Spring is right around the corner, and most homeowners already have a growing list of spring cleaning tasks. Don’t forget these important household tasks that should be on your Birmingham, Alabama, spring cleaning list.
Change Your Air Filters
Spring brings warm weather and a long list of allergens. Your HVAC air filter is the first line of defense against these allergens making it into your home. Although professionals recommend changing your air filters every 90 days on average, it can be easy to forget this task. Adding it to your spring cleaning to-do list can help you stay on schedule and ensure you reap the benefits. Regular air filter changes can improve the efficiency and life of your unit while also cutting your utility bills.
Clean Your Air Ducts
Over time, dust and debris can build up in your air ducts, reducing your indoor air quality. Poor air quality can lead to allergies, skin irritations, headaches, and cold and flu symptoms. It can also worsen the symptoms of asthma. A professional air duct cleaning removes all the debris that has built up in the ducts over the winter months. If you and your family are especially prone to allergies, it might be worth it to schedule an indoor air quality assessment.
Clean Up Outdoors
Yard maintenance is probably already on your spring cleaning list. In addition to removing any leaves and other debris from your yard, make sure you pay special attention to the area surrounding your air conditioning unit. Outdoor air units can get pretty dirty over the winter months.
Make sure the unit is off and then remove all debris within a few feet of the unit. Use a hose to spray off any debris on the unit. Keep in mind, though, that if your unit requires extensive cleaning, it’s always a good idea to leave the job to a professional. An HVAC technician can disassemble the unit and get deep into the different ports and tubes.
Schedule an HVAC Tune-Up Service
Soon, the cooler winter temperatures will be replaced with the humid summer weather of Alabama. Scheduling a tune-up now can help you prepare for the coming heat. HVAC tune-ups can prolong the life of your unit, help you avoid inconvenient and costly repairs, and improve the comfort and efficiency of your home. Additionally, the closer it gets to summer, the more local HVAC companies are bombarded with tune-up requests. Schedule yours in advance to make sure you don’t spend the first hot day of summer without air conditioning.
Seal Any Household Holes
Spring is also a great time to go through your house in search of any holes or gaps. Holes in the foundation are an easy way for bugs to move into your home. Meanwhile, gaps in the windows or door placements allow humid heat to enter and cool air to escape. This can make it difficult to cool your home and lead to increased cooling bills. Visually inspect the entire exterior perimeter of your home — including corners, outdoor faucets, and siding — for gaps and cracks.
You will also want to check the interior of your home for any gaps. Some of the most common interior gaps include door and window frames, electrical outlets, attic hatches, and where the dryer vents go through the walls. Fortunately, these gaps can easily be filled with caulk or weather stripping.
Inspect the Roof and Insulation
Identifying a problem with the roof early on can save you a lot of time and money. Visually check for any missing shingles or damaged gutters. Failing to identify and make roof repairs can lead to water damage, reduced home efficiency, and the inability to comfortably cool your home this summer. This is also a good time to inspect your attic insulation. Minimal insulation allows cool air to escape, reducing the efficiency of your unit.
Spring is the perfect opportunity to catch up on important household maintenance and cleaning tasks. HVAC preventative maintenance like changing your air filter and scheduling a tune-up can ensure that your unit is ready for the upcoming summer weather. Call Total Comfort Heating & Air today at (205) 386-2056 to discuss your Birmingham, Alabama, spring HVAC maintenance needs.
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