Temperature swings and severe storms are quite common in Wisconsin throughout the spring and summer. Prepping your HVAC in the spring will ensure it’s ready to meet your cooling demands at all times. Well-maintained HVAC equipment that performs with optimal efficiency lasts longer and also reduces heating and cooling costs. Here are several must-follow spring HVAC maintenance tips that will keep your system running smoothly.
Replace the Air Filter
Check the filter on the AC and swap it out with a new one if it’s dirty. Clogged filters restrict airflow, making the AC use much more energy to keep the home cool. When doing the replacement, make sure the new filter is the right size and type. If you use an incompatible filter, it will worsen airflow issues and cause air quality problems. We highly recommend a HEPA filter if someone in the home has asthma or allergies.
Inspect Thermostat Placement
The location of your thermostat plays a large role in how well it can give accurate readings. Those near heat-producing appliances will struggle to read the temperature correctly. The best placement for a thermostat is near the center of the home or in a commonly used living area away from stoves and windows. This will prevent it from detecting inaccurate temperatures so that the HVAC can maintain consistent comfort.
Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat
If you don’t have a smart thermostat, you need to install one as soon as possible. These devices offer a wide range of features. Their Wi-Fi connectivity makes it simple to adjust the temperature from any location using your smartphone. When the HVAC needs a filter change or a system checkup, you’ll receive a notification right away.
Many experts agree that you can save as much as 20% on heating and cooling costs with a smart thermostat. Their ability to learn your schedule and adjust temperatures automatically ensures that the HVAC operates with peak efficiency and doesn’t run when it doesn’t need to.
Open and Unblock Vents
Do a walkthrough of the home to check that all vents have open airflow and no blockages. Closed or blocked vents disrupt air circulation as the HVAC tries to cool the whole house. This makes the AC work harder and use more energy, resulting in higher energy bills.
The excess wear that it endures causes parts to break down sooner, which leads to premature repairs and replacements. Opening all of the vents will go a long way in making sure air circulates evenly throughout the whole house.
Dust and Vacuum Vents and Registers
As you check all of the different vents, go ahead and wipe them down. Use a vacuum to suck up any dust and dirt on the vents and inside the air registers. This will help improve airflow so that the AC can easily cool the home with little air resistance. It will also help with indoor air quality by preventing the conditioned air from mixing with dust and other allergens.
Clear the Area Around the Outdoor Unit
Make sure the outdoor part of the HVAC has at least 3 feet of clearance on all sides. You don’t want any shrubbery or landscaping to block its airflow. If this happens, it’ll cause the system to overheat, which can lead to expensive problems like compressor failure.
You should also make sure that there aren’t any tree branches hanging over the outdoor unit. High winds and heavy rainfall can break branches and damage the unit. Removing overhanging limbs protects your HVAC from weather-related debris and supports safer, more efficient cooling.
Gently Rinse the Outdoor Unit Fins
The outdoor part of the HVAC gets lots of exposure to dust, dirt and grass clippings. These elements will continue to accumulate if you don’t clean them. This is why you should gently rinse the fins with a garden hose using light pressure.
If possible, you should try to spray them from the inside out or at an angle; this will help avoid bending the delicate fins. Don’t ever use a pressure washer to do the cleaning because it’ll damage the fins and other parts.
Check for Unusual Noises and Odors
Turn the HVAC on and listen for any weird noises. If you hear a grinding noise, shut it off immediately. This noise indicates a worn-out motor bearing or, even worse, a damaged blower motor. Both problems require expert repair. A hissing noise may point to a refrigerant leak, which is another issue that needs prompt service to avoid system failure.
If you notice any foul odors like burning plastic, there’s likely a wiring or electrical issue. A musty smell could mean the evaporator coil has mold growing on it. An HVAC technician will need to inspect the system to determine the culprit and choose the best course of action.
Test Airflow From Indoor Vents
Do another walkthrough of the home to test airflow from each vent. To do this, simply place your hand over each vent when the AC is on. Air should flow steadily from each vent. If you notice weak airflow or no air at all, there’s probably some type of blockage or a ductwork issue.
If you can’t pinpoint the source, a technician will have to inspect the system. For ductwork problems, we might be able to seal leaks or reroute sections. For blockages in the vents or registers, we’ll have to clear the debris to remove the obstruction.
Seal Gaps Around Doors and Windows
Gaps and cracks around doors and windows are a leading cause of energy loss. As conditioned air escapes through the holes, it makes the AC operate in overtime mode to keep the house cool. This increases cooling costs and causes parts like the compressor and blower motor to wear out faster. Thankfully, there’s an easy way to avoid this — you can caulk or weatherstrip the holes to prevent air loss.
Schedule an HVAC Tune-Up
Scheduling an HVAC tune-up is the most important thing you can do to prep the HVAC for spring and summer. We’ll wipe down the coils, blower components, drain pan and fan blades so all parts stay clean and function efficiently. Cleaning the condensate drain line will ensure all excess moisture can drain properly; this is crucial to avoiding clogs that can cause water damage and mold growth.
Lubricating the motor bearings and fan shaft will minimize friction and keep the system from overheating and wearing out prematurely. If we notice any signs of wear, we’ll know to swap out failing components with reliable replacements. We make it simple to stay on top of HVAC maintenance with service plans that fit every budget.
Hurlburt offers HVAC tune-ups all throughout Eau Claire, Menomonie and Hudson. Many residents in Eastside Hill, Whisper Ridge and Jacobson’s Woods rely on us for all of their HVAC needs. We offer maintenance, installation support and repairs for systems of all types, including ductless models.
Call Hurlburt now to schedule a spring HVAC tune-up in Eau Claire.
