Just when we thought winter would never end, Spring arrives! While many homeowners are focused on spring cleaning their floors, windows, and cabinets, it’s also important to remember to clean out and prepare your furnace and AC for the upcoming season.
Not only will this help your systems work efficiently and save on energy bills during the Spring and Summer, but it will also help to extend their lifespan as well. So, since you’re already in the cleaning mode why not add on these few extra, but simple tasks as well?! You’ll be sure glad you did.
Spring Cleaning Tips for Your Furnace
Given that this is the time when many homeowners in the Greater Toronto and Halton Area stop using their furnaces daily, Spring becomes the perfect time to clean out your system and prepare it for the off-season. Here’s what you’ll want to do:
Give your Ducts a Good Clean
This is especially important if you have pets that shed a lot! To prepare your system appropriately for the Fall you’ll want to clean out your ducts, which are a series of vents that are connected to your furnace behind the walls.
This is a daunting task, so we note that you may want to leave this to the professionals. However, it is important that you get it done as it will help to alleviate seasonal allergies and improve air quality and smell.
Clean Out Your Furnace
We’ve mentioned this a few times before in the previous blog – FURNACE 101: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR FURNACE, and we’ll say it again. It is important to vacuum out and ensure the inside of your furnace is clean. To do this simply remove the back of your furnace and use the hose of your vacuum to clean out dirt, debris, and dust.
This will not only improve the efficiency of your furnace but it will also decrease your monthly energy bills. Of course, if this seems like a daunting task, feel free to call us for servicing.
Change Your Air Filters
You can either complete this step in the Fall or the Spring, but it’s important to ensure that your furnace has a fresh air filter ready to go for use again during the important seasons. This will help to improve your home’s air quality and will ensure that your furnace is ready to go and work efficiently!
Book Your Servicing Appointment
This is another step that can either be completed in the Fall or the Spring. However, it is essential to book your yearly furnace servicing appointment. This practice will help to prevent any major issues or breakdowns from occurring when you need your furnace the most and will help to extend the lifespan of your unit. For more information on why your servicing appointment is critical, check out our blog here.
Spring Cleaning Tips for Your AC Unit
Now it’s time to turn our attention to your AC unit which will be used quite heavily over the next few months. Below is a list of the simple tasks you’ll want to complete to ensure your unit is ready to go and working efficiently this Spring and Summer:
Check Your Air Filters
While you may have changed your air filter during your Fall maintenance, it is important to ensure you have a fresh, clean air filter ready to go for use. This will help to improve air quality in your home and allow your AC to run better, decreasing those often dreaded summer electricity bills.
Remove Items that are Near your Exterior Unit
Check the outside unit to ensure that any dirt, debris, sticks, or objects have been picked up and discarded, or moved away. Also, it’s important to note that vegetation should be at least 2 feet away from your AC unit, so check to ensure that no grass or flowers are growing anywhere near it.
Ensure Electrical Connections Are Safely Plugged In
This is rather self-explanatory, however, it is important to note that plugs that are not properly plugged in can serve as a safety hazard to your family and your home. Do your due diligence and ensure everything is safe and secure.
Clean Out Your Ducts
Luckily enough, if you’ve hired a professional to check in on your furnace ducts you can tack on this item to the list. Just like your furnace, it is important to ensure your ducts are clean and clear, allowing your unit to work well.
Schedule Your AC Servicing Appointment
We recommend servicing your AC yearly, just like your HVAC unit, to prevent any major breakdowns and to help extend the lifespan of your system. This task can also be combined with your furnace and is something we recommend doing once a year, either in the Spring or Fall. Should you require an HVAC technician, feel free to give us a call!
We all love the first signs of Spring and these easy cleaning tasks for your HVAC units will help make this season all the more enjoyable and comfortable. Of course, should you have any issues or concerns with your system or need an expert to clean and service it, feel free to contact us for transparent pricing and professional work. Happy Spring Cleaning!
Also Read: When Should I Replace My Air Conditioner?