Springtime means warmer weather, rain showers and blooming flowers. Spring is also one of the best times of the year to check the efficiency of your heating and cooling system, also known as the HVAC system (heating, ventilation, air conditioning). Tuning up your HVAC system in spring can help keep your system’s performance optimized and prevent the potential for an expensive HVAC repair.
Below are springtime tips for Riverview FL heating and cooling systems and can be applied to homeowners located in any area.
Replace Your Filter
In order to keep your HVAC system running at peak efficiency, air filters must be replaced when they become dirty. Air filters allow HVAC systems to keep indoor air quality high. When filters become clogged or dirty, energy bills can increase and air quality can decrease. HVAC experts recommend checking your filter monthly, and changing it when it is dirty. The frequency of filter updates varies, depending on the home. For example, a home with pets may need to change their filter more frequently. Spring is an opportune time to clean filters, as allergens increase during spring.
Upgrade To A Smart Thermostat
During springtime, many begin to switch their thermostat from heat to cool mode. This is also an opportune time to consider not only changing your thermostat settings, but also upgrading your thermostat to a “smart” version. Smart thermostats help homeowners to lower their energy bills and reduce their energy footprint by adjusting temperatures to increase efficiency. For example, a smart thermostat can be set to increase the temperature in the home during the day while you’re at work, and then lower the temperature so it is cooler when you arrive home.
Don’t Forget Your Outdoor HVAC Unit
Airflow is key in order to HVAC systems functioning at peak efficiency. Outdoor units require plenty of space around them so that no barriers block this airflow. Having plants, trees, or flowers too close to your outdoor cooling unit could interfere with this flow. Not only can vegetation block airflow, but also items such as debris or trash. It is important to keep the area around the outdoor HVAC unit clean and debris-free.
Wash Vents and Floors
Pet hair, debris, and dust can gather and collect around registers and air vents inside your home. It is important to clean this debris so that it does not interfere with air flow. You can place your vent grill in warm, soapy water and clean it with a soft sponge or brush.
HVAC experts recommend scheduling regular A/C “tune-ups”, on average twice a year. These regular tune-ups can help prolong the lifespan of your HVAC unit and are an affordable way to keep your system’s performance optimized.
