While it’s spring and you’ll soon need air conditioning, the steps you take now can ensure good indoor air quality when winter arrives. Let’s explore the top tips recommended by HVAC professionals.
Heating System Tune-Ups
Regular heating maintenance is key to promoting better air quality, lowering energy bills, and extending the life of your equipment. This is true for furnaces, boilers, and heat pumps. A standard tune-up includes a multipoint inspection, comprehensive cleaning, and correction of any normal wear and tear.
Duct Camera Inspections and Maintenance
While you don’t need to do it every year, spring is a good time to schedule a duct camera inspection. Your HVAC technician can then recommend maintenance as needed. The average household will need duct cleaning every three to five years. Over time, your ducts may also need duct sealing and other duct repairs.
Vent Cleaning
While deep dusting in early spring, be sure to clean your vents. Clean the exteriors but also open them up to clean the underside and the vent mouth.
HVAC Filter Checks and Replacement as Needed
Using the right HVAC filter and keeping it clean is essential to good air quality in a home. Choose a high-quality pleated filter, and pay attention to the minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV). Most modern systems can support between MERV 8 and 13. A higher MERV is good for air quality, but don’t use a filter with a higher MERV than your system supports. It can restrict airflow, leading to a range of comfort and performance issues.
Spring is an excellent time to check the filter and replace it if needed. You’ll know it needs replacement when you can see dust accumulating on the outer surface. If your AC uses that filter as well, check it monthly and replace it when necessary.
Outdoor Condenser Unit Perimeter Maintenance
If you have a heat pump or an air conditioner, you have an outdoor condenser unit. It houses the compressor, condenser coil, and a fan. Maintain a 1- to 3-foot perimeter around it clear of any grass, bushes, or overhanging branches. Check it regularly to keep it clear of leaves, branches, and other debris to ensure maximum airflow. If it’s cluttered, blow it out or schedule a professional to do it.
Check Drain Lines
All heat pumps, condensing furnaces, and condensing boilers have drain lines that run from inside to outside the home. Over time, these drainage systems can be a breeding ground for microbial growth and unpleasant odors. Spring is an ideal time to ensure that the drip pan and drain line are clear. If they aren’t, request an appointment with an HVAC technician to clear and sanitize the drainage system. If you have concerns or require heating replacement services, contact Pride of Tucson in Tucson, AZ.