Is Your HVAC System Ready for Spring?

Spring is a few weeks away and your heating system can finally get some rest after a full season of non-stop performance. Having said that, this doesn’t mean you should neglect your HVAC systems altogether. Springtime offers a milder climate, which is a perfect time for you to maintain your furnace, heat pump, or air conditioner.

Four Seasons Air Specialists is your trusted HVAC company in Centerville MN that offers thorough cleaning and fine-tuning of HVAC systems. We can help you keep them your units in tip-top shape all-year-round.

Here are some steps you can take to prepare your HVAC system for spring.

Filter Maintenance

This may be the part of the system that is the easiest to manage, but most of the service calls HVAC companies receive are rooted in the failure to regularly clean the filter. This component plays an important role in the overall performance of your system, specifically in preventing airborne particles from entering your system. It ensures your unit has sufficient airflow.

Proper filter maintenance is essential to keeping your HVAC system, including the ductwork clean. If dirt accumulates in the ductwork, and if the relative humidity reaches the dew point, condensation takes place, causing the growth of mold and bacteria.

For this reason, it is important to establish a schedule to change or clean your air filter. Filters are easily replaceable, so when you notice that your filter is clogged with dirt and debris, even before your set schedule, change your filter immediately.

To properly install a new filter, ensure that all the air in the system goes through the filter. The goal is to avoid bypass air, which causes contamination in the internal parts of the HVAC system. Check the filter for possible damage such as rips or holes. The filter should be sealed in the frame to avoid bypass air. The filter fasteners should be in place and correctly installed.

For best results, upgrade to high-efficiency air filters, which gather more particles than ordinary filters. They keep your HVAC system clean, ensuring optimum performance while making sure your family is protected from airborne diseases.

Duct Cleaning

Your ductwork is the most challenging part to maintain. But it is crucial to keep it clean because it enables forced air to be distributed throughout your home. Even if you have a clean filter, filthy ductwork can easily cause your home to have poor indoor air quality. Your ducts should be cleaned and maintained by a qualified professional regularly. Not only does duct cleaning helps ensure clean air is distributed to your home, but it also helps your HVAC system work more effortlessly.

Your HVAC system has sections that are not easily accessible for visual inspection and require special tools to reach those areas. A professional HVAC team can ensure your ducts are properly cleaned and disinfected.

Duct cleaning offers several benefits including increased energy-efficiency. According to the Department of Energy, about 25 to 40 percent of the energy used for heating and cooling is wasted because of duct issues. Provided that your air filters are clean, the ductwork still gets dirty because of daily HVAC operations.

If you have ongoing home improvement projects, household pets, family members who smoke, or individuals with allergies or asthma, it is imperative to have regular duct cleaning performed in your home.

Clearing Out the HVAC Space

Most homes have HVAC systems equipped with an outdoor unit. This part of the system should be free of dirt and debris to ensure smooth performance. Go out and inspect the outdoor unit once per week for leaves, dirt, pollen, sticks, or other debris. Using a garden hose, clear the debris from the top and sides of the unit. This simple step allows for better airflow, which increases your system’s efficiency and extends the life of your unit. To make sure the outdoor unit has enough room for proper airflow, leave about two feet of space around it.

You can also manually inspect the outdoor unit and look for visible signs of damage. If you suspect the system looks damaged, call a qualified HVAC technician. Avoid operating an HVAC system with a damaged outdoor unit, which can pose danger to your home and family.

Need Help? Call Four Seasons Air Specialists

Should you require professional HVAC maintenance, be sure to give us a call. We are your reliable Lino Lakes heating and air conditioning company.