Don’t Forget To Spring Clean Your HVAC Heating System

It won't be too much longer before the cold days of winter are a distant memory and spring appears on the horizon. First-time homeowners often are unaware that when it comes time to tackle the spring cleaning chore list, the household HVAC system also needs a look over. HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning, and once winter has gone, you want confidence that the system is up to the task of keeping your family cool when the temperature rises. When it comes to your HVAC system, there are some things you can do yourself, and there are others that must be left to the professionals. Here are a couple of tasks you can do when spring cleaning your HVAC.

Replace HVAC Filter

One of the most important tasks is to replace your system filter. The filter traps pollen, dirt, and other airborne pollutants inside your home. The filter needs to be changed every three months because these pollutants build up on top of each other and block the filter. This means the system has to work a lot harder to keep your home cool. The filter is normally located at the bottom of the HVAC component located inside your home. You can purchase replacement filters at your local home hardware store, and the old one can be disposed of in your trash.

Clean The Condenser Unit

After replacing the filter, head outside and locate the exterior part of your HVAC unit. This is called the condenser, and it is a square, vented, metal box that is close to the side of the house. During winter, the vents of the condenser get clogged with leaves and other debris. Remove all debris using a soft brush or a hose so the air can flow into the box. The air gets sucked into the condenser to be cooled by the coolant, so if the vents are blocked by debris, then the air does not flow easily into the condenser.

When changing your filter and cleaning the condenser unit, have a close look to see if there are any water leaks in either the interior or exterior portions of the system. If there are, then these need to be closely inspected by a professional HVAC contractor. Leaking water is dangerous because if there are any exposed wires in the system, then you face the risk of electrocution. Spring cleaning your cooling and heating system now means you won't be battling with the heat come summer. For more tips or help, contact local air conditioning or heating services


Share