A Comprehensive Spring Cleaning HVAC Checklist

As seasons shift and we enter spring, it’s important to make sure that your HVAC unit is primed for optimal performance. This guide is designed to help you thoroughly clean and maintain your system at home. We also offer a comprehensive maintenance package that includes a full cleaning of your system and a multi-point inspection checklist.

If you’re hesitant to try cleaning and diagnosing any problems yourself, we can help. From inspecting air filters to cleaning vents and ducts, there are many important steps we recommend for your HVAC system to get it into tip-top shape for summer.

Check and Replace Air Filters

Regularly checking and replacing your air filters is important for maintaining optimal HVAC unit performance. If your filters are clogged or dirty, airflow will be restricted in your unit leading to increased energy consumption and reduced efficiency. In other words, you’ll spend more money cooling your home and overwork your unit in the process (speeding along malfunctions).

Clean air filters also help to improve indoor air quality because they can trap dust, bacteria, pollen, and other contaminants. We recommend replacing the air filters in your HVAC unit every one to three months. This depends on the type of HVAC unit in your home, how often you run the unit and your general filter type. We can bring a package of air filters to last you through the year when we perform our spring cleaning of your system.

Inspect Outdoor Condenser Unit

Inspecting the outdoor condenser unit is important to make sure that your AC functions well. Start by looking for any debris, such as branches, leaves, dust, or dirt, around the unit. Then, remove any visible debris that you find. You also want to take a look at the unit’s fins. Look for damage or bending that may prevent airflow or reduce efficiency. HVAC technicians can help you by inspecting and maintaining your unit during a maintenance check.

Clean Evaporator Coils

Cleaning the evaporator coils is necessary as part of ongoing maintenance. Over time, dust and debris build up on the coils and limit their ability to properly absorb heat and, therefore, cool correctly. The evaporator coils can be tricky to reach in an HVAC unit, and we recommend letting HVAC technicians clean yours. The power must be turned off, and the coils cannot be bent during the cleaning process. HVAC technicians will use a special coil cleaner solution and gently rinse and vacuum the coils. The unit won’t be turned on until the coils are completely dry. It’s dangerous to turn the unit on before the coils have completely dried. This is because it can lead to an electrical hazard and hurt the system and whoever comes into contact with it.

Clean Condensate Drain Line and Look for Leaks

Cleaning the condensate drain line and looking for leaks is an important part of maintaining a healthy HVC system. Over time, algae, debris, dust, dirt, and mold can all build up in the drain line and cause clogs as well as potential water damage. HVAC technicians perform maintenance checks on condensate lines by locating the drain line and removing any blockages with a wet/dry vacuum. They also may snake the drain line with a pipe brush. As they inspect the drain, they will look for any leaks and make repairs to any damaged sections to avoid further damage.

Inspect Ductwork

Inspecting ductwork is important for efficient airflow and maintaining indoor air quality. HVAC technicians will inspect your ductwork during spring cleaning maintenance and look for any signs of damage, including tears, leaks, or even disconnected sections. When looking inside the ductwork, technicians will also look for any signs of mold growth. Mold can damage the indoor air quality and create respiratory issues for homeowners, so it’s important to make sure none exists. If mold does exist, technicians will perform a more thorough cleaning process to remove the mold. Locating areas where ducts are exposed to extreme temperatures is also important because those areas are more likely to face damage and need repairs.

Inspect Blower Motor and Fan Blades

The blower motor and fan blades power your AC unit, and it’s important that they are in working condition. Technicians will run the power and inspect the blade movement to make sure that they are functioning properly and efficiently. They will also check for any signs of damage or imbalance that could lower the performance of the AC system.

Test Thermostat Settings and Test Wiring

A common issue that homeowners face involves the thermostat not operating properly, and therefore, the system cannot properly cool the home. HVAC technicians can test your thermostat and make sure that the temperature reading on the thermostat corresponds with the actual room temperature. If it isn’t accurate, making changes to the thermostat or possibly its electrical wiring can ensure that the thermostat does work properly. We also recommend checking electrical wiring throughout the HVAC system. Faulty wiring can create a host of problems that are difficult and frustrating to fix. Checking wiring during a maintenance visit is a good preventative measure.

Check Refrigerant Levels and Look for Leaks

Another critical part of spring cleaning maintenance for your HVAC system is checking the refrigerant levels and looking for leaks. HVAC technicians will start by checking for any leaks through hissing sounds, oil stains, or a slimy wet coating around the areas where the refrigerant flows. If leaks are found, those will be promptly repaired. HVAC technicians will also use a pressure gauge to check the refrigerant level and make sure that it is at the appropriate level. If it is not, refrigerant will be added.

Check Insulation and Possibly Repair

Checking insulation and making repairs is necessary to keep your HVAC system running at high efficiency. HVAC technicians will perform an insulation inspection during routine spring maintenance. We look for regular wear and tear, moisture damage, and any potential pest damage or pest infections. If insulation has been damaged, we take the time to replace it and protect your system. We also might add insulation to areas where it seems to be lacking (outside of your HVAC system). This includes the attic, to improve energy efficiency and reduce your heating and cooling costs.

Call HVAC Professionals to Fix Any Problems

Waiting until summer starts to fix any problems with your HVAC system is a recipe for disaster. The reality is that summers are the busiest time for most HVAC shops. Waiting on parts and technicians while you’re sitting at home sweltering in the heat isn’t fun. We recommend fixing any HVAC system issues in spring before the system is needed in full force. We take pride in helping homeowners make it through the seasons as comfortably as possible with a flawless, working HVAC system.

Contact Us Today

Taking good care of your HVAC unit ensures that you’ll be able to relax comfortably in cool air during hot weather or cozy up in warmth during cool weather. At Air 24/7 Air Conditioning & Heating, we offer comprehensive thorough HVAC unit maintenance. Serving the Tampa, FL, and surrounding areas, we perform regular maintenance and routine cleanings year-round for homeowners. In addition to our HVAC refresh services, we also offer heating and cooling installation services and solar installation services. Contact us today to make sure that your AC unit is in great condition before summer heatwaves roll along.