You rely on your HVAC system to keep your home and family comfortable through all kinds of weather. During those cold winter nights, you expect your furnace to spring into action, warming up your home and increasing your comfort. When the weather turns hot and sticky, you expect your air conditioner to cool the air and maintain a comfortable temperature.
Now that the winter is ending and spring is finally here, it is time to check your HVAC system for signs of damage. The winter season can be tough on your HVAC system, especially on its outdoor components. Taking a few minutes now to look for damage and call for help if needed can help you avoid unexpected breakdowns in the hot summer weather to come. Here are four of the most common springtime HVAC problems – and what to do about them.
#1. Debris in the Outdoor Unit
During the winter months, fallen leaves, twigs and other debris can accumulate around the exterior portion of your HVAC unit, clogging the outputs and decreasing the efficiency of the system. Blowing snow can also cause problems around the exterior unit, especially if you failed to clear that snow once it had fallen.
You should check the exterior unit carefully for signs of damage, including dents in the metal and protrusions in the outlets. If you spot any damage, you should contact your HVAC professional for expert repair.
#2. Clogged or Dirty Filters
It is easy to forget about your air conditioning system in the winter, but your filters still need to be changed. Clogged or dirty HVAC filters are common at this time of year, and filter problems can decrease the efficiency of the unit and cause a spike in your summertime electricity bills.
If you cannot remember the last time you changed your HVAC filters, the spring season is a perfect time to do so. When you change the filter, be sure to order a few extras to keep on hand.
#3. A Malfunctioning Thermostat
If you are setting the temperature but your home is still not comfortable, the problem could be your thermostat. Malfunctioning thermostats are common in the springtime, so take the time to check your temperature settings and the operation of your HVAC unit.
If the thermostat is faulty, your local HVAC technician can replace it with a new unit. If you are replacing your existing thermostat, ask your tech about installing a new programmable thermostat, as that could save you a lot of money.
#4. Dirty Coils
Dirt on the coils is a common HVAC problem in the springtime, and one that is easy to overlook. Take the time to check your coils for dirt and debris that may have accumulated over the winter, then carefully clear that dirt and debris away.
Running your HVAC system with dirty coils will reduce the efficiency of the unit, and that could cause your summer cooling costs to skyrocket. Addressing the issue now will maintain the efficiency of your HVAC unit and help you keep your costs low all season long.
Your HVAC system requires the right care and maintenance to stray running properly, and now is the perfect time to do some upkeep. The four problems listed above are common at this time of year, but you can head off these issues by staying vigilant.
Call Vredevoogd Heating & Cooling for all your plumbing, heating, & cooling needs. In the greater West Michigan, Lakeshore, and surrounding areas call:Â 844-482-2365
