How to Prepare Your HVAC System for Spring

Posted: 2019-03-28

Your furnace is probably exhausted from working full-time last season, that is why this spring, it’s a good idea to do some tough cleaning and maintenance tasks.

Four Seasons Air Specialists, your friendly HVAC company in Shoreview MN gives you the ultimate spring HVAC maintenance checklist.

Clean your filter.

As the seasons change, be sure to clean out everything you can — starting with the air filter. Your filter is key to maintaining clean indoor air. If it is dirty, your indoor air is dirty. Also, if the filter is clogged, then it is harder for your HVAC system to perform its job, causing it to overheat, increase your energy costs, and shorten its lifespan.

Your HVAC system’s filter should be replaced depending on your usage, give or take once every 30 to 90 days. If you tend to use your system for extended periods of time, do not wait no longer than 3 months to replace it.

Have your ducts inspected and cleaned.

Your HVAC system distributes air through your duct network, which also needs to be cleaned periodically by a qualified professional. In addition to dust and debris buildup in your ducts, there are also other factors you need to consider why your HVAC system needs to be professionally cleaned. Some of these factors are pets, cigarette smoke, home renovation projects or if there are people in your home who have allergies or asthma.

There are primarily four reasons to have your ducts cleaned:

  • To avoid a sizeable growth of mold
  • To prevent your home from being infestation
  • To prevent your ducts from being clogged
  • To properly maintain your HVAC system

If your ducts remain dirty, especially if there is a presence of moisture, the risk of microbial growth heightens and spores from such growth may be released into your home.

Professional duct cleaning uses specific tools to remove dirt and other debris in ducts, then, throws them out with a high-powered vacuum cleaner. In order to kill microbiological contaminants, the application of chemical biocides to the inside of the ducts and certain parts of your system may also be needed.

Keeping your ducts clean doesn’t just benefit your HVAC equipment but more importantly, it allows you to breathe in clean, fresh air. Furthermore, professional duct sealing also improves efficiency and lowers energy bills.

Clean and lubricate indoor HVAC components.

To ensure that they work as efficiently as possible, clean and lubricate all of the HVAC system’s indoor components such as the blower fans and coils. Not only will this will ensure your system will run as smoothly as possible, but it will also help prevent problems that may develop in the future.

Clean registers.

Check that ever register around the house is open and that air can pass uninterruptedly. Curtains, rugs, and furniture should not block the output from your HVAC system. Clean the grills by removing them from the vents, then, use a vacuum cleaner to remove the dust and pet dander that may have accumulated over the winter. Finally, wash them with warm water and mild soap, then, dry them up.

Check electrical connections.

Loose or wonky electrical connections can make the operation of your HVAC system dangerous and can also affect the lifespan of your system’s major parts. Electrical check-up should always be a regular step in your spring HVAC checklist.

Clear the area surrounding your HVAC system’s outdoor unit.

Weeds or shrubs could be slowly creeping up on your outdoor unit, causing your system to have poor airflow. To maximize airflow around your HVAC system and prepare it for the cooling season, be sure to remove plants or weeds that could be interfering with your air conditioner or heat pump.

Schedule Your Spring Maintenance with Four Seasons Air Specialists

The best way to ensure your HVAC system stays in tip-top shape is to have a professional perform a comprehensive check on it. By doing so, you are guaranteed that your entire HVAC system will be cleaned, lubricated, and if there are adjustments needed, will be performed.

Our HVAC professionals at Four Seasons Air Specialists are factory-trained and are able to detect potential issues before they even become problems. We can assure you that we won’t leave your house unless your HVAC system works according to the manufacturer’s specifications. We have been your preferred Circle Pines heating and air conditioning contractor since 1974.