Did you know that on average, Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) alone attributes to approximately 43% of your monthly consumption? With warmer weather just around the corner, and most people preparing for spring with an annual spring cleaning, don’t forget to include preparation and maintenance of your home’s HVAC system, too! Neglecting necessary maintenance ensures a steady decline in HVAC performance and a steady increase in energy use – so a little seasonal maintenance and proactivity can pay off in the long term.
Prep your HVAC system for warmer weather by following these five simple, do-it-yourself (DIY) tips:
1Change the Air Filters
One of the top ways to improve how well your HVAC performs and lower your cost at the same time is by putting in a new filter. It’s recommended that you change out the old one with a new one at least every three months.
2Clean Return Vents
Walk through your home and examine each vent. Clear out any dust or debris and make sure the vents are open. This can help your HVAC get an even amount of coverage throughout the square footage of your home.
3Test the thermostat
Simply change the setting on your thermostat from heat to cool and lower the temperature a few degrees. Ensure that the settings are correct for the season and that the fan is kept on auto. If the desired thermostat setting and room temperature don’t match, that’s an indication that there could be a mechanical issue, or the unit could be low on coolant.
4Clear Outdoor Areas
You want to make sure the area around your outdoor unit is clear and free from debris. If there are any plants, branches, or other items that are blocking the area or touching your air conditioner, you need to clear it away. There should be about two feet of clearance on all sides.
5Clear any blockages in the condensate drain line
Every central air conditioner has a condensate drain line that runs from the indoor air handler to the outside of the home. Look for a white PVC pipe that’s located near your outdoor condensing unit. Verify that the condensate drain line isn’t clogged up. A clogged line can result in water possibly overflowing, which could cause extensive home damage.
When spring arrives this year, you want to be prepared to enjoy the warmer temperatures and longer days. If you take the time to do your own checkup, you can keep your HVAC unit running more efficiently. If you do not feel comfortable maintaining the HVAC unit yourself, we recommend hiring a professional to perform preventative maintenance twice a year. These easy tips can keep the cool air flowing, your family feeling comfortable, and also lead to more money savings throughout the year, and who doesn’t love that?
