Is Your AC Unit Ready For Spring?

Spring brings the promise of new adventures after staying indoors, but your cooling system needs some TLC first. Preparing your AC for our warm Lousiana weather is a great way to prevent high utility bills, increased energy use, poor air quality and unexpected breakdowns during heavy use.

Add these easy HVAC maintenance tips, from Southern Air Heating, Cooling & Plumbing to your spring cleaning list before the heat hits!

Prepare Outdoor Condenser Unit

Homeowners often decide to place a cover on their outdoor AC unit to protect it from any harsh bursts of winter weather. Before starting the system, any covers must be removed to prevent damage and ensure the greatest performance.

While you’re at it, remove any leaves, nearby plants, or other debris that have gathered in and around the unit. They also can restrict your condenser’s airflow and cause damage to internal components. Report any signs of internal or external damage (on panels, insulation, wires, etc.) you notice to your HVAC technician, even if it seems cosmetic.

Change Out Filters

Air filters perform best when replaced at least once every three months, so spring is a great time to change them out. Dust and debris accumulate in filters more during the winter, especially if you have furry friends inside, so filters may be dirtier than usual. Having fresh filters before the start of the cooling season ensures your system is not overworked and that your home has clean, breathable air.

Using dirty air filters can lower your home’s air quality and reduce your system’s efficiency. Over time, this will cost you more in repairs, higher utility bills and premature system replacement.

Check Air Supply Vents

Your HVAC vents and ducts also collect dust and debris during the winter. Dirty air registers can restrict airflow to/from your unit and circulate dirt, mold and mildew throughout your home if neglected. Vacuum them and wash vent covers using soapy water to remove any contaminants, so you aren’t breathing them in once you begin using your cooling unit more often.

While cleaning your air vents, move rugs or furniture placed in a way that blocks any vent(s). Also, make sure that each one is completely open so air can easily pass through.

Update Your Thermostat

Thermostats need to be tested regularly to ensure they are communicating with your system correctly. And by seeing how your cooling unit reacts to different settings, you can easily check for issues. If you haven’t changed your thermostat set temp but are receiving higher utility bills or adjusting your thermostat more often, something is wrong.

Thermostat batteries often last around one year, so your unit may need new batteries or recalibration to match your unit. If it needs to be replaced, consider upgrading to a programmable thermostat and save money on your energy bills.

Turn On The System

Now that you’ve done all the prep work, it’s time to test things out! Turn on your AC and make sure plenty of cool air is flowing through the vents and into your home. After it runs for a while, and each room seems to be cooling evenly — great! However, if the air is inconsistent or doesn’t feel cool in each room, you’ll want to schedule an appointment with your local HVAC company.

Set The Date For AC Tune-Ups

Scheduling regular HVAC maintenance prevents up to 80% of repairs and creates a healthy environment in your home while lengthening your unit’s life. Southern Air has over 20 years of experience dealing with the struggles of our subtropical, Baton Rouge climate, and seasonal tune-ups are one of the most important ways to keep your home comfortable.

Call us today to book a visit from one of our experts and learn about our Ironclad Guarantees!