Acker Heating & Cooling

When your home is closed off over the winter, dust settles and air becomes stagnant. A thorough spring cleaning will improve the air quality in your home and makes the residents feel a lot better. 

In this article, Acker Heating & Cooling talks about the importance of spring cleaning and maintaining your cooling and heating systems and shares some essential tips.

The Importance of Spring HVAC Maintenance

Performing spring cleaning on your furnace and air conditioner in the early spring is a worthwhile investment, as it offers a number of excellent benefits. Here are some of them:

• It prevents costly breakdowns. Servicing your HVAC system regularly is said to reduce the risk of costly breakdowns by as much as 95%.
• It helps reduce energy costs. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, preventive maintenance can mean savings of up to 30% on your energy bills.
• It extends the life of your HVAC system. When you reduce the need for repairs and replacement parts, you not only save money, you also get the most out of your initial investment.
• It keeps the HVAC system protected under warranty. Many HVAC manufacturers require proof of annual maintenance when a repair claim is filed under warranty.
• It improves indoor air quality. Cleaning your furnace or air conditioner means minimizing the amount of indoor allergens from dust mites, pet dander, cigarette smoke and pollen.

Furnace and Air Conditioner Spring Maintenance Tips

With warmer weather on the horizon, now is the time to prepare your air conditioner for the cooling season. It’s also the perfect time to give your furnace the care and attention it needs after keeping you warm throughout the previous season. Here are a few things you can do to make sure your HVAC system is in tip-top condition:

• Check the filters. Air filters trap airborne contaminants to keep them out of the furnace and air conditioner and maintain good indoor air quality. When the filters are dirty and clogged with debris, the unit has to work harder in order to produce the level of heating or cooling you desire. Having clean air filters is an essential step in maintaining your HVAC system.
• Clear the area around the unit. To clean the area around your furnace, sweep or vacuum up any dust that’s accumulated. Make sure no furniture or stored items are blocking the registers to ensure the free flow of air.
• Schedule a tune-up and maintenance service. Over time, many parts of your furnace and air conditioner can become dirty or wear out. In an older furnace, for instance, components like the belts, pilot light, motor and burner assembly are particularly prone to damage. Scheduling a professional inspection can help ensure problems are detected before they spin out of control and cause your HVAC system to malfunction.

How to Maintain the Outdoor Condenser Unit

Winters can be tough on outdoor equipment. Before you switch the thermostat setting to cooling, consider performing these basic maintenance tasks.

• Inspect the unit panels. These panels are designed to safeguard electrical connections from the elements. If a panel is missing or misaligned, it can pose potential risks in the operation of the equipment. If you suspect that this is the case, call a qualified technician to assess your HVAC system before running it.
• Remove condenser covers. Most outdoor HVAC models can hold up against the onslaught of outdoor temperatures and conditions. However, if you did cover the outdoor coil to protect it during the winter season, make sure to remove it before using the system for cooling. While the cover helps insulate the coil, it also limits the transfer of heat, which can severely damage your system.
• Repair or replace any damaged insulation. On your outdoor cooling unit, the larger copper pipe called the suction line supplies cool refrigerant back to the compressor. If the insulation of the pipe is damaged, chances are it will result in a significant loss of required cooling for the outdoor unit. If you believe the insulation needs to be replaced, attend to it before running the cooling system.
• Remove debris from the unit. Depending on the location of your residential property, you may find grass, leaves and other vegetation swept into or against the unit. Because the condenser assists with the transfer of heat, any debris can limit its function. To get the most out of your air conditioning system, it’s crucial that you remove any loose debris surrounding the outdoor unit.

How to Maintain the Indoor Air Handler Unit

The air handler is the indoor component comprising your split system which keeps the indoor temperature of your home at the desired level. It’s usually located in the attic, basement or closet. Here are tips to maintain your indoor unit:

• Check the condensate line. Since the temperature of the coil is lower than the temperature of the ambient air, moisture will condense on the coil and drip onto the tray beneath it. If the condensate fails to flow into a drain, the tray will fill up and flood the unit. Check to ensure that this component is properly attached and effectively draining.
• Clean the vents and grills. When cleaning vents located on the ceiling, cover the furniture in the room, then carefully vacuum the vents with a dusting attachment. Use a microfiber duster to remove any dust missed by the vacuum.
• Turn it on. Finally, turn on the air conditioning system to see if it is working properly. Within the first minutes, you should feel cool air blowing out of the registers. If no air comes out or the air feels warm, turn off the system and bring in a professional to diagnose and resolve the problem.

Contact Us for All Your HVAC Needs

Acker Heating & Cooling is a leading residential and commercial HVAC company in Colbert, GA. Our top-rated solutions include new system installation, emergency repair, routine maintenance and extended system warranties. You can always count on our certified team for the prompt and efficient service you need. To schedule an appointment or request a quote, call (706) 715-2607 or fill out our online form.