Spring is upon us, and along with doing outdoorsy things and long runs along the beach, that also brings upon us the time for cleaning out the old and bringing in the new and summery. Spring cleaning is as exciting as it is taxing because it is not just cleaning out the closet and getting rid of the winter clothes, it is also preparing yourself and your home for the summer. And if you live in areas where winters are extreme, then you know the importance of spring cleaning. You have to clear out the air vents, the windows, and the carpets and ensure that the air conditioning system works fine. Since there is such a drastic temperature change, it is most important that the HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system works perfectly.
It is important to ensure that the HVAC system works without any glitches or problems. This can be done on an individual level while doing the regular spring cleaning, or by getting help from a professional. It is a good idea to check the HVAC system before the temperature rises significantly.
Prevention is Better than Cure
It is not just a good slogan in theory, but also reality. Maintaining the HVAC system is as important as maintaining your car. It will run more efficiently and for longer. When maintained appropriately, the average life span of an HVAC system is about eighteen years. Without maintenance, it causes an increase in energy bills every month and leads to a high-cost major repair or replacement, which could have been easily avoided.
Replace the Filters
Ensure that the HVAC filters are replaced after every season change. During the months of high AC use, clean and replace the HVAC filters at least once every four weeks. Dirty HVAC filters can cause the HVAC unit to free up during summer and cause a system breakdown. Clean air filters allow air to flow freely to the unit and reduce indoor air pollution by removing contaminants and dust particles from the air.
Clean Around the Outdoor Unit
The outdoor unit of the HVAC system has a compressor, which is the heart and soul of the unit. You must clean an obstruction from the outdoor unit. Keep yard items, plants, bushes, bikes, and other large objects at least two to three feet away from the unit. These items bring in dust and dirt, which can easily be absorbed by the unit. Clear the debris around the unit and vacuum or blow leaves and dirt from inside the cage.
Tune Up
Have a professional cleaning service have a look at the air conditioning system and tune it up for you. A tune-up service includes a comprehensive system inspection, cleaning of coils, lubrication of the moving mechanical parts, air filter replacement, checking the fluid and pressure levels, cleaning and draining the condensate line, and running a performance test. It also includes an examination of the ductwork to ensure that air reaches all parts of the house equally.
According to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning-1 Engineers (ASHRAE), the HVAC system can cost you an additional $1000 per cooling season to run if it isn’t cleaned properly and maintained. Make sure that you do the cleaning every spring and fall, that is, twice a year, to maintain the HVAC system.
Sources:
1. https://www.merrittair.com/designing-efficient-and-cost-effective-commercial-hvac-systems.html
2. https://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/blog/post/2010/05/water-heater-and-outdoor-faucet-maintenance-is-your-plumbing-ready-for-spring
3. https://www.hgtv.com/home-improvement/hvac-a-spring-fix-up-checklist/index.html
4. https://www.sandrellhvac.com/5-tips-to-prep-your-hvac-system-for-spring.htmlThe following two tabs change content below.
