March 05, 2021

Spring is the season to spring into
action against poor indoor air quality and winter clutter. It’s also the ideal
time to prepare your HVAC system for the warmer upcoming months.

Since it still feels like winter,
not many homeowners are prioritizing getting their HVAC system prepped for
spring. Soon spring will bring forth a lot of beautiful things — warmth,
flowers, Easter. But as anyone with allergies knows, spring also brings pollen
and other allergens. Airborne allergens on top of dirty air ducts could make
for a sick and drowsy household.

Beyond indoor air quality, it is a
good idea to schedule a professional air conditioning tune-up to increase energy
efficiency, lower utility bills, and ward off repairs and replacements By
having your system cleaned and maintained regularly, you are guaranteed greater
efficiency and a healthier environment.

Use this HVAC Spring Maintenance
Checklist to prepare your HVAC system for spring. From changing the filter
to cleaning around the condenser unit, learn why you need to prepare for spring
and how to do it.

HVAC
Spring Maintenance Checklist

Air
Filter

Use the change in seasons as an
opportunity to change out the air filter. Air filters should be replaced
according to need and use, approximately every 30 to 90 days. Make it a habit
of inspecting the air filter every month and wait no longer than 3 months to
replace it.

Air filters are key
to maintaining healthy indoor air quality. If the air filter is dirty, the
air is dirty. Additionally, if the air filter is dirty, then it is harder for
your air conditioner to do its job; resulting in poor airflow, more wear and
tear, and higher energy costs.

Duct
Cleaning

In the interest of easier breathing
and better indoor air quality, we recommend scheduling a professional duct
cleaning at least every 5-7 years. During a professional tune-up, an HVAC
technician can inform you on the state of your air ducts. We at A-1 Heating &
Cooling do not offer the service yet. Speak with a professional about testing
your air ducts for cleanliness and air-tightness.

Duct
Sealing

Don’t let precious conditioned air
escape out of gaps and cracks in your ductwork. In the average home, around
20-30% of conditioned air flowing through the air ducts escapes through cracks
and gaps in the ductwork. According to the U.S. Department of Energy,
“Sealing and insulating ducts can improve the efficiency of your heating
and cooling system by as much as 20 percent – and sometimes much more.”

In addition to keeping your HVAC and
duct system cleaner, professional duct sealing also improves efficiency and
lowers energy bills.

Clean
Around the Unit

Do you ever pay attention to your
outdoor unit? Every once in a while, it needs to be checked up on. It’s
possible that over the winter months, overgrown foliage, trash or other debris
could have found its way around the condenser unit. Keep the area around the
unit clear to prevent any issues. There should be a minimum 2-foot clearance
around the entire unit. Be careful when planting around your HVAC unit—think
about how large your plants will grow. A clean and clear unit is essential for
maintaining high efficiency levels and reliability. HVAC technicians also
appreciate the clear path.

When clearing the area around your
unit, you may possibly notice a pest that has found its way inside. Turn
the system off and contact an HVAC technician right away if you suspect
that an animal could be in your unit.

Indoors, make sure there is
nothing located near the vents, registers, or indoor air handler. The key is to
keep the air flowing as free as possible around your HVAC system.

Thermostat
Upgrade

Your thermostat has been set to
“HEAT” for months now. When spring comes, be sure to switch over to the cooling
option. What type of thermostat do you currently have? Consider a programmable thermostat upgrade if you do not
currently have this convenient and cost-effective piece of equipment in your
home. Easily control the temperature of your space whether it’s day or night,
whether you’re headed to work or headed to bed. Smart thermostats offer
energy savings by learning your unique schedule, self-correcting, and
providing energy tips and reports. Contact us and we can guide you what
thermostat is best for you. If you are interested in Google Nest, our technicians
are Nest Pros.

Schedule
a Spring Tune-Up

Bi-annual maintenance by a
professional HVAC technician is vital to the performance and longevity of your
system. At A-1 Heating & Cooling, we are currently offering a 2 for 1
Furnace + A/C Tune-Up for $99. Offer Expires March 31st, 2021. Contact us
today to schedule your spring air conditioning tune-up. Below is what you can
expect from our highly trained technicians.

Air
Conditioning Tune-up, and Safety Inspection

Trained
Service Champions technicians will perform a 60-90 minute precision tune-up and
professional cleaning including the following 20 operations:

1. Blower Motor – measure amperage and voltage for proper
   operation
2. Thermostat – test for proper operation, calibrate and
   level
3. Clean existing air filter (as needed)
4. Bearing – inspect for wear and lubricate
5. Inspect indoor coil
6. Condensate Drain – flush and treat with anti-algae
7. Inspect Condenser Coil
8. Refrigerant – monitor operating pressures
9. Safety Devices – inspect for proper operation
10. Electrical Disconnect Box – inspect for proper rating
    and safe installation
11. Electrical Wiring – inspect and tighten connections
12. Test/inspect contactors for burned, pitted contacts
13. Inspect electrical for exposed wiring
14. Inspect and test capacitors
15. Inspect fan blade
16. Clean condenser coil and remove debris
17. Inspect service valves for proper operation
18. Measure Supply/Return temperature differential
19. Inspect duct work for energy loss
20. Compressor – monitor, measure amperage and volt draw
    and wiring connections

LIMITED TIME!

2-for-1 Furnace + A/C Tune-Up ONLY $99

Offer
Expires May 31st, 2022