Getting your home ready for the spring and summer months ahead is something every Limerick, Pennsylvania, homeowner should take seriously. Prep your HVAC system for warmer weather by changing air filters, cleaning supply vents, testing the thermostat, and scheduling a system maintenance check.
Remove Any Condenser Covers
Many homeowners rightly choose to cover their outdoor air conditioner (AC) condensers to protect them from harsh Pennsylvania winters. Before switching over to air conditioning, however, be sure to remove these covers, blankets, or lids, and inspect the exterior unit for any debris or damage. Turning the system on with a cover in place can severely damage the system.
Also, depending on where you have your unit outside your home, you might find vegetation or other debris accumulating near the condenser. Since condenser coils transfer heat, debris can disrupt this process. Ensure your system performs optimally by removing any debris from the surrounding area.
Change the Air Filters
While you should already be changing your HVAC system air filters every one to three months, early spring is the perfect time to replace them. Winters tend to result in more dust and accumulated debris in the air filters than normal, and you want to be sure these air filters are completely clean before the cooling season begins.
Make sure you’ve purchased the correct type and size of air filter for your system. If you’re not sure which filter to use, one of our New Age Air HVAC technicians can help. You should also be sure the air filters have proper placement with the airflow arrows pointing in the same direction.
Clean All Supply Vents and Registers
Just as your HVAC system’s air filters can become clogged during the winter, so can your vents and registers. When giving your home a thorough spring cleaning, don’t neglect the supply vents. Vacuum them to remove any dust or pet hair from the previous season, even if your home has separate supply grills for heating and cooling.
What’s more, if you have a zoned system and have covered unused AC vents during the winter, now is the time to remove them.
Spring is also a prime time to schedule a professional duct cleaning, which improves your system’s airflow and boosts your home’s indoor air quality.
Test the Thermostat
Many homeowners forget that thermostats need regular testing to make sure they’re working properly. At the start of each new heating or cooling cycle, test your thermostat controls, as you may need to recalibrate the unit.
You’ll also want to consider reprogramming your programmable thermostat for the warmer months ahead. Don’t have a programmable thermostat? Consider making the upgrade.
Turn On the System
Once you’ve performed the previous tasks, turn on your AC to make sure enough air flows from the vents. You’ll want to do this test early in the spring on a pleasant day when you have enough time to check the airflow every few hours. If the air doesn’t feel cool, you’ll need to turn off the system at the thermostat and make sure you’ve followed the previous suggestions.
If the air still doesn’t feel cool on the second try, contact one of our New Age Air technicians to diagnose the problem.
Schedule Your HVAC System Maintenance
While you can do plenty of tasks to prep your system for spring and summer, nothing replaces an expert HVAC system servicing. Spring is a great time to schedule your annual maintenance. As a result of a maintenance visit, you can be confident your system is in working order or, if a problem occurs, you’ll have time to fix the issue before summer.
Certified HVAC technicians check the entire system, including refrigerant levels, electrical connections, wiring, and other components, allowing them to spot problems homeowners often miss. At New Age Air, our technicians can quickly diagnose any issues to get your system summer-ready in less time.
Don’t put off your HVAC system spring checklist any longer. Call New Age Air at 610-298-0271 to enlist the help of our expert HVAC service technicians and enjoy comfortable indoor temperatures year-round.
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