Spring Into Warmer Weather

April 11, 2024

Now that warmer weather is here, it’s time to prepare and maintain your HVAC unit to keep you cool. To prepare for warmer temperatures, knowing if you have a heat pump or an air conditioner, the manufacturer, and the year of installation are helpful steps in maintaining a healthy and efficient home. Here are a few more energy-efficient ways to ensure your HVAC is ready to tackle the warmer season.

• Make a routine of changing air filters. Creating a routine of installing new air filters is one of the top ways to improve HVAC performance and simultaneously lower energy costs. A filter is supposed to be changed every 90 days, but Union Power recommends it every 30 days. Not replacing air filters on a scheduled time frame could lead to dirty or clogged air filters, resulting in longer run times and could cause the unit to operate less efficiently.
• Clean Return Vents. Walk through your home and examine each air vent. Clear out any dust or debris, and ensure the vents are open to provide an even amount of airflow throughout the home.
• Clean the area surrounding your outside unit. Maintaining a debris-free area around your unit and clearing plants, branches, pine needles, or other items will help the system perform more efficiently. To optimize the performance, leave two feet of clearance on all sides of the outside unit.
• Clear blockages in the condensation drain line. A condensation drain line is a white PVC pipe that allows condensation to flow from the evaporator coil to the outside of the home. If the pipe is clogged, the overflow pan could overflow into the attic or crawl space, which could cause significant home damage.
• Seek professional HVAC service. Regular maintenance usually includes inspecting and cleaning the unit, servicing or replacing defective parts, and ensuring the refrigerant charge is correct. Keeping your system serviced can extend its service life and help it run more efficiently.

Following these five steps can help protect against the risks of your HVAC unit failing, will help to ensure it operates more efficiently, and provide peace of mind that your home is prepared for the upcoming warmer temperatures.