Prepare Your HVAC Unit for Spring

As we move into March, let’s talk about how to prepare your HVAC system for the spring and beyond. March is a comfortable month for Houston, with average temperatures in the 70s. But it won’t be long before the heat hits, so let’s get those spring HVAC chores done now. Need some tips? Air Specialist can walk you through the list.

Clean your outside HVAC units

We may not see snow this far south, but our winter months offered ample opportunities for dirt and debris to accumulate. Make sure your spring lawn care includes the area around the outdoor unit. By keeping the unit free of obstruction, you’re lightening the workload when it’s time to cool down the house.

Replace your air filters

Ideally, you’re replacing your air filter regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions, which can vary from every 30 to 90 days. If it’s been a while since you changed the filter, it’s probably time. The air filter is the guardian of your HVAC system galaxy, working to grab offending dust, pollen, or other particles as they circulate around your home. A clean HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard as one that’s trying to pull air through a clogged filter, so you may also save money on your energy bills.

Check your ductwork

When was the last time you had your ductwork professionally cleaned? What you can’t see can hurt you, especially if mold, pollen, dust, and the occasional critter have taken up residence within your ductwork. Every time you turn on your A/C or furnace, you’re blowing the contents of your ductwork all around your home. If you’re looking for a quick fix, remove your vent covers and use your vacuum to grab as much of the dirty stuff as you can reach. However, professional duct cleaning hits all the hiding spaces. You may even notice that you’re breathing easier once all the nasty stuff is gone.

Check your thermostat

When is the worst time to discover that your thermostat isn’t switching over to the cool setting? When the temperatures climb to uncomfortable levels, you’re craving relief. That’s why it’s important to test your thermostat now before you need it. Simply let the A/C run for a while to see if it’s cooling down your home. If you don’t notice a chill or if the A/C isn’t turning on at all, our excellent HVAC technicians at Air Specialist A/C Heating Plumbing & More can troubleshoot the problem and make sure your home is ready for summer.

Schedule an HVAC tune-up

Handy homeowners may want to own all the HVAC prep tasks, but some things are best left to the professionals. For example, dirty A/C condenser coils reduce energy efficiency and make your system work harder. You could take on the task yourself, but you have to take extra care to cut power to the unit and avoid crushing the soft aluminum fins on the heat exchanger. Or you can call Air Specialist A/C Heating Plumbing & More and let us do what we do best. Our maintenance service includes a thorough cleaning and inspection of your outdoor and indoor HVAC components. We will tighten the electrical connections as necessary and make sure the system has the proper refrigerant charge. Oftentimes, these regular tune-ups allow our HVAC technicians to discover problems before they develop into a major, costly expenditure. We’ve also noticed that homeowners who schedule regular maintenance checks enjoy extra years of efficient heating and cooling from their HVAC units.

Let Air Specialist help you tackle your spring to-do list! To schedule your A/C tune-up, call Air Specialist. You can also contact us to schedule an appointment online.