A Good Spring Cleaning: An HVAC Maintenance Checklist for March

You’ve been hibernating during the colder months, but March is a time of year when things start shifting in a warmer direction. If you’re like many homeowners, you may be anxious to put winter behind you and embrace the promise of spring. Amid the flurry of organizing and cleaning, don’t forget your HVAC system. Because spring is the prelude to another sweltering summer, making this a great time to get your HVAC system in good shape. Not sure what spring cleaning your HVAC system entails? Include these tasks to your March home maintenance checklist.

Replace the Air Filter

The air filter is one of the most important parts of your furnace or air conditioner, protecting delicate equipment from airborne particles and promoting cleaner indoor air. Regularly replace the air filter according to the manufacturer’s suggestions. If you have pets in your home or someone in your home has allergies, change the filter up to once a month to maintain indoor air quality. If you don’t, replacing your HVAC filter with a new one every three months is sufficient. In addition to removing airborne pollutants more effectively, a clean filter promotes better airflow to improve system efficiency by up to 15%.

Tend to the Condensate Drain

Your AC doesn’t just cool your home—it also dehumidifies. The condensate drain is the key to carrying away extra moisture from your AC. The drain should be free-flowing and the connecting hose should be leak-free and properly placed. Glance at your condensate drain every time you replace the filter to keep your system running smoothly—and also help you spot warning signs of water damage.

Increase Your Home’s Airflow

Before turning on the air conditioner for the first time this spring, open your windows and doors to let the spring air flow into your residence. If the air inside your home often feels stale or stuff, consider adding a whole-house ventilation system. This upgrade expels stale, contaminated air to the exterior and swaps it for clean, fresh air from outside. Certain equipment pre-cools and dehumidifies incoming air to decrease the impact on your energy bills while helping you breathe better.

Deep Clean Your Home

Thoroughly cleaning your home complements your HVAC maintenance checklist by reducing the amount of dust and allergens that circulate through the system. Pay specific attention to these locations:

• Wipe down ceiling fan blades.
• Seal gaps near windows and doors using caulk or weather stripping.
• Scrub sliding glass door tracks.
• Vacuum debris out of the coils located beneath or behind the refrigerator.
• Clean light fixtures and exchange old incandescent bulbs for energy-saving LEDs.

Enhance Your Thermostat

If you haven’t yet explored programmable or smart thermostats, spring is a great time to contemplate adding this budget-friendly upgrade. A programmable thermostat makes a big difference in your home’s comfort and energy consumption. Start off by setting the temperature to 78 degrees F when you’re at home. Next, set up automatic setback periods of 7 to 10 degrees when the house is empty during the day. With recovery periods set for when residents of the home will return, you can enjoy up to 10% energy savings without losing comfort.

A smart thermostat takes these perks a step further by letting you make modifications remotely. You can also track your energy use in a mobile app and get tailored, cost-cutting recommendations.

Have Your Ducts Sealed and Insulated

Ductwork can develop leaks that negatively impact your air quality and raise your energy costs. Sealing these leaks helps your HVAC equipment operate more efficiently and move clean, healthy air. Once sealed, insulate your ductwork so you don’t lose any cold air before it gets to your living area.

Clean the Exterior Unit

The exterior condenser unit can become filled with debris during the cold season. Here’s how to spring clean it this March:

• Rake leaves, pine needles and grass clippings from near the unit.
• Delicately hose down the metal fins to remove dirt and cobwebs.
• Trim adjacent shrubs and grasses to keep a one- to two-foot clearance.
• Examine the unit for damage, such as missing insulation or bent fins.

• Consult with a professional technician for AC service before the summer heat arrives. 

Test Your HVAC Unit

After performing your spring cleaning checklist, it’s time to test your AC. Allow it to run for several minutes to make sure its working. If you discover any problems, double-check the thermostat settings before contacting a professional for help.

Schedule Air Conditioning Solutions in Edmonton with Rob's Albertan Service Experts

If your air conditioning system needs special attention this spring, Rob's Albertan Service Experts has you covered. Our HVAC solutions help keep your home comfortable and energy efficient all the time. Count on fast, long-lasting solutions to all your comfort issues, backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. That’s right—if you’re not totally happy with our services, we’ll make it right. For a spring-ready AC system that delivers efficiency and peace of mind, call 780-800-9047 to reach the heating and cooling professionals at Rob's Albertan Service Experts today.