5 Spring HVAC Maintenance Tips Every Homeowner Should Know

US energy costs have grown by 29% in the last year. As fuel costs and utility increases force household budgets, it becomes more important to ensure efficiency in the household. As outside temperatures rise, do you know how to keep costs down?

One way is by making your HVAC system as efficient as possible. Read on as we provide 5 essential HVAC maintenance tips.

1. Clear Outside Debris

If items are blocking or crowding the outside unit, then the HVAC system may struggle to get the air it needs. By cleaning and moving items from the surrounding area you can ensure it works efficiently.

Ideally, you should have 2 feet of space around it. Rake away leaves, cut back branches and sweep away dirt. You should cut back any other plants that are growing in the vicinity.

Clean the coils with a garden hose or vacuum. Make sure you don’t have anything resting on the top of the unit.

2. Replace the Filter

When filters become clogged, they restrict the airflow in the HVAC system. This causes the system to work overtime, increasing energy usage and placing increased strain on the internal parts. Any air that does get through is often dirty, providing unclean air and allowing mold growth.

Your filters should be replaced every 30 to 90 days depending on the level of use and climate. Luckily it is one of the easier HVAC maintenance tips to perform yourself. Further quality can be attained by increasing the type of filter you use, upgrading to more efficient pleated versions.

Many HVAC companies will offer filter replacement as part of regular servicing. Calloway HVAC is one company that offers this service. Check them out here.

3. Clean the Ducts

Spring is a great time to clean your ductwork. This can remove the dust and allergens that have built up over autumn and winter, improving the air quality.

Ducts should be cleaned every five to seven years. It is hard to do unless you have the tools and expertise. Contact a local HVAC company and the air quality will quickly improve.

4. Check the Ductwork

As well as cleaning you should also inspect the ductwork. Look for any holes or leaking joints then seal them. If there are any cracks in your ductwork you should also ensure they are sealed to prevent the escape of air.

5. Consider Upgrading the Thermostat

The more control you have overheating and cooling, the less energy you will waste. This transfers to cost and over the space of a year can mount up into a sizable sum.

If you don’t have a programmable thermostat then get one installed and set your spring schedule. Even better are SMART thermostats, which you can control from a device. This lets you adjust temperatures even when away from the home.

Scheduling HVAC Maintenance

Most of these HVAC maintenance jobs can be added to your spring cleaning schedule. If you don’t have time, then schedule a professional servicing. They may have tools and products you don’t have access to.

This article is one of many on how to maintain your home. From DIY to furnishing, we can help manage your property in the coming year.