Spring-cleaning should be comprehensive — decluttering junk drawers, reorganizing the closet, shampooing the carpet, and scheduling HVAC service. Since air conditioners play a significant role throughout late spring and summer, keep yours in good shape. Here’s what you need to do to ensure the entire system will be reliable.

HVAC Service Tips for Spring

1. Clean Thoroughly

An efficient AC unit depends on a clean environment. Beyond the basics of tidying your house, clear away the dust and debris from grilles, registers, and vent covers. Use your vacuum's brush and nozzle attachments for a deeper clean. If you have young kids, check for small toys hidden in low, accessible ducts.

2. Tend to the Outdoor Unit

Don’t forget to straighten things up outside. Even though there aren’t as many fallen leaves or twigs as there are in fall, loose vegetation and natural debris can still collect around the outdoor unit. Sweep away accumulations; aim for at least a 2-foot clearance around the condenser.

3. Schedule a Tuneup

Your system should receive professional HVAC service at least once a year. During these visits, technicians will look for potential problems and vulnerabilities in your system and correct them, if necessary. Even if you haven’t experienced issues, these inspections will minimize the likelihood of them ever happening.

4. Wash or Replace the Filter

If you have an HVAC system with a reusable filter, wash it thoroughly; if it’s not reusable, replace it. This isn’t just a spring or seasonal task. Depending on your situation, you may need to update it more frequently; extremely busy households benefit from a filter refresh every month, but others can go three months without a new one. If you’re unsure, ask your HVAC contractor.

5. Upgrade to a Programmable Thermostat

Although it isn’t necessarily a maintenance task, consider buying a new thermostat. Being able to automatically raise the temperature a few degrees when you’re out of the house will help reduce your utility costs, especially once summer rolls around.

If the only thing left for you to do is schedule a professional tuneup, call the technicians at Burdick Plumbing & Heating. For nearly 50 years, this family-owned and -operated HVAC company has served the Conneaut, OH area. Thorough and efficient, their highly trained team will make sure your unit is working just as it should, whether you use a central air conditioner or a ductless mini-split system. To learn more about their professional HVAC services, visit their website or call them today at (440) 599-8248.