Ross and Witmer After a long winter, it’s time to prepare your Charlotte home’s HVAC system for the summer ahead. However, many homeowners are tempted to wait until the last minute to get their system ready for the tough task of maintaining a cool and comfortable indoor environment. Last-minute preparations can prove costly and time consuming, which is why you should prepare your HVAC system during the spring months.
Why Spring Maintenance?
Spring is the perfect time to take care of your HVAC system. Handling HVAC maintenance in the spring gives you and your contractor enough time to perform those essential upkeep tasks before hotter temperatures arrive. You can’t afford to have your system offline for repairs in the middle of the brutal summer heat when you’ll need your HVAC system most.
Your HVAC contractor is likely to be swamped with emergency repairs during the summertime, which makes scheduling routine maintenance during this time more difficult. For this reason, it’s a good idea to arrange for inspection and repairs as early as possible.
Preparing your system right now can also help you save up to hundreds of dollars on your cooling costs throughout the summer.
DIY Preparations
There’s plenty you can do to your HVAC system on your own. Performing many of these DIY tasks not only help you save money on your monthly utility bills, but it also gives you an opportunity to become more familiar with your system.
These DIY tasks include:
- Changing the air filter – This is perhaps the most important step when it comes to maintaining your HVAC unit. A dirty air filter can shorten your system’s life span and raise utility bills by as much as 15 percent.
- Cleaning the outdoor condenser coil – Leaves and other debris can land on and clog the condenser coil located within the outdoor HVAC cabinet. Use a garden hose to rinse the coils and remove any debris that can block its airflow.
- Installing a programmable thermostat – A programmable thermostat lets you program your HVAC system to adjust its temperature based on your household’s schedule.
- Cleaning the air registers – Grab a wet/dry vacuum with a soft brush attachment and remove as much dust and debris as you can from each air register throughout your home.
- Sealing and insulating the air ducts – An air leak can reduce your HVAC system’s efficiency by as much as 25 percent. Checking and sealing the air distribution system in your Charlotte home can help improve HVAC performance and, at the same time, improve your home’s indoor air quality.
Tasks for Your Contractor
Your HVAC contractor will perform more extensive preventive maintenance on your system. This is one of the most economical ways to ensure your HVAC system performs at its best. Many of the steps your contractor will take to prepare your system go beyond some of the DIY steps you’ve performed thus far.
Your contractor will take the following steps to prepare your HVAC system for the summer ahead:
- Check the HVAC system’s current refrigerant charge and adjust as needed.
- Conduct a thorough inspection of the system’s electrical wiring and associated components.
- Inspect the compressor for signs of wear and tear.
- Inspect and lubricate the blower fan motor, as well as other moving parts.
- Inspect and clean the evaporator coil and condenser drain.
If your HVAC system is more than 10 years old, your contractor may suggest replacing it with a newer and more energy-efficient system. Purchasing and installing a new heating and cooling system can help you save as much as 40 percent on energy costs and reduce maintenance costs by providing a more reliable and longer-lasting system.
Learn more about Ross & Witmer’s HVAC system options, or give us a call today at 704-392-6188 to schedule spring maintenance for your home’s cooling system!