As winter fades away and the temperatures climb, your HVAC system needs a little attention before switching from heating to cooling. After months of keeping your home warm, your system has collected dust, worked through cold snaps, and may not be running as efficiently as it should. A little maintenance now can help you avoid costly repairs, keep your energy bills in check, and keep your home comfortable as the seasons change.
At Efficiency Plumbing in Hanover, MA, we know how important it is to have a reliable system year-round, which is why spring is the perfect time to give your HVAC a little TLC. With a few simple steps, you can make sure your system is ready to handle the warm months ahead without a hitch.
Clean or Replace Your Air Filters
After running your heating system all winter, your air filters have likely collected a thick layer of dust, pet hair, and other airborne debris. When filters get clogged, airflow becomes restricted, making your HVAC system work harder than it needs to. That extra strain not only raises your energy bill but also shortens the lifespan of your system.
Swapping out your filter is one of the simplest and most important things you can do to prepare your system for spring. If your filter is reusable, giving it a good wash can make a noticeable difference in your home’s air quality. If it’s the disposable kind, replacing it with a fresh one lets your system breathe again.
You might not think about your air filter often, but it plays a big role in your HVAC system’s performance. A clean filter means your system won’t have to push as hard to circulate air, keeping your home comfortable without running up your utility bill. Plus, if anyone in your home suffers from allergies, a fresh filter can help cut down on pollen, dust, and other irritants floating in the air as spring settles in.
Check and Clean Your Vents and Registers
When was the last time you looked inside your air vents? Over the winter, dust and pet dander collect in the vents, and when you switch to cooling mode, that debris gets pushed right into the air you breathe. If you notice dust puffing out when your HVAC system kicks on, it’s time to pay some attention to your vents and registers.
Start by removing the vent covers and wiping them down. You might be surprised by how much dust has built up on the surface. If you see dirt inside the duct opening, use a vacuum hose to remove whatever you can reach. Even a quick cleaning can help improve airflow and reduce the amount of dust circulating in your home.
Blocked or dirty vents can also make your system work harder than necessary. If furniture, rugs, or curtains cover any vents, move them out of the way so air can flow freely. When vents are blocked, your system has to push harder to distribute air evenly, which can lead to uneven temperatures and higher energy costs.
Test Your Thermostat Settings
Now that warmer weather is on the way, it’s a good time to adjust your thermostat settings. During winter, you likely kept your home at a steady temperature to stay warm. But as the seasons shift, you’ll want to program your thermostat to match your new comfort needs.
If you have a programmable or smart thermostat, setting up a schedule can save you money. During the day, when no one is home, you can let the temperature rise a few degrees instead of cooling an empty house. Then, you can set it to lower again in the evening when everyone is home.
Check that your thermostat is working correctly, too. If the temperature reading doesn’t match how your house feels, the sensor might be off. A quick test with a separate thermometer can tell you if your thermostat needs recalibration. A properly functioning thermostat helps your HVAC system run more efficiently, keeping your home comfortable without unnecessary strain on the system.
Give Your Outdoor Unit Some Space
Your outdoor condenser unit plays a huge role in keeping your home cool, but after months of winter weather, it might not be in the best shape. Leaves and twigs can pile up around it, restricting airflow and making it harder for your system to release heat.
Before the weather gets too warm, look at the area around your unit. If there’s debris blocking the sides, clear it away. Keep at least t2 feet of open space around the unit so it can operate efficiently. If any bushes or tall grass have grown close to it, trim them back to improve airflow.
You should also check the condenser coils for dirt buildup. Over time, dust and grime stick to the coils, making your system less effective. If they look dirty, use a garden hose to rinse them off, but be sure to turn off the power before cleaning. A well-maintained outdoor unit helps your HVAC system cool your home more effectively without overworking itself.
Listen for Strange Noises
Your HVAC system should run smoothly and quietly. If you start hearing unusual sounds, like banging, rattling, or hissing, it could mean something needs attention. Strange noises can mean you have loose parts, a struggling motor, or airflow issues.
A rattling noise might mean a panel or screw is loose, while a banging sound could indicate a blower fan problem. Hissing often indicates an air leak in your ductwork or a refrigerant issue. If you hear any of these, have them checked before they turn into bigger problems.
Spring is a great time to listen carefully to your system. Since you’re switching from heating to cooling, you’ll be able to catch any odd noises that weren’t noticeable before. Fixing small issues early can help prevent expensive repairs later.
Check for Potential Leaks in Your Ductwork
If there’s a leak somewhere in your ducts, a lot of that air could be escaping before it even reaches your rooms. That means your system has to work harder to keep your home comfortable, and you end up paying for energy you’re not using.
One way to tell if you have leaky ducts is by checking for uneven temperatures in different rooms. If one area of your home always seems warmer or cooler than the rest, there could be a problem with the airflow. You can also look for dust or dirt buildup around vents. Sometimes, leaks pull in debris from attics or crawl spaces and push it into your living areas.
If you suspect your ducts are leaking, sealing them can make a big difference in efficiency. Well-sealed ductwork ensures your HVAC system isn’t wasting energy, helping keep your home comfortable without overworking itself.
Run a Test Cooling Cycle
Before the first hot day arrives, run your air conditioning for a test cycle. Turn it on, and let it run for about 15 minutes, paying close attention to how it sounds and how well it cools your home. If it takes longer than usual to bring the temperature down or if the air coming from the vents doesn’t feel as cold as it should, there could be a problem.
Running a test cycle gives you a chance to spot any issues before you actually need your AC. If you notice weak airflow, unusual noises, or a system that shuts off too soon, it’s better to fix the problem now than to deal with a breakdown in the middle of a heatwave.
Call Us Today
A smooth transition from winter to spring in Hanover starts with making sure your HVAC system is clean, efficient, and ready to handle the temperature change. A little maintenance from Efficiency Plumbing now can mean better air quality, fewer repairs, and lower energy costs as the weather warms up. We also offer plumbing, thermostat, ductwork, air filter, and humidifier services.
Make sure your system is in top shape — schedule a spring HVAC tune-up with Efficiency Plumbing today.
