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As the weather warms this spring, your focus shifts from home heating to air conditioning. Preparing your HVAC system for the changing seasons is crucial if you hope to maintain home comfort and energy efficiency. Follow these HVAC system transition tips from the HVAC professionals at 91ÊÓƵ Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to ensure your air conditioner is primed and ready for the warmer months ahead.

Change the Air Filter

Your HVAC filter gradually collects dust, pollen and other particles, decreasing airflow. This forces your system to work harder. Ideally, you should replace the filter every one to three months, depending on usage and filter type. Choose the correct size and efficiency rating for your system, because using the wrong filter can overly restrict airflow and diminish efficiency. If you’re unsure which filter to buy or how to install it into your system, ask your HVAC technician during your next maintenance visit to demonstrate.

Inspect the Outdoor Condensing Unit

The outdoor portion of your air conditioning system that expels hot air, also known as a condensing unit, is a crucial part of the cooling process. Here’s how to prepare your condensing unit for another summer:

• Remove the AC cover: If you placed a cover or board over your outdoor unit to protect it during the winter, remove it before turning on the AC for the first time this spring.
• Clean the unit: Over the fall and winter, your outdoor unit may have accumulated leaves, dirt and other debris. Gently spray it with a garden hose to remove this buildup.
• Clear away surrounding debris: The area around your outdoor unit must remain clear for optimal airflow. Rake away leaves, pine needles and other debris around the unit. Also, trim nearby vegetation to maintain at least 12 to 24 inches of clearance on all sides.
• Check that the unit is level: The concrete pad your condensing unit sits on may shift or settle over time, causing the unit to tilt. To prevent improper operation and premature wear, adjust the unit by wedging shims under its base. Verify your work with a carpenter’s level.

Adjust the Thermostat

Set your thermostat to a comfortable yet energy-efficient temperature. For the summer months, 78 degrees F is recommended while you’re at home. If you feel overheated, run the ceiling fan to make the room feel cooler without lowering the thermostat.

Increase the temperature by 7 to 10 degrees when the house is empty during the day for energy savings. To avoid sacrificing comfort, install a programmable thermostat and set it to resume to a comfortable temperature before you return home. This approach on your cooling bills.

Check and Clean Your Air Registers

Dust, pet hair and other debris can accumulate on supply and return registers, obstructing airflow. Use the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to remove this buildup. Then, make sure all your vents are open and unobstructed by furniture, rugs or curtains.

Contrary to popular belief, closing vents in rarely used rooms does not save energy; all it does is disrupt the system’s return/supply balance. To prevent undue strain, keep at least 80% of your supply registers open and unblocked at all times.

Find and Seal Air Leaks

Leaky windows, doors and other openings allow hot, humid air to get inside your home. To tackle this issue, inspect window and door seals, using caulk and weatherstripping to seal any gaps. Next, check the attic for insufficient insulation or gaps around pipes, ductwork and light fixtures. Seal these leaks with spray foam and top them with additional insulation to reduce unwanted air exchange through the attic floor.

Run a Test Cycle

Before the season heats up, run your air conditioner for a few minutes. Walk around your home and make sure cool air flows freely from every vent. If you discover anything amiss, schedule AC repair to nip the problem in the bud.

Schedule Professional HVAC Maintenance with 91ÊÓƵ Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing

While DIY maintenance is beneficial, it can’t replace the comprehensive care provided by a certified professional. Tasks like measuring the refrigerant charge, tightening electrical connections and cleaning the evaporator coil require specialized tools and training that only professionals possess.

Spring is a perfect time to schedule AC maintenance, allowing you to address issues early on and prepare the system for the summer heat. Prioritize this service to enjoy the following benefits:

• Reduced energy costs
• Fewer midseason breakdowns
• Lower repair bills
• Better home comfort
• Longer system life span
• Protected warranty coverage

Why Choose 91ÊÓƵ Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for Your HVAC Needs in the U.S.?

91ÊÓƵ Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing offers reliable AC services to ensure your comfort and satisfaction this spring. Our ACE-certified technicians are trained to provide fast, effective solutions to all your HVAC needs. For expert service that lives up to our name, call 866-397-3787 today!