Spring Forward: HVAC System Transition Tips for the Spring Season
As the weather warms this spring, your attention shifts from keeping your home warm to cooling it down. Making sure your HVAC system is prepared for the changing seasons is crucial if you hope to maintain home comfort and energy efficiency. Stick to these HVAC system transition strategies from the HVAC professionals at Rob's Albertan Service Experts to be sure your cooling system is primed and ready for the warmer months ahead.
Inspect the Air Filter
Your HVAC filter gradually traps dust, pollen and other particles, minimizing airflow. This can force your system to work harder. Preferably, you should replace the filter every 30-90 days, depending on usage and filter type. Choose the proper size and efficiency rating for your system, because using the wrong filter can overly restrict airflow and decrease efficiency. If you’re unsure which filter to buy or how to install it into your system, ask your HVAC specialist during your next routine tune-up to demonstrate.
Inspect the Exterior Condensing Unit
The outdoor part of your air conditioning system that blows out hot air, also known as a condensing unit, is a very important part of the cooling process. Here’s how to prep your outdoor cooling unit for another summer:
- Take off the AC cover: If you placed a cover or board over your outdoor unit to protect it from snow and ice, remove it before powering up the air conditioning for the first time this spring.
- Clean the unit: Over the fall and winter, your exterior unit may have accumulated leaves, dirt and other clutter. Carefully give it a good rinse with a garden hose to get rid of this buildup.
- Clear away neighboring debris: The area in the vicinity of your outdoor unit should remain clear for ideal airflow. Clear away leaves, pine needles and other debris near the unit. Also, prune nearby flowers, shrubs and trees to ensure at least 12 to 24 inches of clearance on all sides.
- Verify the unit is level: The concrete pad your condensing unit sits on may shift or settle as time passes, causing the unit to tilt. To protect against improper operation and premature wear, adjust the unit by wedging shims underneath its base. Verify your work with a carpenter’s level.
Change the Thermostat
Change your thermostat to a pleasant yet energy-efficient temperature. For the warmer months, 78 degrees F is recommended while you’re going to be home. If you feel too hot, run the ceiling fan to make the room feel cooler without reducing the thermostat.
Boost the temperature by 7 to 10 degrees when everyone is out of the residence during the day to save on power costs. To avoid losing comfort, get a programmable thermostat and set it to resume to a comfortable temperature when you come home. This approach saves up to 10% on your air conditioning costs.
Examine and Clean Your Air Registers
Dust, pet hair and other debris can collect on supply and return registers, obstructing airflow. Use the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to clear away this buildup. Next, ensure that all your vents are open and not covered up by things like rugs or curtains.
In spite of what you might think, closing vents in unused rooms does not conserve energy; all it does is disrupt the system’s return/supply balance. To prevent unnecessary strain, keep at least 80% of your supply registers open and unblocked at all times.
Locate and Close Air Leaks
Leaky windows, doors and other cracks enable hot, humid air to sneak into your home. To correct this issue, look over window and door seals, using caulk and weatherstripping to seal any holes. After that, search the attic for insufficient insulation or breaks next to pipes, ductwork and light fixtures. Close these leaks with spray foam and top them with additional insulation to minimize unwanted air exchange through the attic floor.
Turn on Your System to Test It
Before the season warms up, operate your air conditioning for a short while. Walk around your home and make sure cool air flows easily from each and every vent. If you see anything wrong, call in a professional HVAC tech for AC repair to nip the problem in the bud.
Schedule Knowledgeable HVAC Maintenance with Rob's Albertan Service Experts
While at-home maintenance is worthwhile, it can’t replace the complete care provided by a certified professional. Duties like measuring the refrigerant charge, tightening electrical connections and cleaning the evaporator coil require specialized tools and training that only specialists possess.
Spring is an excellent time to schedule AC maintenance, enabling you to address issues quickly and prepare the system for the summer heat. Prioritize this service to experience the following advantages:
- Decreased energy costs
- Fewer midseason breakdowns
- Lower repair bills
- Better home comfort
- Longer system life span
- Protected warranty coverage
Why Choose Rob's Albertan Service Experts for Your HVAC Needs in Edmonton?
Rob's Albertan Service Experts provides reputable AC services to ensure your comfort and satisfaction this spring. Our certified technicians are trained to provide prompt, effective solutions to all your heating and cooling desires. For expert service that lives up to our name, call 780-800-9047 today!
