If you’re one of the Americans staying and working at home during this uncertain time, things are bound to get a little frustrating. However, look on the positive side—now you have more time to spring clean your HVAC system! Take this extra time out to ensure your trusted unit is prepared for the new season. Not sure where to start? The pros at American Air, Plumbing, and Electrical have got you covered—here are some tips on spring cleaning your HVAC system.
- Change Your Air Filter
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- Before you do anything else, make sure to check your air filter is clean and unclogged. A clogged filter can worsen your indoor air quality, cause issues with airflow and increase your energy bills. A clean filter on the other hand can ensure your HVAC unit doesn’t have any issues in the future. Plus, it can reduce your system’s energy consumption by 5 to 15%. Be sure to start your spring HVAC maintenance by changing your air filter. It only takes a few minutes, but it can make a world of a difference.
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- Clean Your Vents and Registers
Dust can often build up on your vents and registers, leading to the buildup of allergens in your home. After changing your air filter, take a minute to use the vacuum brush attachment and clean your vent grilles. Follow it up with a quick wipe from a damp cloth to ensure your vents are completely dust-free.
- Clean Your Vents and Registers
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- Inspect Your Outdoor Unit
Your outdoor condenser is just as important as your indoor air handler. With the spring season here, you’re going to be using your outdoor unit more often, so make sure it’s running properly. If there is any vegetation around it, trim it and ensure clearance of at least 2 ft around the outdoor unit. Excess vegetation near the outdoor unit can lead to leaves and dirt getting stuck inside, causing unnecessary malfunctions.If you want to thoroughly clean your outdoor unit, use a vacuum brush attachment and vacuum the exterior without bending the fins. Then spray water on the exterior with a hose, follow it up with some coil cleaner and wash the exterior again.
- Inspect Your Outdoor Unit
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- Do A Thermostat Test
Look at your thermostat and check if it works properly. If the heat has increased where you live, change the setting to “cool” and make sure it is always on “auto” instead of fan.
- Do A Thermostat Test
- Check Your Ducts
The vent or register grilles are covering the ducts that carry air to and from your home to your handler. If you can, look inside to ensure there isn’t excess dust or dirt build-up in your ductwork. Dirty ductwork requires professional cleaning. Since precautionary measures have been put in place because of COVID-19, contact an HVAC technician you trust to learn about any new hours and availability.
You can call the pros at American Air, Plumbing, and Electrical at (407) 603-4410 or schedule an appointment with us on our website.