How Should Homeowners Prepare Their HVAC System for Spring?

Apr 8, 2022 | AC, Air Filter, Blog, HVAC, Maintenance, OH, Ohio, Spring, Springboro, Tips & Tricks | 0 comments

Although the winter weather keeps making its back here in Ohio, spring will be here soon enough. Of course, most of us eagerly wait for the beautiful spring weather to begin. But is your residential HVAC system ready for the up-and-coming weather? To dodge any unwarranted stress that comes hand-in-hand with procrastination in our spring cleaning, we should prepare our home appliances to maximize their condition for the spring season. At Springboro Heating & Cooling, we are proud to be your one-stop-shop for all of your HVAC system needs. With that being said, today, we will help point you in the right direction with the best tips and tricks for preparing your HVAC system for spring. 

Why is it Important to Have a Clean Air Filter?

There are numerous reasons for keeping an air filter clean in preparation for spring. The first is pretty straightforward; a clean air filter means clean indoor air. As you can guess, your air filter accumulates an assortment of dust, spores, hair, dander, and other undesirable particles distributed through your air conditioning system. You don’t want debris fragments floating around your home, breathed in by you and your loved ones. By exchanging your home’s air filter, you guarantee that your home has more clean, health-positive, and refreshing air for the coming season. A more refined atmosphere promotes good health and more sanitary home life. Last but not least, a fresh air filter allows your HVAC system to operate more effortlessly and effectively, preventing unnecessary hardships and costs. For these reasons, it’s essential to review your air filter at least once every 30 to 60 days.

Why is it Important to Do a Test Run of An AC Unit?

Once spring has started to show its face, it is time to test your air conditioner before Ohio’s humidity is upon us. You don’t want to put off this initial start-up process until the day you decide to turn your system on for the season. You will be highly uncomfortable if you look for a saving grace in your AC unit to discover that your air conditioner isn’t performing to the best of its capability. To make sure your AC unit is in tip-top shape, turn it on and let it run for about thirty minutes. Then, there will be a few things to focus your attention on when searching for any impaired functions. The first is proper airflow. Ensure there isn’t a blockage in any of your ventilation. If the airflow feels hesitant and impractical, there may be an issue with your AC. Next, listen closely to any noises for distinctive sounds, such as hissing, bashing, clicking, scraping, or squeaking. If something doesn’t sound right, our experts at Springboro Heating & Cooling should investigate it further. Finally, evaluate the air distribution. Are all of the rooms cooling down appropriately? Some rooms may appear naturally warmer, but if you encounter any notable “hot spots,” it may be time to call a professional. Please know if you have any questions or concerns when going through this list that we are here and happy to help!

Why is it Important to Keep Doors and Windows Shut?

Visualize with me now a beautiful spring day. You’re at home unwinding when you catch how glorious it looks outside. Now, what’s your first instinctual response? If your answer is to open up those windows and doors to greet the fresh air inside, you are not alone in thinking this way! This reaction is pretty typical for us humans. However, this method may seem like a great way to save ourselves some money on energy costs, but keeping the doors and windows open can be less beneficial than you’d think. First off, when letting in the outdoor air, you’re also allowing spring allergens into your home. Allergens can plug up your nose and your air filter alike. And, letting in that warm, wet spring air can put unwanted stress on your HVAC system. While working hard to extract moisture, your system’s efficiency will sink as your energy costs skyrocket, and to be frank, nobody wants that!

Why is Cleaning Condensation Piping Important?

As we approach the warmer temperatures, becoming flooded with service calls for water leaks or jammed condensate drain lines is a frequent occurrence. Therefore, air conditioning companies become incredibly occupied in the warm/humid Ohio weather months; for your benefit, be proactive about your home’s future and think of this service as a way of prevention before it becomes necessary. At Springboro Heating & Cooling, we are pleased to service your household’s system, but there are also some actions you can take for yourselves while you wait for assistance. First, if water is leaking/flooding from the condensate line or drain pan, immediately shut off the system. We also recommend looking for any obstructions and drying up any leftover water the best you can. 

Most significantly, make it a point to contact our experts! Postponing assistance from a professional is not in your best interest. PVC piping is standard for a condensate line, but it can plug up rapidly over some time without proper examination. You’d be floored by some of the things we can uncover obstructing your drain! In some scenarios, we discover that the entire piping hasn’t been correctly installed or executed, which is not preferable for any homeowner!

What is the Purpose of Clearing Obstructions Around the Outside of the HVAC System?

An air conditioner established exterior to your home is open and subject to the outdoor elements. Also, as the frigid temperatures disappear, plants and vegetation multiply. Thus, it would be best to be deliberate in your efforts to review your unit at least two times a month and remove any obstructive vegetation and debris so your household’s system can do its job effectively. We also urge you to keep your HVAC system free of any standing vegetation growing within two feet of the unit, permitting your air conditioner to successfully allow in the air necessary to maintain your home’s climate.

What is the Importance of Scheduling Routine Maintenance?

We talked about some ways to prep your household for spring; we still want to highlight the importance of having your HVAC unit checked by a specialist before you throw in the towel. The possibility of human error remains a matter of fact, but it is less probable to arise when completed by someone educated and trained in the area. Similarly, they will be able to use a more detailed policy to check your system by examining connections, gathering readings, and checking refrigerant pressures. An experienced professional can also better sense whether there is an opportunity for future problems concerning your home’s HVAC unit.

As a homeowner, we comprehend the need and urge to maintain a thriving and inviting environment within your home. While we have a lot of wisdom up our sleeves, we don’t want you to feel stressed out by this process. We are willing to help direct you along the right track to equipping your home for the spring temperatures. Call Springboro Heating & Cooling today at (937) 600-6834, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here! We can’t wait to receive your call!