Don't Forget Your HVAC System in Your Spring Cleaning

May 5, 2016

While you're getting ready to undertake spring cleaning tasks, don't forget HVAC spring cleaning. You'll be surprised at how much more efficiently and effectively your HVAC system will operate once it's been cleaned and tuned up for the cooling season (or heating season for that matter). Plus your system will be less vulnerable to breakdowns over the long term. Perform the following HVAC spring cleaning tasks:
  • Make sure the air filter in your A/C or heat pump is clean, and if it's not, replace it with a new one (or clean it if you use reusable filters). A dirty filter allows dirt and dust to coat sensitive HVAC components, reducing system efficiency and wasting energy. It also forces your equipment to work harder to force air through the clogged filter, overusing energy, stressing parts, and increasing the chances of breakdowns. Use a filter that's rated for removing most types of particulates from the air, including dust mites, pollen, mold spores, dander, etc.
  • Clean up the area around your A/C outside compressor/condenser. Over the winter, dead leaves, tree debris and other items can accumulate around the unit, and unless cleared away, will block the smooth airflow that's essential for proper HVAC operation. Spray down the outside unit with a garden hose, to remove the grime and dirt that collected over the long winter.
  • Use a step ladder to clean the blades on your ceiling fans. Otherwise, all that dust will recirculate repeatedly during fan use, impairing indoor air quality. Also, make sure the blade rotation is counterclockwise for summertime operation. You may have switched the rotation to clockwise for the heating season (which pushes air upwards to redistribute warm air that collects near the ceiling).
  • Arrange a professional tuneup for your cooling and heating system that includes an HVAC spring cleaning for system components that you can't clean yourself. You'll reap dividends in energy savings and comfort with a professional HVAC tuneup.
To discuss ways to keep your HVAC system clean, or to schedule a maintenance tuneup, please contact us at Lozier Heating & Cooling, providing quality service to the Des Moines area. Our goal is to help educate our customers in the greater Des Moines, Iowa area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Credit/Copyright Attribution: "Africa Studio/Shutterstock"