Transitioning Your HVAC System

As we approach the spring, homeowners often get into spring cleaning mode. It’s a great time to open up all the windows in the house and let in the fresh springtime air. Unfortunately, people tend to forget that opening up the windows also opens up the house to everything that’s outside (like pollen and allergens). How can homeowners enjoy the fresh air while still having a way to prevent allergens from circulating throughout the home?

1. Pay attention to your filter.

A good filter is critical to prolonging the life and maximizing the efficiency of your furnace. It’s also very important to the health of everyone in your home. On average, people inhale about 3,500 gallons of air each day. When considering the size of the average child, they inhale more particles comparatively than adolescents or adults. Polluted air is the cause of 94% of all respiratory problems.

How often should you be maintaining your filter? It really depends on the type of filter you have. Some filters need monthly, quarterly, or semi-annual maintenance. Refer to the documentation or ask a professional if you’re in doubt. If the filter isn’t maintained as often as necessary, it will eventually become ineffective. Your system will have a reduced life and decreased efficiency. It may also allow more allergens to be distributed throughout the house.

2. Regularly maintain your air conditioner.

The air conditioning manufacturers and the United States Department of Energy are most knowledgeable when it comes to air conditioning systems. They recommend that all air conditioning systems are maintained annually. There are some things that the homeowner can perform by themselves, but most maintenance requires a qualified professional.

Homeowners can clean the outdoor coil with a water hose to remove as much dirt and dust as possible. We advise against using a brush on the coil. A qualified professional will be able to use chemicals that are more effective at removing any accumulated debris. It’s also a good idea to make sure that weeds and other vegetation don’t grow too closely to the unit. (They can restrict airflow.)

A professional will get into the unit and check that all the electronics in the system are working properly. They’ll cycle the system through all of its operations. They’ll also make sure that the unit has a proper refrigerant charge so it’s running at optimal efficiency. We go through a multipoint checklist to make sure that the unit is ready for its next cooling season.

3. Stay ahead of the weather.

The first time a homeowner turns on their air conditioner is usually the first day that it’s hot outside. If you’re going to contact a qualified professional like Boulden Brothers for a maintenance check, don’t wait until the beginning of the season. That’s when all the heating and air conditioning companies are overrun. Turn your system on while it’s just getting warm outside. That’s a simple proactive measure that you can take to stay ahead of the rush. That way, you’ll be sure that your system is ready to provide cold air.

To properly maintain your air conditioner, give Boulden Brothers a call or contact us online. We’ll make sure your system is ready to go when the weather gets hot.