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You’ve been hibernating all winter, but March is a time of year when things start shifting in a warmer direction. If you’re like many homeowners, you may be eager to brush off the cobwebs of winter and throw open the windows. Amid the flurry of decluttering and cleaning, don’t neglect your HVAC system. After all, spring is the prelude to another sweltering summer, making this an ideal time to get your HVAC system in tip-top shape. Not sure what spring cleaning your HVAC system entails? Add these items to your March home maintenance checklist.

Change the Air Filter

The air filter is one of the most important parts of your HVAC system, protecting delicate equipment from airborne particles and promoting cleaner indoor air. Regularly change the air filter according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. If you have pets in your home or suffer from allergies, change the filter up to once a month to maintain indoor air quality. Otherwise, replacing your old filter with a new one every three months is sufficient. In addition to removing airborne pollutants more effectively, a clean filter promotes better airflow to boost system efficiency by up to 15%.

Tend to the Condensate Drain

Your air conditioner doesn’t just cool your home—it also dehumidifies. The condensate drain is the key to carrying away excess moisture from your AC. The drain should be free-flowing and the connecting hose should be leak-free and properly placed. Check on your condensate drain every time you replace the filter to keep your system running smoothly—and also help you spot early signs of water damage.

Get the Air Moving

Before switching on the air conditioner for the first time this spring, open your windows and doors to circulate fresh air inside. If you notice an excessively stuffy interior before taking this step, consider adding a whole-house ventilation system. This upgrade expels stale, contaminated air to the exterior and swaps it for clean, fresh air from outside. Certain equipment pre-cools and dehumidifies incoming air to reduce the impact on your energy bills while helping you breathe easier.

Spring Clean Your Home

Thoroughly cleaning your home complements your HVAC maintenance checklist by reducing the amount of dust and allergens that circulate through the system. Pay special attention to these areas:

• Wipe down ceiling fan blades.
• Seal gaps around windows and doors using caulk or weather stripping.
• Scrub sliding glass door tracks.
• Clean the coils located beneath or behind the refrigerator.
• Dust light fixtures and swap old incandescent bulbs for energy-saving LEDs.

Adjust Your Thermostat

If you haven’t yet explored programmable or smart thermostats, spring is a great time to consider this affordable upgrade. A programmable thermostat makes a huge difference in your home’s comfort and energy usage. Start by setting the temperature to 78 degrees F when you’re at home. Then, program automatic setback periods of 7 to 10 degrees when the house is empty during the day. With recovery periods scheduled for your arrival time, you can enjoy without sacrificing comfort.

A smart thermostat takes these benefits a step further by allowing you to make adjustments remotely. You can also track your energy usage in a mobile app and get personalized, cost-cutting tips.

Have Your Ducts Sealed and Insulated

Ductwork may develop leaks that compromise air quality and increase your energy bills. Sealing these leaks helps your cooling system operate more efficiently and circulate clean, healthy air. Once sealed, insulate your ductwork to keep the air cool on its way to supply registers throughout your home.

Clean the Outdoor Unit

The outdoor condenser unit accumulates debris while hibernating over the winter. Here’s how to spring clean it this March:

• Clear away leaves, pine needles and grass clippings from around the unit.
• Gently hose down the metal fins to remove dirt and cobwebs.
• Trim surrounding shrubs and grasses to maintain a one- to two-foot clearance.
• Examine the unit for damage, such as missing insulation or bent fins.

• Contact a professional technician for AC service before the summer heat sets in. 

Test Your HVAC Unit

After completing your spring cleaning checklist, it’s time to test your air conditioner. Run it for several minutes to check for adequate cooling. If you encounter any problems, double-check the thermostat settings before calling a professional for help.

Schedule Cooling 91ÊÓƵ in the U.S. with 91ÊÓƵ Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing

If your HVAC system needs professional attention this spring, 91ÊÓƵ Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing has you covered. Our HVAC services help keep your home comfortable and energy efficient all year-round. Expect fast, long-lasting solutions to all your comfort concerns, backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. That’s right—if you’re not completely happy with our work, we’ll make it right. For a spring-ready HVAC system that promises efficiency and peace of mind, call 866-397-3787 to reach the heating and cooling specialists at 91ÊÓƵ Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing today.