Spring Cleaning Your HVAC Unit in 6 Steps

In almost every household, spring cleaning is a tradition. Every year around this time, homeowners tackle the daunting task and look to clean, reduce, and recycle everything they can. But did you know that spring cleaning starts with your HVAC systems? That’s right! If taken care of properly, your furnaces can last between 15 to 18 years, and your boilers can last up to even 30 years!

Lucky for you, these quick heating and cooling maintenance tips only take a few minutes to complete! All you need to do is tackle a few of these a day, and your system will be set for the year to come.

1. Change the filter
Your heating and cooling systems require a new air filter every single month. Not only will this prevent your family from breathing in dust and debris, a clean filter will ensure your machine works efficiently.

2. Clean the drainage hole
Even if you haven’t been using it during the wintertime, your air conditioner’s drainage hole needs to be properly cleaned at the start of the warm season. You just need to poke a pencil or a paper clip through this hole to clear it, and you’ll be good to go.

3. Dry out your dehumidifier
Simply remove your dehumidifier from its housing and let it dry out completely. Follow up by vacuuming every surface to ensure it continues to work properly.

4. Tidy up your bathroom fans
Chances are, you don’t think much of your bathroom fans throughout the year. Change that this spring by giving them a quick clean with some soapy water and a toothbrush, and you won’t have to worry about them the rest of the year! Just remember to turn off the power before you do so.

5. Clear out the air ducts
Now that the snow is hopefully out of the way, go ahead and check the exit points on your home’s air ducts. Make sure they are clear of debris and there are no visible cracks.

6. Call your maintenance man
It is always a good idea to call your local HVAC technician at the start of the spring for a house call. They will be able to notice things that can go ignored to the untrained eye and will give you peace of mind that your machine is prepared for the upcoming season!

As you see, your spring cleaning starts with your HVAC unit. So what are you waiting for? Start today!