What Are the Most Important HVAC Tips for Spring?

Spring weather is on the way, which makes this a good time to prepare your HVAC system for the hotter months. These HVAC tips for spring can help you ensure that your HVAC system is fully ready to keep your Broken Arrow home cool and comfortable as outdoor temperatures start to heat up.

Replace Your Air Filter

The air filter in your HVAC system needs to be replaced on a regular basis for a number of reasons. This filter is an important part of helping your HVAC system operate efficiently so that it won’t experience as much wear and tear. This keeps your cooling bills down while also helping your HVAC system last longer. If you have trouble remembering to replace your air filter, consider setting up reminders. You should replace it every few months or sooner depending on how clogged or dirty it gets.

Keep the Outdoor Unit Clear of Debris

Another of the important HVAC tips for spring is that your system’s outdoor unit needs to be free of debris (such as twigs and weeds) on all sides in order to have adequate airflow. This helps your HVAC system work better while also reducing the risk of damage. Head outdoors to clear away anything that’s blocking your outdoor unit, and make sure there is at least 2 feet of space on each side. This includes removing weeds and debris, as well as trimming branches on any shrubs, trees, or bushes that are close by.

Set Up HVAC Maintenance

Also on the list of HVAC tips for spring? If you want to make sure your HVAC system is in the best shape possible for warmer weather, schedule HVAC maintenance. This means an HVAC technician will visit your home and check your HVAC system for any issues it might be having. Your HVAC technician can tighten loose components and handle other tasks that are needed to prepare your HVAC system for spring.

If you’re looking for additional HVAC tips for spring, contact Air Assurance today. We can perform routine HVAC maintenance at your Broken Arrow home to get your system ready for spring.

What Regular Checks Should You Make to Your AC in the Spring?

Factors such as spikes in negative temperatures and prolonged cold periods can affect your air conditioner's startup. Spring AC checks help you detect potential issues and have a comfortable, problem-free cooling season. Let's break down the steps you should take to physically and visually inspect your air conditioner to ensure it'll work correctly when you need it the most.

1. Inspect the outdoor AC panels. If there's a panel that's out of place or missing, call in an HVAC professional. These panels enclose the unit's electrical connections, so any missing or misaligned panel can pose a risk to you as well as to the unit's operation.

2. Clean the outdoor unit. The outdoor AC coil gets plugged up by foreign debris. Remove any debris that may have been blown into the coil and its surroundings to get optimum performance.

3. Check the suction-pipe insulation. The large insulated copper line on the outdoor AC unit can reduce indoor cooling performance if its insulation is damaged. Winter animals, trapped freezing water, and sun rot can damage the insulation. Have damaged insulation repaired or replaced before you start using the unit.

4. Change the filter. A clogged air filter causes your heating and air conditioning system to run less efficiently. When changing the filter, orient it according to the printed instructions that are on it.

5. Check the vents and grills. Make sure no items are blocking your supply and return grills and vents. Vacuum them to remove any pet hair, dirt, and debris that may have collected on them during the winter.

6. Inspect the condensate line. Make sure the drain line is properly placed. Dust, algae, rust, and other debris can clog up the line. A clogged drain line can make water flood your AC unit or even spill into the basement. You can flush a bleach solution down the pipe to keep it clear.

7. Turn the system on. After you've gone through the checklist, turn on your air conditioner on a hot day. Let it run for 15 or more minutes to feel if it's cooling your home properly.

Once you've performed the spring AC checks above, it's a good idea to bring in an expert. Some issues can only be detected and handled by a certified professional. Contact us at Air Assurance to have routine spring maintenance carried out on your air conditioner in the Broken Arrow area.

The Specific Demands Put on HVAC Units in the Spring

Spring cleaning is on the mind of Broken Arrow-area homeowners as the weather warms up. If you’re hoping to stay cool this summer, it’s important to be aware of how spring HVAC problems can affect your summer comfort.

Spring Ahead of HVAC Problems

The outdoor condenser unit on your HVAC system requires airflow to work properly. Anything that restricts airflow, such as new spring plants growing around the unit, will cause your system to work harder. Over time, this can damage your equipment. In the short term, it can also increase your energy consumption and cost you money.

Clearing away any plants that have started to grow up around your condenser is an easy solution to this problem. While you’re doing that, don't forget to check for any leaves or other debris that might have been blown against your condenser over the winter.

Another common spring HVAC problem is soil erosion around your condenser. Winter weather can wear away at the dirt under the concrete pad your condenser sits on.

For an easy fix, use a board to lift the sagging edge of the pad. Pack sand underneath, then repeat on the opposite side. A level condenser unit allows for a better flow of oil through the unit and puts less strain on your coolant lines.

Schedule Routine Maintenance Before Summer Heats Things Up

Other spring HVAC problems can arise due to your AC being off over the winter. It’s always a good idea to schedule a spring checkup so a service technician can make sure your HVAC system is in good working order.

During a maintenance visit, technicians look for leaks or signs of wear that indicate a problem. They measure the refrigerant charge and the temperature of the air your AC is putting out. Electrical wires and connectors are inspected and tightened if necessary. The thermostat is checked to see if it’s running correctly. Any potentially bigger issues are noted so that you can get a jump on fixing them before it gets too hot outside.

If you have questions about any spring HVAC problems or getting your AC ready for summer in the Broken Arrow area, don’t hesitate to contact us at Air Assurance.