Homeowner’s Guide to Spring Cleaning: HVAC Edition
Homeowner’s Guide to Spring Cleaning: HVAC Edition
Guirguis Faltaos - 3/12/2024
As a new season comes along and warmer temperatures arrive in Fairfax, you’ll likely get into spring cleaning mode. As you prepare your home for the change in weather, you’ll need to take a few extra steps to ensure your HVAC system is ready to keep you comfortable over the next few months. Read on for a spring cleaning to-do list to follow to prepare your HVAC system for the new year.
Change Air Filters
Your HVAC system has air filters that help remove dust and allergens from the air that comes from your vents. These filters should be changed or cleaned every 30-90 days, sometimes more often if you live in an area with poor air quality or have pets that shed. If you fail to change your air filters as needed, they may become clogged with dust and dirt. Clogged air filters make your furnace and air conditioner work harder and lead to unhealthy indoor air.
Clean Vents and Registers
Dirt and debris may accumulate on your vents and registers, leading to poor airflow and lower air quality in your home. Clean the vents with a vacuum to get all the dust off, paying special attention to intake vents that get extremely dirty from pulling air from the interior of your home.
Clean Outdoor Unit
Your outdoor unit is left to brave the elements all year and as such becomes dirty and may have debris such as twigs and leaves on it. Remove the debris from on and around it, and use your garden hose to rinse off the surface and sides. Do not use a pressure washer on your outdoor HVAC unit, as this could result in damage.
Have Ductwork Inspected
The air from your HVAC units travels through a system of ducts to deliver warm and cold air to the different rooms of your home. These ducts may become dirty or even clogged over time. Hire a professional to clean your ducts and ensure there is no dirt, dust, or debris lingering that could cause your home’s comfort level and air quality to be compromised.
Schedule Routine Maintenance
Routine preventative maintenance is crucial to extend the life of your furnace and air conditioner and helps prevent unexpected breakdowns. You should schedule this service at least once every year to ensure your HVAC system continues to provide you with comfort while remaining energy efficient. This routine maintenance includes inspecting the mechanical components of your furnace and air conditioner to check for proper function and damage. The technician will also inspect the electrical and gas connections to ensure they are safely connected. Moving parts inside your unit may require lubrication to prevent excess wear and tear from friction as well.
Check Thermostat Settings
As you welcome a new season, you’ll likely notice a difference in the outdoor temperature. As this temperature gradually warms each day, you’ll need to adjust the program settings on your thermostat. You may find it hard to find the right balance during the spring because the temperature jumps around quite a bit, but you can still make changes manually when you need to.
Test Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Although not directly tied to your HVAC system, spring is a great time to check your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms to ensure they are working properly. You should change the batteries and check that the alarms sound so that they don’t fail you when you need them the most. Many homeowners choose a specific time to test these safety devices to be better able to track when it was last done, such as when HVAC maintenance is performed, on the first day of spring, or when we change the clocks for Daylight Savings Time.
Gearing up for a new season is an exciting time, especially in the spring when the Fairfax flowers start to bloom and the weather warms up. It is also a great time to make sure your HVAC system is properly maintained and prepared to get you through the year. At Eagles HVAC Services, our expert HVAC technicians will help you with maintenance, cleaning, and other HVAC tasks to provide you with comfort, safety, and better air quality. Count on us to be your trusted professionals for all your HVAC needs as well as providing you with quality indoor air, humidity control, and water heaters.
Get your spring cleaning on track with help from the reliable HVAC technicians at Eagles HVAC Services.