Spring is right around the corner, and with that comes spring cleaning. We know, we know, HVAC spring maintenance probably isn’t on your list but it should be. As the weather starts to warm, your heating system will get the (well deserved) break it needs, but your cooling system needs to be prepared for action. Let’s be honest, temperatures can be quite unpredictable, and you wouldn’t want your system to give out when the heatwaves roll around. Remember, a system that’s well taken care of ends up taking care of your home.
It’s worth mentioning that homes in NYC often have shared HVAC systems, so it’s important to coordinate maintenance with building management if applicable. Also, due to the “great pollination” that is soon to hit, you may consider an indoor air quality assessment, especially if you’re allergy prone. Our team can do this service for you as well, feel free to read about it here.
Without further ado, here’s our HVAC tune up checklist of things you should have a look at while spring cleaning:
1 The Filters
Do we sound like a broken record yet? Well if you’ve somehow missed it, most things tend to circle around filters, and are probably the first thing you should check whenever your HVAC comes to mind. Dirty filters tend to be the number one cause of inefficiency. Since NY and NJ tend to be on the polluted side of things, it’s best to swap them out every 1 to 3 months, if not more frequently. We’d advise you to put a reminder in your phone about it.
2 The Air Vents
Believe it or not, these bad boys can accumulate quite the dust bunny collection. Use a vacuum with a brush attachment, or a damp cloth should do, to clean your vents and registers. Yes the covers come off, so clean as far as you can reach. This doesn’t mean you should go duct diving. Remember, professionals (like Green Ductors) are more equipped to do that. While you’re at it, pay attention to things like mold, especially in flood prone counties like Middlesex or Camden. Should you spot it, it’s probably a sign of a deeper issue that requires professional help.
3 The Ductwork
Have a look at all the ductwork you can see. This may mean paying a visit to places like your basement, attic, or even crawlspace. If you notice a leak, seal it off. You could use HVAC foil tape or something like mastic sealant. If you don’t want to bother, you can also opt for a professional duct inspection. Especially if you’re noticing higher energy bills (or if your system is on the older side).
4 The Outdoor Unit(s)
Yes, things can grow, even in the winter. Pop outside and check on your outdoor unit. Is it clogged with leaves, twigs, and so forth? Or maybe there’s a thick layer of dirt? Well this is a sign to give your outdoor unit some TLC. Make sure the unit is off, then clear away anything that shouldn’t be there. For the future, make sure there’s at least a two foot clearance between the unit and everything around it. Do keep in mind that if you have a home on the coast (waving to you Jersey Shore), check for things like salt corrosion as well. NYC residents should be mindful of the fact that their units tend to be on the roof and collect a fair share of construction dust and soot (in addition to the regular suspects), so be sure your unit is cleaned thoroughly, if you’re not doing it yourself.
5 The Evaporator and Condenser Coils
As with most components, if they’re dirty, they tend to lower system efficiency, no exception here. You can either use a specially designed coil spray, or your garden hose to give them a refresh. Keep in mind strong pressure (like from a pressure washer) should be avoided, as you could cause more damage than good. And if you’re scared you’ll mess things up, best to reach out to the pros (like Green Ductors) to be on the safe side.
6 The Thermostat
While you’re in the spring AC tune up state of mind, this is the perfect time to adjust your thermostat. Set schedules for your spring and summer comfort. You can also consider upgrading to a smart thermostat if you haven’t already. Temperatures in NY and NJ tend to jump around, and a smart thermostat could make life a little easier, and who wouldn’t want that? Plus, this is a perfect time to replace the batteries if needed and test for overall responsiveness.
7 The Drain Line
First, you need to find it. It’s typically a PVC pipe. Once found, you can pour about a cup of vinegar through the pipe to clean and disinfect. This should be done monthly during the cooling season. If this line blocks, it can lead to leaks, and worse, mold growth. Remember, not all drain lines are visible (especially if you live in an older home), if in doubt, reach out to a technician.
8 The Refrigerant Lines
Refrigerant is something you probably shouldn’t mess with yourself. For one, you typically need a certification to do so. But it’s important to keep an eye on all the parts. Here, have a look at the refrigerant lines that lead to your outdoor unit. If you notice cracks, leaks, signs of residue, of a flat out disconnection, there may be an issue. It’s best to reach out to the pros to address.
9 The System as a Whole
Now that you’ve examined all the parts separately, take a look at the system as a whole. Is it making strange noises? It may be nothing, or it could be something. We wrote a blog on some of the noises you could be hearing, and what they could mean. Check that post out here. If your system sounds louder than usual, lubrication may help resolve the issue, but be sure to use an HVAC safe lubricant.
Are there funky smells coming from the system? Does the airflow seem odd? All of these things can indicate a deeper problem, so it’s worth it to give it the time and attention it’s due.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve done your spring cleaning rounds, you can have a pat on the back. However, while an HVAC maintenance checklist is good, this shouldn’t be a replacement for a professional check. We strongly advise you to set up an annual inspection with a licensed HVAC technician. We’re sure you’re good at your job, so let the pro’s be good at theirs. It’s important to stay attentive should a problem arise, but don’t go poking around and making things worse. For most homeowners, spring is the best time to do the inspection, but the choice is ultimately up to you. Spring cleaning isn’t just about comfort, but it’s also about protecting your investment. We hope that by following this pre season HVAC tune up checklist, you’re able to enjoy a cooler, cleaner, and more efficient system all season long. Should you want to schedule that pro inspection, give us a ring at 888-334-1612, we’ll be glad to help.
