Top Tips to Get Your HVAC System Ready for Spring

As the weather shifts from winter to spring, it’s time to think about getting your HVAC system ready to switch from heating to air conditioning. Depending on what type of system you have, you may even literally be switching the same unit from heating to cooling. This is a great time to give your system a once-over to make sure there aren’t any problems that developed over the winter while your air conditioner wasn’t being used.

Here are our top tips to get your HVAC system ready for warmer weather and how to get assistance from an experienced New York HVAC professional.

1. Remove Anything Blocking Your Condensers

Go outside to your outdoor condensers and remove anything that may be blocking the condenser from pulling in air. This includes covers that protect the condensers when not in use, as well as nearby foliage that may have grown over the unit. If you turn your HVAC system on and your condensers are covered, this could result in the need for expensive repairs.

2. Clean Your Vents

If you have a central HVAC system, pull out the floor registers and clean the vents for the season. Wipe them down with warm, soapy water and vacuum out the opening of the vent. If you have a ductless air conditioner, you can clean the vents when you change the air filters in your indoor units.

This step isn’t necessary to the operation of your system, particularly if it’s a central unit, but it helps keep your system in better condition so it lasts longer over time and contributes less to the pollution of your indoor air. Failure to adequately maintain your HVAC system, no matter which type you have, can lead to needing to have it replaced much sooner than you would need to under ordinary circumstances. Having your HVAC system maintained twice annually is significantly less costly and time-consuming than having to have your system replaced every few years.

3. Change All Filters

Next, you should make sure all of the filters in your HVAC system are replaced. This includes the filter on ductless units, furnace filters, and air return filters. A ductless filter does not need replacement as frequently as a furnace or air return filter. An air return filter should be changed about every month, or more frequently if you have pets and hair tends to build up on the filter and in your vents fairly quickly.

If you replace your filters at least at the start of air conditioning season and again at the start of heating season, you can ensure the best possible function of your system. It also helps to improve your overall indoor air quality, regardless of the type of system you have. Poor indoor air quality leads to potential health complications, including allergies, asthma attacks, headaches, fatigue, and other issues caused by breathing in dust, chemicals, and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).

4. Turn on Your HVAC System

Once everything is clean and uncovered, you can turn on your thermostat to your desired temperature. Ideally, you should take your system for a test run before you really need it.

For example, don’t wait until an uncomfortably hot day to make sure your air conditioner is working for the first time after the heating season. The same is true in the winter; don’t wait until the weather is frigid to turn on your heat for the first time during the season. If something goes awry, you’ll be glad you checked ahead of time before you really needed your system to operate immediately.

Turn it on before you need it so you can make sure it’s working properly and that you have time for any repairs or maintenance needed before the season really gets underway. Check to make sure air pumps out of each of your vents at an even speed and temperature and that you aren’t hearing any loud sounds or smelling anything burning after turning on your system.

5. Schedule Professional HVAC Maintenance

Finally, you should schedule professional HVAC maintenance at least twice a year to go over your HVAC system, check for any potential issues, and ensure it’s working properly. This may or may not include ductless deep cleaning or having your ducts cleaned, depending on what system you have, the age of your system, and how long it’s been since you’ve had it serviced. Your HVAC professional can recommend a regular maintenance schedule based on the age and type of system you have, if you have any allergies or health problems, etc.

Call Jones Services Today

Jones Services is an experienced New York HVAC contractor that can help you achieve ultimate comfort in your home or office no matter what type of HVAC system you have.

Contact us now to learn more about how to prep your HVAC system for warmer weather or to schedule repair, maintenance, or installation by dialing (845) 299-2234. Our team of NATE certified service professionals are available now to answer your questions and provide you with straightforward, affordable, and reliable HVAC service.