Tips for Getting Your HVAC System Ready for Spring

As a homeowner, preparing your HVAC system now will help save you time and money.

It’s not too early to begin talking about spring weather in St. Louis. As you know, our weather can be unpredictable, cold today and warm the next. As a homeowner, preparing your HVAC system now will help save you time and money.

All winter long, your heater has been working hard, but it will soon be time to give it a break. This means your air conditioner needs to be ready to get to work. Here are some tips for getting your HVAC system ready for spring!

Turn your AC on for a test run

One of the best ways to find out whether there’s an issue with your air conditioner or not is to turn it on. Wait for a warmer day and adjust your thermostat down a few degrees. Let it run one complete cycle and pay attention to see if you notice any of the following:

• Strange sounds like banging or knocking
• Does it stops during a cycle
• Any unusual odors
• Is the indoor air actually getting cooler
• Listen to the unit outside, is it making strange sounds

Schedule a pre-spring HVAC Maintenance & Cleaning

Having your air conditioner inspected and cleaned before you need it is important. If you did a test run, keep your notes to tell your technician about anything strange. During the maintenance visit, the technician will:

• Inspect your HVAC unit thoroughly and repair and replace any worn-out parts, lubricate moving components, and perform other service work that may be needed.
• Clean in and around the AC unit.
• Change the filters.
• Check for any issues like loose seals, cracks, or leaks in or around your air conditioner.

Seal leaks and cracks and add extra insulation if necessary

Our winter has been harsh, and it may have caused damage to your home. Harsh winds and freezing temperatures can create cracks or loose seals around your windows and doors, as well as in your attics or basement.

Your pre-spring maintenance should include sealing up any cracks and leaks to ensure maximum indoor air retention before the hot months arrive. This will keep your AC from having to work too hard to keep your home cool.

Adding extra insulation is a cost-effective investment you can make. It will increase the efficiency of your AC as well as decrease your monthly utility costs.

Schedule an air duct test and cleaning

When you schedule your pre-spring maintenance visit, ask the technician about performing an air duct test to see if your ducts need to be cleaned. When your air ducts are cleaned, they will remove dirt, dust, debris, pollen, and other allergens that build up along the sides of your air duct system. Having dirt air ducts can impact your home. Some of these include:

• Increase monthly energy use and costs
• Decrease your AC’s efficiency
• Create a fire hazard
• Increase problems with allergies

Check your thermostat

Checking your thermostat is one of the easiest ways to keep your energy costs low and your system functioning correctly. It may be that the batteries need to be replaced. It may be time for a new thermostat. If you have a programmable thermostat, it may need some adjustments.