As the summer is approaching, it’s time to get the home warm-weather ready. Users have probably already dusted off the lawn care tools and the grilling kits are polished, and ready. However, when users are planning out their summer-cleaning itinerary, there’s one element that often gets overlooked, and it’s an important one.
Seasonal maintenance
Neglecting seasonal maintenance and routine cleaning of the HVAC System can not only be detrimental to the home, but to health as well. This is because the HVAC system regulates the indoor air temperature, which also affects the purity of the air in the home.
It may seem like a daunting task, but in six simple steps, cleaning an HVAC system can be easily checked off the summer-cleaning itinerary.
Tips For Summer Cleaning HVAC System
- Turn Off System's Power
Make sure the thermostat is off and flip the breaker and fuse to ensure that no power is getting to the unit
This may be a no-brainer for some, but accessing the main system while the system is still running can be incredibly dangerous and cause electrocution.
Make sure the thermostat is off and flip the breaker and fuse to ensure that no power is getting to the unit.
- Replace Filters
Replacing furnace filters is a little step that goes a long way. After a few months of use, the filters will simply be too clogged up to keep dirty air out and keep clean air circulating. Not replacing air filters regularly can not only reduce the lifespan of the HVAC system, but can be harmful to health, particularly if users suffer from allergies.
Not all filters are created equal so users know the dimensions they need before heading to the store and getting their replacements. Remember to insert the new filter into place with the arrow on the side facing outwards, in the direction of airflow.
- Clear Around HVAC Unit
As the outdoor temperatures are a little more bearable, users can venture to the side of the home to inspect and clean the area surrounding the HVAC Unit.
Winter’s fury may have left sticks, debris, leaves, or garbage sticking out of or very close to the unit, which can easily get lodged in the fan. Take the time to clean away everything within a 2-foot radius of the unit, then go one step further and use a hose to gently wash away dirt and debris that may have built up on the condenser coil.
- Give Registers And Vents Some TLC.
While vents are removed, use a vacuum hose or long-handled brush to get extra debris out of air ducts
Much like a dirty filter, a clogged, grime-filled air vent or floor register can impact how much air is getting to the HVAC system, limiting how much cool air is circulated in the home.
Lift the grills off all vents and registers and wipe them down with a damp microfiber cloth, rag, or paper towel. While vents are removed, use a vacuum hose or long-handled brush to get extra debris out of air ducts.
- Have Ducts Cleaned And Inspected
If users haven’t had their ducts professionally cleaned in the past 3-5 years, it may be time to pick up the phone and contact trusted duct cleaning pros. Clogged or dirty ducts are hotspots for bacteria, dust mites, and other creepy crawlies that can create big issues for the system (and health) if not dealt with early.
The best part about getting an HVAC technician to help with summer duct cleaning is they may be able to proactively spot any other issues and deal with them now, instead of potentially having an air conditioning system conk out in the depth of a hot and sticky summer day.
- Re-Program Thermostat
Time to let the thermostat know that winter is behind. But first, it’s a great idea to test the AC unit, ensuring that it is indeed ready to keep cool when the temperature outside creeps upwards.
Turn the system to air conditioning, crank down the temperature on the thermostat, and take note of how long it takes before users start to feel the cold air from the vents. If some time passes before there is any palpable change in the air temperature, it may be worth calling an HVAC professional to look at the system.
Programmable thermostat
If users have a programmable thermostat, adjust preferences in line with a schedule to help save money
If users have a programmable thermostat, adjust preferences in line with a schedule to help save money and prevent the system from overworking when users are not at home.
If users will be out of the house at regular intervals during the week, set the temperature about 5 degrees higher during these times, then allow for an hour to get home cooled down again before users are set to return.
HVAC care and maintenance
If, however, users live in an older, poorly insulated home, temperature adjustments may take more energy from the HVAC system; users are better off leaving the temperature set at a consistent point all day long.
Summer cleaning is always a big job but putting HVAC care and maintenance on the to-do list will go a long way towards keeping the house and family safe and cool. For more information on the right HVAC system for the home, or for more tips on maintenance of the HVAC system, reach out to the heating and cooling experts at Napoleon.
