The sun has returned, the flowers have started to bloom, and spring has finally arrived in Marietta, Georgia. As you create your spring cleaning plan to get ready for the season, make sure you add a few key HVAC tasks to your to-do list. Naturally, you’ll want to welcome spring with fresh, clean air throughout your home. From changing the air filter to scheduling preventive maintenance, here are five ways for you to spring clean your HVAC system.
Clean Up Around the Outdoor Unit
As you’re tackling springtime yard work, set aside a few minutes to clean around your outdoor air conditioning or heat pump unit. At E. Smith Heating & Air Conditioning, we never recommend applying water or cleaning products to the unit itself. However, we do suggest tidying up any natural debris on or around the outdoor unit.
Start by removing leaves, twigs, and other debris that has accumulated on and around the unit over the course of the winter. If grass, shrubs, flowers, or other plants grow around the unit, trim them back. You’ll want to leave at least 2 feet of clearance around the unit throughout the cooling season, so check back every week or two to assess the need for additional trimming.
Change the Air Filter
Back inside your home, you’ll want to make changing the air filter a priority. While you only need to change the filter every 90 days during periods of low-level use, our team recommends replacing it every 30 days during the summer months. Replacing the filter more frequently ensures that your air conditioner or heat pump runs efficiently and removes pollen, pet dander, and other allergens from the air.
Check to make sure that the replacement air filter fits your HVAC system properly, and check the minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) rating, too. Most residential HVAC systems work best with filters that have a MERV rating of between 9 and 12 for optimal filtration and efficiency.
Improve Your Indoor Air Quality
If your family members suffer from seasonal allergies, a standard air filter might not provide enough protection against pollen and other allergens. When you need the next level of filtration, our technicians recommend a whole-house air purifier. These innovative devices work with your HVAC system to improve indoor air quality in every room of your home.
Most whole-house air cleaners can remove up to 90 percent of the airborne pollen in your home. Some can also eliminate germs and bacteria, helping your family stay as healthy as possible through the spring.
Schedule HVAC Maintenance
Before warm weather really settles in, be sure to schedule annual HVAC maintenance. During a typical tuneup, our service technicians will complete a multi-point checklist that includes tasks like checking refrigerant levels, inspecting the wiring, looking for leaks, calibrating the system, and adjusting the thermostat. After checking off each item, we’ll confirm that your cooling system is ready for the spring and summer.
If we notice any issues with your air conditioner or heat pump, we’ll alert you to the problem and recommend solutions right away. That way you can rest assured that your HVAC system is in great shape for the season ahead.
Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat
Early spring is a great time to replace your old manual thermostat with a new smart model. When a smart thermostat powers your HVAC system, you can look forward to added comfort, greater energy efficiency, and more streamlined control than ever before.
If you opt for a Côr Wi-Fi Thermostat, you can program your family’s heating and cooling schedule to ensure that the thermostat automatically dials back the temperature when you’re asleep or out for the day. While this smart thermostat will get back up to speed right on schedule, you can always make adjustments from your smartphone, whether you’re in the house, at work, or on the go. This smart device can even ensure the ideal humidity level in your home and, with its energy reports, help you lower your utility bills.
Whether you’re in the market for a new indoor air quality component or you need to schedule preventive maintenance, we’re at your service. Call the experienced heating and cooling technicians at E. Smith Heating & Air Conditioning today: 678-369-8866.
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