A little preventive maintenance before spring blooms can go a long way when it comes to the longevity and performance of your outdoor air conditioner in California. It won’t be long before that piece of HVAC equipment really starts working through those long, hot, summer months. This means that now is the perfect time to make sure your air conditioner is in the best shape possible.
The better an air conditioner (and the entire HVAC system) is taken care of, the less it costs to run, the longer it will run before needing to be replaced, and the less you will have to spend for unexpected (and often inconveniently timed) HVAC repairs.
Following are 5 tips you need to remember to get your A/C unit ready for spring and summer:
Five Great Spring HVAC Maintenance Tips
Whether you’re a new homeowner or you’ve had the pleasure of getting your air conditioner ready for warmer months for years, the prep work is the same. To make sure your unit is in top shape, check the top five spring HVAC tips below:
1. Clear the Clutter
During the winter, plenty of dirt, debris, leaves, twigs, and who knows what else likely have accumulated around your outdoor air conditioning unit. Debris that suffocates the sides of your unit can cause all kinds of problems, some of which include:
- Clogged vents, which can turn into damaged vents
- Poor airflow
- Overheating
- Dents and other damage
Debris and clutter can really interfere with the functioning of your HVAC system and make it work harder than it has to. This also means that your bills are going to be higher than they need to be. Your unit might also wear out faster because of the extra work, too.
2. Get Rid of the Cover
If you’re in the habit of covering your outside A/C unit as part of your winter prep routine (which you should be), make sure to remove it, along with any straps or tie-downs you installed before winter hit.
3. Change Your HVAC Filter
Yes, this is the indoor filter that is in place near your furnace that will need to be changed. During the summer months, air travels through the system and goes through that filter, too. With so many pollutants and allergens floating through the air during the spring and summer, you’ll want a clean filter to trap them all.
4. Give It a Test Run
Turn your system on for a test run for a short time before the real heat of summer hits. Run it for 15 minutes, then look around the unit for any leaks, bad smells, or anything else that doesn’t seem right. Is the air coming through your floor registers nice and cold? If anything doesn’t seem right, turn the system off and contact A-1 Guaranteed Heating & Air right away for service.
5. Contact A-1 Guaranteed Heating & Air, Inc. for an Annual Check-Up
At the very least, you should schedule an annual check-up for your HVAC system in the spring with our Bay Area HVAC team. We’ll come out and make sure that everything with your heating and cooling system is in its best shape. This way, you won’t have to worry about surprise breakdowns or emergency service calls during the summer.
Schedule Spring Maintenance with A-1 Guaranteed Today
The time you take to prep your A/C for warm weather now can save you money and frustration later. We’ll come out and examine condensate piping, refrigerant lines, drains, and more. Reach out to our award-winning team for HVAC service in Solano, Contra Costa, Napa, The Bay Area, and all surrounding areas.