Get your HVAC system summer-ready
Spring HVAC maintenance keeps your system running efficiently by cleaning outdoor condenser units, clearing vegetation around them, and checking filters to prevent breakdowns during summer.
Expect to pay $100 to $550 for professional AC service, with average costs around $200, so scheduling early helps you avoid higher repair bills later.
You should inspect your ductwork for leaks, check refrigerant lines for signs of oil or residue, and clean evaporator coils to maintain proper air circulation.
Hiring a local air conditioning repair professional provides reliable support with bi-annual tune-ups, refrigerant level checks, and coil cleaning to keep your system summer-ready.
Ah, spring! Time to plant your lettuce and tomatoes, stock up on allergy medicine, and perform spring ac maintenance to prepare your home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system for the warmer months.
Keeping your system clean will help it run more efficiently and extend its life, plus check off a task from your spring maintenance to-do list. However, if you aren’t experienced with HVAC systems, it’s best to contact an air conditioning company near you to perform the maintenance. That being said, use these spring HVAC tips to get your system warm-weather ready.
Scheduling an HVAC inspection every six months is crucial for ensuring your system operates efficiently and safely, preventing unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs. Regular inspections can also extend the lifespan of your system, providing comfort and peace of mind throughout the year.
Tackle the outdoor chores on the first sunny day of spring when you can be outside comfortably. If you chose to cover your AC for the winter, start by uncovering it.
The unit that sits outside that you think is the air conditioner is the condenser. After a long winter, it might be dirty. Clean it up using a broom or brush to clear away any dirt or leaves from the condenser base or stuck in the grates.
Your condenser unit needs room to breathe, so don’t let shrubs or bushes get too close to it. To provide a perimeter around the outdoor condenser, trim any encroaching vegetation back about two feet from the unit. Trim your bushes and shrubs using a hand-held pruner, loppers, or a hedge trimmer.
It’s best to hire a local professional HVAC technician to clean the inside of the unit. If you decide to try it, make sure you turn off the power to the air conditioner before attempting to clean the inside. You can use a soft brush to remove any dirt from inside the unit. Wipe or rinse off the fins with a garden hose if there’s caked-on dirt.
If the fins are cracked or bent or the AC unit is leaning to one side or another, you should hire an HVAC contractor to check it out and replace or repair any broken parts. It’s ideal to conduct a HVAC inspection every year, so take the turning of the seasons as a sign to check in on the health of your AC unit.
Save this spring AC maintenance task for a rainy day so you can enjoy the sunshine. Air can’t pass through a dirty air filter, so check air filters monthly and change them if they look dirty.
You should also change furnace filters regularly to keep the system working efficiently. HVAC filters can catch mold, gasses, and even viruses.
Sweep around your furnace and HVAC system, or use a vacuum to collect dirt or dust. The maintenance room might not be on your usual vacuum route, but it's worth peeking your head in and giving it a cleaning pass occasionally to keep debris from entering the essential system. Make sure nothing is blocking vents or registers by moving storage boxes as needed before you clean.
Cleaning an evaporator coil requires some basic HVAC knowledge. Otherwise, you should contact an HVAC company to tackle the task. If you have prior HVAC cleaning experience and try it yourself, the easiest method is to clean it without removal. Always ensure the system’s power is off before you start.
Refer to the manufacturer's manual to familiarize yourself with how to clean the coil properly for your unit. You can mix mild dish detergent with water and gently clean the coil with a soft brush. Make sure the coils are completely dry before turning the unit back on.
Another essential item on your spring AC maintenance checklist is to check the ductwork. Start by checking for leaks, holes, or signs that sections are disconnected. Also, keep an eye out for signs of mildew and mold.
You can also check the connections to see if any air is leaking out of the ducts. Make sure the insulation around the ductwork is in good condition and intact. For a full review of your ductwork, hire an air duct cleaning service.
Most techniques for detecting refrigerant leaks are best left to the pros. But there are a couple of methods you can try yourself if you suspect your AC’s refrigerant is leaking.
You can determine if there is a leak by performing a visual inspection. Check the fittings, connections, and valves for signs of oil or residue. These changes can be a sign there is a leak that needs addressing.
Another method is to use an electronic leak detector. This specialized tool will alert you of leaks, which can take the guesswork out of the task and help you find it more easily. However, leak detectors can be pricey, so it’s best to contact an HVAC technician who can identify and devise a plan for fixing leaks.
Spring is the best time to call an HVAC repair technician for a bi-annual system tune-up. If you wait until the first hot day, you risk running an inefficient AC unit and a longer service wait time because everyone will want their systems checked, too. You should have your HVAC system inspected and maintained by a professional twice a year—once in the spring and again in the fall.
HVAC technicians will check the refrigerant level and ensure all the belts, blower, and motor are working correctly. The technician will also clean the fins and coils. So, add HVAC maintenance to your spring cleaning checklist.
Great company! Price was competitive, technician showed up on time and completed the job (exterior electric Radon fan replacement) quickly. Would hire them again.
MaGen Property Inspections and Radon MitigationAs usual with ECO, tech Jordan was outstanding, very professional, very knowledgeable, and very thorough with repairs made to tankless water heaters. Very highly recommend ECO!!!
Eco Plumbers, Electricians, and HVAC TechniciansRaven and crew does absolutely fantastic job. They are very professional if any concerns were to occur with any of her work she always took responsibility and finished out with a great job. I have worked with her business for a year and have always been satisfied. Very trusted business and...
Creations of Transformation LLCI would recommend this company to anyone! He showed up on time, was friendly, completed a very difficult repair on our dryer vent cover, was responsive, and pricing was extremely fair and competitive. I would have him back to do any of our repairs or cleanings without hesitation!
U.S.A. Dryer Vent, LLCAce Fireplace Services' chimney sweep service is truly exceptional. They used advanced technology to ensure a thorough cleaning process, and my chimney has never looked better. I highly recommend their services.
Ace Fireplace ServicesThe technician was very professional and friendly. He answered all my questions and was very thorough. He left the fireplace area very clean . He inspected from the roof and advised me as to other work that might need to be done. There was no pressure there. I was very satisfied with the...
Supreme brick & chimneyExcellent experience with hiring Tether House to Mount our 77’ Samsung TV in our bedroom. Fast, friendly, and knowledgeable. Highly recommend.
Tether HouseOn time, clean and finished fast. Windows seem sturdy and the finish is good. Caulking was done with no smudges. Would recommend.
Window Depot USA of Central OhioGreat job...edging and pre clean up went well with a great job with seal coat. Friendly, efficient and professional.
All Star Paving and SealingGood workers and they do a good job.
Mira ConstructionFrom average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Try these 12 top tips to keep your air conditioner working at maximum efficiency. Stay cool, and minimize energy costs with this expert air conditioning advice.
Learn how to save money on air conditioning costs this summer by following this handy guide all about your favorite cooling system.
Your air conditioning unit is a lifesaver during those blisteringly hot summer months, but common air conditioning mistakes may be increasing your energy bill and decreasing overall efficiency. Read on to learn how to avoid them.
When temperatures run high outside, you want to be prepared to tackle the heat. Check out these 19 tips to stay cool without AC.
Looking to hide your air conditioner? Get tips to disguise your A/C, like building a fence, adding landscaping and allowing room for air to circulate.
Be prepared for the spring allergies onset by cleaning like a champion. You can reduce your allergy symptoms with the following cleaning tips.
