Prepare Your HVAC System for Mother Nature’s Fluctuating Temperatures: Ensure Readiness for Any Weather Extremes!
It’s officially spring in Buffalo, New York, and that means more hours of sunlight, less shoveling of snow, greener grass and shrubbery, and likely the need to turn on your home’s air conditioning. As we know, the spring weather in the Buffalo area can bring winter-like conditions one day and feel like summer the next. This dramatic up and down in temperature, can put a strain on your HVAC system, making it very important that you have it ready to handle anything Mother Nature throws at it, and us. Is your HVAC system ready for the warmer days ahead?
How to Prepare Your HVAC System for Spring and Summer
Spring is here which means you will soon be looking to your HVAC system’s air conditioning to give you a reprieve from the heat. While you may be ready for the nicer weather, is your HVAC system ready for the warmer days ahead? Below we provide a refresher of some tips for preparing your HVAC system for spring and summer.
Change your air filter
We have said it time and time again, but will say it again. Regularly changing your HVAC’s system’s air filter is essential to your system’s efficiency and longevity. After the long winter and increased dust and debris in the air, the spring makes the perfect time to change your air filter. At Reimer Home Services, we have found that a clogged or dirty air filter is one of the main causes of Buffalo homes’ HVAC system failures. To get the most life out of your system, and to keep it as efficient as possible, it’s crucial that you change the filter regularly. We recommend changing your air filter at least once every 30 days. A dirty or clogged filter puts an extra stress on your HVAC system, leading it to fail more quickly.
Check your outside condenser
If your HVAC system has a condenser that is outdoors, spring is the perfect time to go inspect the outdoor portion of your unit. You may have covered it for the fall and winter, and, if so, now is the time to remove any covering. You don’t want to start up your unit and forget it. If your unit was not covered, check around it for debris and other items that may have accumulated in or near it over the colder months. Check for leaves, vegetation, and even the occasional animal nest. Turning on the air conditioning portion of your unit and forgetting the cover, or having blockages in it, can severely damage your HVAC system.
Inspect your ducts and test your air conditioning
In the spring, it is a good idea to turn on the AC portion of your unit to ensure that it works without any issues. Remember to check your air ducts during the process. Testing your HVAC system’s ducts for leaks will help you stay on top of any repairs you may need prior to the hotter months. Having duct leaks fixed will make your system more efficient and allow it to more effectively cool your home during the summer. Having your ducts regularly cleaned and tested can also help improve air quality in your Buffalo, New York home. Ducts can become the breeding ground for dust mites, rodents, and insects and should be cleaned at least annually. Inspecting them during the spring is a must.
Keep your thermostat in mind
Many people turn their thermostats to heat for the fall and winter months. If you have your thermostat turned only to heat, the spring is a great time to change the setting to automatic, so you can ensure your home remains comfortable in our ever-changing weather. Use this time to set your programmable thermostat in the ideal temperature range for the warmer weather. If your HVAC system does not have a programmable thermostat, it is a good idea to have one installed before summer comes.
Schedule an annual tune-up
When it comes to your home’s air conditioner, preventative maintenance isn’t optional. It’s what keeps your system running efficiently and effectively. It may even be a requirement of your manufacturer’s warranty. Preventive care will help diagnose problems and issues in your HVAC system before they get worse. Scheduling an air conditioning tune-in the spring will help you avoid the summertime rush and allow time in case repairs are needed. Summer may still seem far away, but really, you shouldn’t wait for the hot humid days before you perform system maintenance.
Contact Reimer Home Services for Stellar HVAC Tune-Ups and Maintenance!
While you may be jumping up and down in excitement for the change of season, is your HVAC system ready for the warmer days ahead? Reimer Home Services can get your HVAC unit prepared for you.
Contact us today to schedule your AC tune-up in Buffalo and Western New York. Throughout Erie County and both Northtown and Southtown, Reimer’s technicians help get homes ready for the summer ahead with our thorough, multi-point inspection and maintenance service.