Although it seems like winter will never leave here in Ohio, Spring is just around the corner. Most of us are ready for spring to begin, but are our homes? To not overwhelm ourselves with last-minute spring cleaning, we should start taking the steps necessary to improve our home environments for the spring season. At Mount Washington Heating & Cooling, we would love to help you in this process through guidance and assistance in any way you may require.
What is the Importance of a Clean Air Filter?
There are many reasons why you must keep an air filter clean in preparation for spring. The first is reasonably evident; a clean air filter means clean indoor air. As you can suspect, your air filter collects a variation of dust, spores, hair, dander, and other unwanted particles that get circulated through your residential HVAC system. You don’t want excess debris floating around your home, inhaled by you and your loved ones. Changing your home’s air filter ensures your home has cleaner, healthier, and fresher air for the upcoming season. Cleaner air encourages not only good health but also a clean home. Last but not least, a clean air filter helps your HVAC system run more smoothly and effectively, saving you some unnecessary hardship and expenses. Therefore, it’s wise to check your air filter at least once a month.
What is the Importance of Clean Condensation Piping?
As the warmer weather approaches, it is pretty standard for us to receive service calls for a water leak or clogged condensate drain line. Air conditioning companies become very busy during the warm/humid Ohio weather; it is in your best interest to get ahead of the game and look at this service as a preventative before it becomes a need. At Mount Washington Heating & Cooling, we are happy to service your home’s system, but there are also some actions you can take yourselves in the meantime. First, if water is leaking/overflowing from the condensate line or drain pan, turn off the system immediately. We also advise you to check for any obstructions and clean up any excess water to your ability. Lastly, give our experts a call! PVC piping is typical for a condensate line; however, sometimes, the entire piping wasn’t properly installed or channeled, which is not good news for your home’s HVAC system! On top of that, your condenser can clog quickly over time without proper attention and maintenance, and you’d be surprised by what we can find clogging up your drain!
What are the Benefits of Keeping Doors and Windows Closed?
Now imagine it’s a beautiful spring day. What’s the first thing you’ll want to do? If your answer is to open up your windows and doors to let in some fresh air, you are not alone! This response is typical, and while this may seem like a great way to save on energy costs, leaving the doors and windows open can introduce a few concerns. First off, when letting in the spring air, you also let in allergens. Allergens can clog up your nose and your air filters. Additionally, letting in that warm, humid spring air can strain your HVAC system. While working harder to remove moisture from the air, your system’s efficiency will decrease as your energy costs increase. Yikes!
Why is it Important to Clear Obstructions Around the Outside of the HVAC System?
An Air Conditioner located outside your home is subject to outdoor elemental nuisances. As the frigid temperatures fade, plants and vegetation prosper. Therefore, you must inspect your unit at least twice a month and remove any loose vegetation and debris so your home’s system can effectively do its job. We also advise your HVAC system to be free of any standing vegetation growing within two feet of the unit, allowing your air conditioner to draw in the air it needs to maintain the temperature in your home.
What is the Importance of Routine Maintenance?
While we discussed some things you can implement to ready your home for spring, it is still a good idea to have your HVAC unit inspected by a professional at the end of the day. Human error is always a possibility but is less likely when done by someone educated and experienced in the area. In addition, they will be able to take a more thorough peek at your system by checking connections, taking readings, and checking refrigerant pressures. Someone qualified can also infer better whether there is potential for a future problem involving your home’s HVAC unit.
Why is it Important to Test My Air Conditioner?
Early spring is ideal for testing your air conditioner before Ohio’s humidity hits. You don’t want to wait until you are roasting in your home to discover your air conditioner isn’t running as well as it ought to. When giving your AC a good test run, let it run for about half an hour; there are three things to consider when looking for indications of malfunction. The first is proper airflow. Make sure none of the vents are blocked. If the airflow feels resistant or weak, there may be a problem with your AC. Next, listen closely to any sounds coming from the AC cabinet. If you hear anything unusual, such as hissing, knocking, clicking, scraping, or screeching, our Mount Washington Heating & Cooling professionals should investigate. Lastly, consider the distribution of air. Are all of the rooms getting sufficiently cooled? Some rooms may feel warmer naturally, but if you come across any unusual “hot spots,” it may be time to give us a call. Please don’t hesitate to call us if you have any questions or concerns when going through this checklist. We are here to help!
As a homeowner, we understand the need and desire to keep your home a thriving and inviting environment for all who enter your home. While we covered a lot of ground, we don’t want you to feel overwhelmed. We are here to aid you and guide you along your journey to prepare you and your home for the spring weather. Call Mount Washington Heating & Cooling today at (513) 655-5115, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here! We can’t wait to hear from you!
