Don’t Forget Your HVAC Maintenance this Spring!

Go beyond window washing this year when you tackle spring cleaning – don’t forget your HVAC equipment! With just some small efforts, you can make sure your home and family are safe and comfortable through this next season.

Well maintained HVAC systems can reduce energy costs by as much as 25%!

Air Conditioning

Whether you have individual window air conditioners or built-in central units, to avoid costly replacements and reduce your energy consumption, it is important to perform some routine maintenance every year.

If you use window A/C units, you will want to give them a good cleaning, replace or clean the filters, and check the drainage holes. Buy a coil cleaner, usually a spray or foam, to help you clean and disinfect the coils. Most air conditioning units have drainage holes at the base, beneath the fins. These holes need to be kept clear and clean so your unit can drain properly. Use a paperclip or piece of wire to dig out buildup. If you have dented fins, try to straighten them out. When they are crushed it reduces air circulation. Be careful not to further damage the fins during installation.

If you have a central air conditioning system, it is time to have it professionally serviced before the summer heat arrives. At Warm Waters, we inspect and clean the coils, clean the condensates drainage system of any debris, and check that the electrical system is working safely. Contact us to schedule your air conditioning inspection and cleaning now.

Dehumidifiers

Excess humidity in your home causes building materials to rot and mold to grow, so using dehumidifiers in your basement are a great idea. They are not a set it and forget it item, however. Dehumidifiers are sized for the square footage of the area they working in, so check with a qualified retailer about the size you need. Purchase a good quality unit for lasting effectiveness.

To keep a dehumidifier working properly, you want to give it a good annual cleaning. Remove any unit covers it may have, scrub away any mold or dirty build-up, and vacuum every surface and crevice. Be sure to let it dry out completely before plugging it back in and restarting it. Your owner’s manual will also provide maintenance specifics.

Optimal humidity level should be 45 – 55%.

Exhaust Vents & Fans

Spring cleaning is the perfect time to give your exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathrooms a good washing. Also be sure to clean out your dryer vent regularly. Buildup of lint causes house fires! Be sure to turn the power off to any fans first, then take the cover off and wash all the surfaces with soapy water. A toothbrush works well to clean off fan blades. If your fan has a filter, replace or clean it well. These efforts will keep your home protected and also allow fans and vents to work more effectively.

Ceiling Fans

Did you know that you should reverse the direction of your ceiling fans each spring (and fall)? When the hot weather is on its way, change your fan direction to counterclockwise. This allows the fan to push air down for a cooling breeze.

Hot Water Heater

When a hot water heater goes, it’s a big mess! Thousands of gallons of water will keep pumping into your basement if you are not aware of a leak or breach. Do an all-around maintenance check on your water heater. Make sure it is not leaking anywhere around the valve or tank. Regular flushing of your water heater tank by a plumbing professional will help keep it running efficiently and safely. If your tank is more than 10 years old, it may be getting time for a new one.

Safety Concerns

If you haven’t already done so this spring, change the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Also make sure your fire extinguishers are charged and placed in handy locations. Carbon monoxide is known as the “silent killer” for a reason, so if you do not have a detector, get one.

Consider Having Your HVAC System Inspected

Your heating and cooling systems should be inspected and cleaned annually. This ensures they are working properly. When you keep up with regular maintenance on your HVAC equipment it will operate more efficiently and save you money. It also avoids having small problems turn into big ones.

Warm Waters is here to help you with all your HVAC needs! Don’t hesitate to contact us with questions or to schedule an inspection, cleaning, repair or upgrade.