Clean or Replace Your HVAC Filter
The first and most important thing to do to prepare your HVAC for this coming spring is to clean or replace your air filter. Depending on the type of filters you use, you should be changing your filter at least every two months during the winter. Washable filters should be cleaned every three weeks and fully replaced every four to five months. If you happen to have pets, children with asthma or allergies, or smokers in your area, you should change your filter more frequently. What good does changing your filter do? First off, it can lead to a longer HVAC unit life. As dirt and dust accumulate inside, your furnace has to work extra hard just to function regularly. If this goes on for too long, your furnace could break down and need to be completely replaced. Additionally, changing your filter helps your HVAC to work more efficiently, ultimately reducing energy costs. And last but certainly not least, it improves the air quality in your home, leading to a happier and healthier environment for you and your family.
Check Your Home For Leaks
As spring approaches, be sure to keep your windows and doors completely sealed while your HVAC is running. Make sure there aren’t any cracks in your doorways or breaches in your walls that may allow outside air to penetrate your home. This will help your air conditioning system to run more efficiently and cool the entire house. If the temperature outside is ideal, consider shutting off your HVAC and opening a few windows to allow circulation throughout your home.
Clean Your Outdoor Unit
An important and often overlooked step to spring HVAC maintenance is outdoor unit inspection. Unit overgrowth is particularly common in the spring in Salt Lake City and can lead to disaster if not properly taken care of. Before the season rolls around, double check that there are no plants or weeds within two feet of your outdoor unit. If vegetation grows to close, your air conditioner will struggle to pull in the air it needs to regulate your home’s temperature. Another thing to inspect for is ice damage. If you forgot to cover your unit over the winter, there’s a chance water and snow built up inside your system and caused damage. Be sure to check that everything is working properly, and contact a professional HVAC company such as Big John’s in Salt Lake City if you suspect there may be damage.
Big John’s provides furnace maintenance and replacements for HVAC in Salt Lake City.
