Spring is the time when most people celebrate the end of the long, cold winter by putting away the heavy jackets and turning off the heating. However, just because you turned off your heating doesn’t mean you can ignore your HVAC system since you will soon need it to keep your house cool during the long, hot summer. This means ensuring that your air conditioner and HVAC system are ready to go before the weather starts heating up, and here’s how.
Change Your Air Filter
Californians often keep their home shut tight during the winter, which ends up meaning that your HVAC air filter can quickly get dirty. This is especially true if you’re not diligent about changing it as you should be. Most experts recommend that you change your air filter at least once every one to three months. However, if you live in a particularly dry or dusty area or if your filter gets dirty quickly, you may need to change it more frequently. Either way, it is always a good idea to add replacing your air filter to your spring-cleaning to-do list.
Replacing your air filter in the spring ensures that it is ready to handle all of that pollen and other allergens that are so prevalent at this time of year. If the filter is overly dirty or clogged, it simply won’t be able to properly filter out all of those allergens from the air. As a result, they’ll end up being spread throughout your home every time your AC runs. A clogged air filter can also drastically restrict the airflow in your HVAC system, which means that your air conditioning will have to work much harder to keep your home cool.
Have Your System Professionally Inspected and Maintained
Spring is also the best time to schedule an AC maintenance and tune-up appointment. Your condenser and air handler both have numerous moving parts, which is why it is recommended that you have your entire AC system professionally maintained once a year. Regular maintenance is the biggest key to preventing problems, lowering the need for repairs, and ensuring your equipment is functioning at its optimal efficiency. This last part is especially important since an improperly functioning AC system could make it impossible to keep your home adequately cooled and also increase your energy costs.
During a maintenance appointment, a Kahn Air Conditioning technician will inspect your condenser, air handler, and thermostat to ensure they are free from issues that could need to be repaired. They will also fully clean your cooling equipment to improve its efficiency. Finally, they will tighten any loose connections or wiring and lubricate all moving parts to ensure your cooling system works properly whenever you need it.
Make Any Necessary Repairs or Upgrades Before It Gets Too Hot
If any issues arise during the inspection, it is always best to have them repaired as soon as possible. The same is also true if you notice any signs that your HVAC system isn’t working properly. Small problems can not only impact how well your AC keeps your home cooled, but they can also quickly turn into a much more serious problem that could leave you completely without AC. Unfortunately, if this happens during the middle of the summer, it could potentially be days or even weeks before you can get someone to come out and look at the problem. Therefore, it is always best to have any necessary repairs performed during the spring in order to avoid the summer rush.
If your AC fails to turn on or hot air is blowing from your vents, then you obviously need to have your system checked by a professional. In addition, you should be on the lookout for any of these other signs that indicate a problem with your AC.
- Loud noises coming from your condenser or air handler
- Visible leaks or water pooling up around the condenser
- Uneven cooling or hot spots in the house
- AC runs constantly or turns on and off frequently
In addition to repairing your AC equipment itself, spring is also a good time to consider other issues that could impact your cooling system. For instance, if your ductwork is leaking air or damaged, now is a good time to have it repaired, resealed, or replaced. You should also have your ducts professionally cleaned every few years in order to improve your home’s indoor air quality.
If you’re in need of any AC repairs or maintenance, the team at Kahn Air Conditioning is ready to help. We work on all makes and models of cooling equipment, and our experienced technicians can also handle any of your heating installation, repair, and maintenance needs. We also specialize in indoor air quality, smart home equipment, ductless heating and cooling systems, and more. Our company is located in Northridge, CA, and we also serve customers in Encino, Woodland Hills, Chatsworth, Reseda, and other surrounding communities. For more information on our cooling services or any of the other services we provide, give us a call today.
