Unless you are living in the extreme northern part of the country, more than likely the thin coat of yellowish-green 
has dusted your vehicles there is sneezing and the days are longer. Spring has certainly arrived and is in full swing. Spring also means pleasantly warmer days, and some may choose to turn on the A/C for the first time this year.
Letting an A/C unit lie without using it could lead to some potential problems or issues. Here are a few important items to take care of during a spring cleaning spree. Each of these tips will help keep your HVAC unit is good operating shape and keep it working at its most efficient levels.
AIR FILTER
Air filters are just that – they filter air between the home and the return unit. Much like any filter, air filters accumulate dust and dirt rapidly, so changing the filter regularly is important. A good rule of thumb is to replace it on the first or last day of the month. Many big box and home improvement stores sell air filters in packs, so stocking up is not a bad idea. It saves a special trip. If the filter is a clean and replace type, use a high pressure air hose to clean it. If you don’t have an air hose, your local mechanic will likely help you out with cleaning the filter.
CLEAN CONDENSER
The condenser is the outside part of your HVAC system. It is round or square, has foils on the outside and a large fan in it at the top. Find it outside the home, and take a look around the base and sides. Clean away any dirt, leaves and other detritus around the unit. Use a non-selective herbicide (glyphosate salt – it is sold commercially as RoundUp™) and keep the area clear.
COILS
The coils distribute the heat from the return unit inside the home and may or may not need cleaning. It is a simple DYI project, but if you have any reservation, ask us to check over it during a routine maintenance check.
Should you choose to do it, be sure to turn off the power to the unit. There is probably a junction box near the unit or somewhere close. Take the metal cage off with a socket wrench and rinse the inside with a water hose. Replace the cage, and turn the power back on.
TUNE UP
Your HVAC system is a mechanical one, and all mechanical systems could use tune ups on a regular basis. After all you have your car serviced regularly; the same can be said for your HVAC. One of our professionally trained technicians can come out and do a full inspection: the refrigerant level, leaks in the duct system and be sure all other parts are in top working order. Any issues can be immediately resolved before a potential catastrophe.
LEAKS
Air ducts leaks are like throwing money out the window. If cool air is escaping, the thermostat will have to work extra to maintain temperature, and this will mean the system is not operating at its peak. Our technician will seal leaks for you and save you quite a considerable sum of money in the process.
UPGRADE
While the weather is tolerable and not extreme, it is the perfect time to upgrade a system to a newer model. If it is something you have considered now that tax season is on us, do it now before the summer’s heat is oppressive. Do some research before it becomes a necessity. A programmable thermostat, should you not have one, is a great choice. The nice thing about programmable is the thermostat adjusts to your settings with much more accuracy than the older types. You can even set it for when you are at work, away on vacation or at night.
Let us know if we can help you with your HVAC system. We do everything from routine maintenance to complete installations. Contact Cranbury Comfort Systems today, and let us help you with keeping your home cool this spring and summer.
