A Spring Maintenance Checklist for Your Furnace & Air Conditioner

With the days getting longer and the weather getting warmer, now is the time to get your home ready for the blistering summer heat ahead. If you want good-quality indoor air, it’s extremely essential that you have your heating and air conditioning system serviced each spring. Regular maintenance can improve the performance and efficiency of your system and help you save money on energy bills and avoid the need for emergency repairs.

Here’s a checklist to help you get started on HVAC maintenance and keep yourself cool and comfortable during the warmer months.

Replace the air filters. Air filters used in your heating and air conditioning system filter dust, pet pander, pollen and other small particles out of the air that you and your family breathe. Over time, these filters accumulate debris that will eventually cause them to clog and reduce airflow. When this happens, your system is forced to work twice as hard as before to keep the interior of your home at the desired temperature, which will result in your annual utility bills increasing. By replacing clogged air filters, you’ll reduce your home’s energy consumption and improve indoor air quality. Generally, most air filter manufacturers recommend changing your filters every three months.

Upgrade to a programmable thermostat. If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, it’s time to install one. With this innovative device, you can adjust the times you turn on your heating or cooling based on a pre-set schedule. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, turning your thermostat back seven to 10 degrees F for eight hours a day from its normal setting can save you as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling costs. However, the percentage of savings from setbacks tends to be greater for homes in milder climates than those in more severe climates.

Remove the cover of your outdoor unit. Most outdoor units are built to endure severe weather conditions. However, if you did

decide to cover your equipment to keep out dirt and debris last winter, remember to take the cover off as you approach the spring and summer seasons. This is to prevent moisture from becoming trapped in the system, which could potentially lead to corrosion and rust. Remember, your air conditioner is made to be open to the air, and covering it will only block much-needed airflow.

Clear the area around the outdoor unit. During the winter season, dirt, dust and grime can build up around your outdoor heating and cooling unit. The coils will have to be scrubbed down, and all debris — including stones, leaves and branches —  will need to be removed from the areas surrounding the equipment. After clearing away the buildup of debris and trash, trim back vegetation and branches that are within two feet of the unit.

Also, don’t forget to check for evidence of pests that may have crawled into your condenser unit, as they can cause significant damage by chewing wires or leaving droppings. If you suspect that there’s damage that requires attention, bring in a technician to perform a thorough inspection of your unit and complete the necessary HVAC repairs.

Make sure the condenser unit is positioned on level ground. A condenser unit that’s level will enable your HVAC system to function properly. Not only is it unsightly when the condenser pad is tipping over to one side, but this can also make the lubricating oil separate, which will interfere with the free flow of refrigerant through the system. This can also put unnecessary strain on the coolant lines leading into your home, which can lead to a premature failure. There are just a few simple steps you’ll need to take to level a condenser unit, although the process is definitely not one-size-fits-all. In some cases, the required solution has to take into account the soil content and quality, as well as the degree of tilt. It may be best to just allow a professional to make your condenser unit level again.

Inspect and straighten the fins. Condenser fins are metal slats that run along the outside of your outdoor HVAC unit. Their function is similar to that of the fins on your evaporator coil. They assist with heat extraction, particularly by diverting warm air away from the air conditioner while it’s running. Condenser fins are typically made of aluminum and are thin and easily damaged. When damaged, the open path for air to freely flow is disrupted, which can adversely affect the efficiency of your cooling system by causing compressor failure.

A spray bottle with diluted dish soap and a fin comb sized to match the fins per inch of your condenser coil are all you normally need to straighten condenser fins. If you don’t feel confident about carrying out the task properly, don’t hesitate to call in an HVAC installation company  to take care of it.

Hire a professional technician. As stated above, there are many maintenance tasks that you can complete on your own to help take good care of your HVAC system. There’s also a list of additional items that need to be handled by professionals. Ideally, your heating and air conditioning system should be inspected and serviced twice a year. While the tasks that are included in a tune-up or preventative maintenance visit may differ slightly depending on the service provider, you can generally expect them to do the following:

• Check refrigerant levels, coils and drain lines.

• Inspect the compressor and motor.

• Replace worn belts, parts and connections.

• Test thermostats.

• Check for leaks.

• Clean areas where dirt and debris have built up.

• Check and replace air filters.

Contact Cafco Services for All Your HVAC Maintenance Needs

If you’re looking for a heating and air conditioning maintenance company, Cafco Services is your trusted one-stop shop for residential and commercial heating, ventilation, air conditioning and air filtration products and services. Whether you need to install brand-new equipment or tune up and maintain your current system, our skilled team of technicians will surely deliver the level of comfort and service you expect. Get in touch with us today by calling (513) 242-3400 or filling out our online form.