Is your home’s heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) system ready for spring?
As we transition out of winter, you can expect warmer temperatures as well as increased pollen.
While there’s no way to stop the seasonal cycles of Mother Earth, you can maintain a comfortable living environment by taking a few precautions with your home’s HVAC system.
Change the Air Filter
The beginning of the spring season offers the perfect opportunity to change your HVAC system’s air filter.
Granted, air constantly flows through the filter when your furnace, air conditioner or heat pump is running. During the spring season, however, air filters are exposed to more particulate matter in the form of pollen.
As pollen catches and accumulates on the air filter, it restricts airflow, resulting in a less efficient HVAC system.
Removing the old air filter and replacing it with a new air filter of the same size ensures that can air can freely flow through the ducts with little or no restriction.
Check Ducts for Leaks
According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the average home loses approximately 20% of its thermal energy through duct leaks.
If your home’s air ducts have a leak, you’ll have to pay more to cool your home during the spring and summer months.
Consider hiring a professional HVAC technician to test your home’s air ducts for leaks.
Clean Drain Line
Another tip to prepare your home’s HVAC system for spring is to clean the drain line.
If you inspect your HVAC system’s evaporator coil – which can typically be found inside your home – you should see a pan underneath it. Known as a drain pan, it’s used to catch condensation that forms on the evaporator coil.
As condensation forms on the evaporator coil, it will drip into the drain pan. From there, it flows into a drain line leading to your home’s exterior.
Since most homeowners rarely or never run their air conditioner during the winter months, drain lines tend to clog during this time of year.
To prepare your home’s HVAC system for spring, you should flush the drain line with bleach. Simply pour 1 cup of bleach into the drain pan to clean and flush the drain line to which it’s connected.
Set the Thermostat
You may also want to set your home’s thermostat in preparation of the spring season.
If it’s still set to “heat,” it may create an uncomfortably hot living environment. Assuming you have a programmable thermostat, consider setting it to a comfortable temperature that’s appropriate for the time of year.
If you are experiencing a problem with your air conditioning or heating call us at 512-336-1431 to schedule an appointment. We’ll be glad to come out and take a look at the issue.
1431-183 A/C & Heating proudly serves Round Rock, Georgetown, Cedar Park, Pflugerville, Leander, Liberty Hill, and North Austin.
