We know it’s still a little chilly outside and it seems like the rain will never let up. That’s even more reason to make sure your home is ready for April showers and spring flowers. It’s time to enjoy the soon to come beautiful weather instead of being daunted with HVAC breakdowns and expensive home repairs. These tips can help you prevent a spring HVAC disaster so you can spend more time with your feet up.
Ventilation Leaks
The first thing you’ll want to do when getting your home spring ready is to check to make sure it’s properly sealed. This means all doors, windows, and other points leading to the outside. This is a good time to install caulking around your windows and place weather stripping on your exterior doorway thresholds. Also make sure that any installation points are sealed closed, such as ducts and hoses that come into the home from outside. Make sure not to neglect your basement and attic!
Condensation Accumulation
Now that the sun will be shining after these still chilly nights, we’re going to start experiencing some morning dew. This means that water/condensation has the capability of building upon the exterior but also inside your home. Water can lead to unsafe health conditions resulting from mold and unsafe living conditions as it can wear away structural aspects. Inspect your home for any cracks and potential point for leaks, specifically in the foundation and in the attic. Make sure to get your gutters cleaned and clear so that water does not back up and create pools around your home.
Blocks and Clogs
It’s easier to forget to change all the filters around the house when we’re so busy with work, and family, but it’s a task you want to make a priority. Replacing HVAC filters and cleaning central air vents helps to sustain airflow in the system and eliminates harmful particles and bacteria from being introduced into the system and dispersed amongst the entire home. Also, it’s important to protect actual outside unit and keep it clean. Units that receive direct sunlight work harder to cool your home. Additionally, debris from shrubbery and vegetation can get into the machine and cause permanent damage. Providing the unit with room to breathe and pull in the air makes it work more efficiently for you.
System Efficiency
The best way to make sure your system is efficient is to have a newer unit. If you have the budget to invest in the right HVAC system for your home, it is best to do so. If you can’t invest in a new system right now, then you’ll definitely want to at least get a programmable thermostat to find and maintain that sweet spot. Also, make sure to keep lights and appliances that give off heat away from the thermostat. Lastly, make sure to utilize all the features of a programmable thermostat such as timers and daily settings. When your away from the home for an extended period of time, run the system to low enough to maintain but not cool an empty home.
Need to get all of this squared away before the heat starts to hit but not sure how to get it all done? Contact one our experienced technicians for more information.
