HVAC spring cleaning: a how-to guide

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As winter comes to an end, it's important to do HVAC spring cleaning to ensure that your system is prepared to deal with the demands of the warm spring weather.

Make sure to check air conditioner and furnace units and determine if they require maintenance. A dirty filter could ruin the indoor air quality. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are a great choice for a replacement because they are more efficient than commonly used filters.

Did your HVAC spring cleaning reveal the need for a new AC unit? Connect with contractors now for free quotes!

To replace air conditioner parts satisfactorily, it may be necessary to hire a licensed HVAC contractor to assist you. In order to prevent replacing your air conditioning unit prematurely, there are some AC maintenance tips that you can follow.

An air conditioner is comprised of four primary parts: a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve and an evaporator. Each part needs to perform at full capacity to function properly. Make sure these tips are part of your HVAC spring cleaning:

• Look at the evaporator coil. Make sure that it functions properly. A clean evaporator coil functions more efficiently than a dirty one, so if needed, clean or replace it.
• Perform thermostat maintenance to ensure the unit is functioning correctly.
• Drain ports maintenance is important. Check for dirt and make sure it is not clogging the ports. If it is, you can clean it using a short piece of wire hanger.
• If you live in a mild climate and have not had to run heat during the winter, turn on your AC at full blast. Any dirt caught in the ducts will come through the vents. You should also stick a vacuum hose down vents to catch any dirt.

As you do your HVAC spring cleaning, you may discover that your air conditioner is in need of repair. If this is the case, contact a contractor and get an cooling estimate. You will need to determine whether to replace or repair the AC unit. If it is a close call between the two choices, consider that a new AC unit comes with a warranty. This can come in handy if you have any future problems.

When you look to hire a contractor for AC repair or replacement, make sure the person is experienced and professional. Reply! is a company that works to bring customers in contact with reputable contractors that can help them. This ensures that the transaction will be beneficial for both parties. Hiring a bad contractor can be a disaster and can cause many future problems. It is critical to get it right the first time.

As winter comes to an end, many people will begin using their air conditioner again. If your AC unit is not working optimally, you could be paying more than you need to on your power bill. Often, you may just need to replace a filter or clean out dirt, but it is possible that a more lengthy repair is needed.

AC units can be complicated if you do not know what you are doing, so it may be worthwhile to hire a contractor to inspect it for you annually. While doing your usual HVAC spring cleaning, remember that regular maintenance is the key to avoiding expensive repairs.