Spring into Action: Getting Your HVAC Ready for the Season

As the weather starts to warm up, it’s time to start thinking about getting your home’s HVAC system ready for spring. HVAC maintenance is an important part of homeownership, but not everyone knows how to do it. Taking some simple steps now will help ensure that your unit is running efficiently and will prolong its lifespan. Here are a few things you can do to get started. 

Check Your Air Filter

One of the simplest and most important things you can do to maintain your HVAC system is to regularly check and replace your air filter. A clean filter ensures that your unit doesn’t have to work harder than necessary to circulate air, which can save you money on your energy bill and help extend the life of your unit. Depending on the type of filter you have, you should aim to replace it every one to three months. You can also have this done by an HVAC maintenance technician if you are unsure how to do it. 

Inspect Your Unit for Damage or Debris 

After a long winter, it’s not uncommon for leaves, branches, and other debris to end up around or even inside your HVAC unit. Take some time to clear away any debris that may have accumulated and inspect the unit for any damage that may have occurred over the winter months. If you notice any cracks or damage, it’s best to call in an HVAC maintenance professional for repairs before turning on your unit for the season. 

Invest in a Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat is a great way to save money on your energy bill and keep your home comfortable year-round. By programming your thermostat to lower the temperature when you’re away or asleep, you can significantly reduce your energy usage without sacrificing comfort. Many newer thermostats can even be controlled remotely via an app on your smartphone, making it easy to adjust the temperature no matter where you are. 

Ensure Your Home is Properly Insulated 

Proper insulation is key to keeping your home comfortable year-round and reducing your energy usage. If your home isn’t properly insulated, heat (or cool air) can escape through cracks and gaps in walls, windows, and doors—forcing your HVAC system to work overtime to maintain a comfortable temperature. Inspecting and sealing any cracks or gaps in your home’s envelope is a quick and easy way to improve its insulation and make sure that cool air stays in during the summer and warm air stays in during the winter. 

Schedule HVAC Maintenance 

Just like any other type of mechanical equipment, regular HVAC maintenance is essential for keeping your system running smoothly. Scheduling a tune-up with a qualified technician before turning on your unit for the season is a great way to catch any potential problems early on and avoid costly repairs down the road. During a tune-up, technicians will inspect all major components of your unit—including the condenser coils, evaporator coils, blower motor, ductwork, and more—to make sure they are clean and functioning properly. They’ll also lubricate all moving parts and test the refrigerant levels to ensure they are where they should be. In most cases, one tune-up per year is sufficient; however, if you have an older unit or live in an area with extreme weather conditions, you may need two tune-ups per year—one before cooling season and one before heating season. 

Spring has Sprung With Stack Heating, Cooling, Plumbing and Electric

If you want to make sure your HVAC system is running efficiently and reliably all season long, Stack Heating, Cooling, Plumbing and Electric is here to help. Our certified technicians offer comprehensive HVAC maintenance services that can help save you money on energy bills, extend the life of your unit, and keep your home comfortable year-round. Contact us today to schedule a tune-up and get your HVAC system ready for spring!