Furnace Maintenance Checklist for This Spring
The warmer weather is just around the corner, which means it’s time to start thinking about those seasonal spring cleaning chores. One important task to add to your to-do list each year is furnace maintenance, especially as we get ready for the hot summer months. Keep your system working efficiently and minimize your energy bills with this furnace maintenance checklist for the spring.
Schedule an Annual Inspection
Spring is the best time to have an annual checkup for your HVAC system after the long winter months. A technician will come to inspect and service it to decrease any risk of it experiencing hiccups during the hot and humid summer days.
Replace Air Filters
One of the most important maintenance tasks to do regularly is cleaning or replacing your air filter. Since the filter is designed to catch and collect particles of dust and dirt to prevent them from circulating in your air, it will get inundated with dirt over the space of a few months – especially for those who have pets. Once the filter becomes clogged, it will limit the airflow, reduce your indoor air quality, and increase your monthly bills. It could also cause damage to the HVAC unit. As a rule of thumb, replace the air filter every one to three months.
Clean Any Dirt or Debris Near Your Air Conditioner
To prep your air conditioner for those upcoming heatwaves, sweep up any debris around the unit. If there’s vegetation such as shrubs, trees or overgrowth that’s encompassing the unit, trim it back so there is at least two feet of distance between them. Make sure to clean the top portion of the unit around the grill. If you notice any damage, call a technician to fix it.
Get the Ducts Cleaned Out
With the heating blaring and the windows and doors sealed up during the winter, lots of dust and other particles can accumulate in the air ducts. Without having these professionally cleaned, you’ll end up with an uneven dispersion of air, blocked airflow and poor air quality. It can also induce flare-ups and irritation for anyone suffering from allergies. Schedule a cleaning to get the ducts cleared out before the summer.
Remove the Cover
It may seem like an obvious step, but it’s one that many homeowners forget since the unit is outside and often out of mind. Before switching on the a/c, always remove the cover from the unit. Otherwise, it will impact how it functions and could lead to damage.
Inspect Refrigerant Lines
Take a look at the refrigerant lines to see if there are any signs of damage such as leaks or detached sections. If you notice any, call a technician since it will impact the efficiency of the unit and your monthly bills.
Ensure it is Properly Levelled
The air conditioner unit should be levelled to avoid placing any added pressure on the coolant lines. Double-check that it hasn’t tipped to one side. If it has, prop it back up until it is even.
Test it Out
It’s always good practice to test out your air conditioning before the summer heat kicks in. Set your thermostat accordingly to switch on the cool air for at least 10 minutes or more. If there’s any issue such as limited air flow, check your air ducts, vents or schedule an inspection.
When it’s time to tackle your furnace maintenance checklist in Ottawa, give us a call at Top Hat home Comfort. We’ll make sure it’s ready to take on the summer heat!
