Getting your HVAC Ready for Spring and Summer

Spring has sprung, summer is approaching, and it’s time to get some chores done around the house. While you’re doing your spring cleaning and putting in your garden, don’t forget to take some time to prep your HVAC for the coming heat. A little preventive maintenance during the spring means you won’t be stuck with a broken air conditioner when the weather is hottest and the HVAC companies are busiest, in the middle of summer. Here’s how you get the jump on the warm weather and get your HVAC ready to go.

·???????Do the outdoor work. The part of your HVAC system that’s outside your house is the condenser. It’s important to make sure there are no branches, leaves, or other debris impeding your condenser, so uncover it if you’ve covered it for the winter and clean it with a broom or brush. Trim any shrubs or bushes that may be growing too close to the condenser, and look to make sure none of the fins are cracked or bent and the unit is not leaning to one side. You can also turn off the power to the air conditioner, then take off the grate and clean the inside with a brush or vacuum attachment, rinsing the fins with a hose if there’s still dirt caked on them.

·???????Change your filters. Really, you should be doing this at least every one to three months, anyway. The cleaner your filter is, the better your HVAC system will work, so change the air conditioning and furnace filters regularly. This will prevent the circulation of dirty air, and keep your HVAC from working inefficiently and wearing out early. While you’re there, take a glance at the area around your A/C, to make sure there’s no dirt or dust, and nothing is blocking airflow. Give it a good sweep or vacuum if necessary.

·???????Get your ducts in a row. Cleaning the air ducts in your home can help keep clean air circulating throughout your home. When you have them professionally cleaned, you’ll be removing mold, mildew, fungi, and other toxic substances that have taken up residence inside your air ducts.

·???????Inspect your system. Make sure there are no leaks or cracks in your HVAC system before you crank it up for the first time. You’ll also want to look for corrosion, which could lead to holes or cracks in the system.

·???????Give it a test run. It’s smart to turn on the air conditioner before you really need it, to make sure it’s running properly. In fact, it can be helpful to run your A/C for about 30 minutes a day in the weeks leading up to summer, to help it warm up for all the use it’s going to get when it’s hot outside. During these test runs, pay attention to your thermostat. If it seems to need extra adjustment, you may need to have it reprogrammed. You might also consider a smart thermostat, which can be programmed to automatically raise and lower the temperature to save you money on your energy costs.

·???????Schedule a professional visit. One of the best and easiest ways to make sure your HVAC system is up to snuff before the heat hits is to call in an experienced HVAC professional to give it a thorough inspection. An HVAC tech can catch minor issues before they become major problems, and you’ll have the peace of mind that comes from knowing your system will run efficiently and keep you cool all summer.

When you need HVAC maintenance, trust McCrea to deliver the best service possible: it’s the “McCrea Way”. We are committed to going above and beyond for our clients, always doing business honestly and ethically. We’ve served the Northern Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland areas for 80 years, and we plan to continue to deliver the McCrea Way for many years to come. Contact us for AC replacement, heating system replacement, and all of your HVAC service needs.?