating system is in operation over the winter.
Unblock the Registers
To improve your air conditioner’s efficiency during the summer, make sure to maintain the indoor registers when spring arrives. Dust or vacuum any debris in the grates, and be sure to move any furniture, toys, drapes or anything else that’s blocking them in order to facilitate airflow into your home.
Maintain the Thermostat
The thermostat is the main interface for controlling your HVAC system, so proper care is essential. In addition to adjusting the settings to account for the coming warm weather, remember to check for warning messages that indicate it’s time to change your thermostat’s battery. If the temperature displayed on your unit doesn’t seem to match the actual indoor temperature, reach out to an authorized technician to calibrate it or relocate it to another location where it can take more accurate readings.
Test the AC
Even though it might seem unnecessary, turning on your air conditioner to see if it’s working properly is an important part of spring AC maintenance. Even if it’s not quite warm enough for your home to need cooling yet, powering on the system once or twice to check for any issues will help you avoid future headaches–the last thing you want is to discover that your AC isn’t working properly on the first hot day of summer.
Schedule an Appointment
In addition to simple HVAC preventative maintenance tasks that you can do, be sure to schedule an inspection with an authorized technician as well. The technician will perform various tests and procedures during the appointment, such as:
- Recharging the refrigerant
- Repairing the ductwork
- Inspecting the wiring
- Tightening the connections
- Unclogging the drain
- Cleaning the coils
- Straightening the fins
- Lubricating moving parts
- Calibrating the thermostat
- Checking the insulation
Monitor the System
As spring turns into summer and you start using your air conditioner more and more, be on the lookout for any signs of equipment issues. If you notice any strange noises, odd smells or reduced performance, don’t hesitate to reach out to a licensed technician. It’s always better to tackle a small problem early before it has the chance to grow into a larger one.