Now is the time of the year when many homeowners are starting to formulate their spring cleaning and organization plans. Perhaps, you have a running list of things you’d like to see completed this season? Whatever the case, make sure your HVAC system is included on that list. Five Star Heating & Cooling Dayton wants to help make sure your HVAC system is ready for the warm months ahead. However, with temperatures still fluctuating, you will want to make sure your residential HVAC system is running at its highest capacity for both those chilly spring days as well as the warmer ones.
Did You Test the Thermostat?
First, let’s start with the thermostat. If your thermostat is not working correctly, your HVAC system won’t be able to either. For this reason, you should test your thermostat on different settings to see how it responds to both cooling and heating mode. In addition, it would not be a bad idea to go ahead and swap out the old batteries in the thermostat for a fresh set of new ones. There is nothing worse than being away for an extended period of time, only to come home to a warm and stuffy house. You can prevent this by starting the spring season with a fully charged set of batteries in your thermostat.
Did You Change the Air Filter?
Air filters are an important component in the residential HVAC system. An air filter’s job is to trap and contain dust particles and other contaminants. With it being springtime, pollen and other allergens are everywhere. For this reason, we recommend you check your air filters frequently to confirm your air filters aren’t getting overloaded. If you don’t change out your air filters as needed, it could lead to issues with your HVAC system short cycling. As a reminder, it is suggested that air filters be changed every 30-60 days.
Did You Clean Out the Drainage Hole?
Most air conditioning systems have a drainage hole located at the system’s base. This is there to redirect condensation away from the unit. During the winter, when the air conditioner is not being used, it is not uncommon for this drainage hole to become clogged with dust particles and pet hair, etc. This hole needs to be kept free of unwelcomed clogs. Dealing with a backed-up drainage hole can be messy, expensive, and no fun to deal with.
Did You Inspect the Ductwork?
If you have any exposed ductwork within your home, it is important to ensure there are no gaps or holes in any parts of the ductwork. Otherwise, your HVAC system won’t be able to properly distribute the air throughout your home if there are any air leaks. After inspecting your ductwork, make sure they are sealed properly with appropriate materials if you find any holes.
Did You Clear the Outdoor Unit?
Since the condenser is located outside, it is commonly overlooked. You will want to check the surrounding area of the outdoor unit to confirm there are no sticks, leaves, or overgrown weeds growing in the vicinity. These can get picked up by the wind and caught in the condenser’s fan blades. It is also a good idea to make sure no loose items and obstructions are lying around this area as well. As a rule of thumb, it is recommended for homeowners to check this area repeatedly during the spring and summer while their air conditioner is in use.
Did You Schedule a Spring Maintenance Check?
Last, of all, we want to discuss how important it is to maintain your seasonal tune-ups & safety checks for your HVAC system. Every year your furnace should be serviced in the fall, and your air conditioner should be serviced in the spring. You may not notice anything wrong with the unit, and we hope that is the case. But maintaining these tune-ups & safety checks is a great way to practice preventative maintenance for your HVAC system. Your units should get checked once a year to ensure everything is running correctly per safety standards. In addition to all of these reasons, keeping up with the maintenance checks also keeps your manufacturer’s warranty active.
As a homeowner, a properly maintained HVAC system is one of the most important things you can do to uphold the safety and comfort for you, your home, and your family. Five Star Heating & Cooling Dayton would be ecstatic to partner with you for any of your HVAC needs. If you have any questions or concerns regarding either your furnace or air conditioning unit, please call us today at (937) 708-8278, or schedule an appointment online by clicking here!
