Spring Cleaning Tips for Your HVAC System

When warmer temperatures finally arrive, it means it is time for HVAC spring cleaning. Caring for this system is one of the most important things you can do for comfort and energy efficiency. Follow these helpful tips to get started.

Change the Air Filter

A clean filter helps your air conditioner run more efficiently, reduces the risk of dirty evaporator coils and will help reduce indoor air pollutants. Most filters should be changed monthly or every other month during peak air conditioning use.

Clean A/C Coils

Dirty coils reduce the efficiency of your air conditioner. To clean these coils you will need, at minimum, a soft cloth or brush and water. If coils appear exceptionally dirty, you should use a commercial foaming coil cleaner.

First, completely shut off power to the unit to avoid electric shock. Next, access the coils. This often means you will need to remove a metal panel covering the coils.

Wipe the coils down carefully with a dry cloth or soft brush to remove loose debris. Afterward, apply cleaner, if necessary, or wipe them with a damp cloth. After a few minutes, rinse away cleaner residue and replace the panel.

If you don’t have time or don’t feel comfortable cleaning the A/C coils yourself, you can always request that your HVAC technician do this for you.

Clean the Surrounding Area

Debris around an HVAC system puts it at risk for damage. Eventually some of that mess ends up inside. Spring cleaning done around the system is almost as important as cleaning the internal parts.

Clean Vents and Registers

Dirty vents put pollutants into the air. If you are able to remove vent grills, you can clean them by soaking them in a sink of soapy water. Otherwise, do the best you can by sliding a damp cloth in between the slats to remove built-up filth.

Schedule Preventive Maintenance

Some HVAC spring cleaning tasks require a professional touch. Schedule your spring preventive maintenance visit to have your A/C cleaned and tuned up.

To learn more about HVAC spring cleaning, please contact us at C.R. Wolfe Heating & Air Conditioning.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Middletown, New York about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about HVAC spring cleaning and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 845-367-4482.

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