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HVAC System Spring Maintenance Checklist

It's important for homeowners to have their HVAC system inspected, serviced, and cleaned annually. We recommend doing maintenance in the spring to prepare your system for the upcoming summer months, when it will be working harder to keep your home cool, and after the winter months, when your heating system has just worked its hardest.

Here is a checklist of things you should be doing for your HVAC system this spring:

  1. Replace or clean air filters: Dirty air filters can cause your heating system and heat recovery ventilation units to work harder and less efficiently. Replace their filters every three months. If you use permanent filters, have them cleaned every three months.
  2. Clean the outdoor unit(s): Remove any debris, leaves, or dirt from the outdoor unit(s) to ensure proper airflow.
  3. Check the vents and intakes: If your heating vents or intakes become plugged with debris, snow, or ice, your system could work improperly or shut down. Check these regularly throughout the year to ensure they are free of debris and keep all storage and snow drifts away.
  4. Check AC refrigerant levels: Low refrigerant levels can cause your AC system to work harder and increase your electrical bills. Signs of low refrigerant include increased electrical bills, frost on your AC refrigerant lines or evaporator coil, or your system running more often than it used to and having trouble maintaining a temperature. Contact a professional if you suspect your AC may be low on refrigerant.
  5. Inspect ductwork: Look for any leaks or damage in your ductwork that could lead to poor airflow or circulation.
  6. Test thermostat: Make sure your thermostat is working properly and set to the right temperature. Consider installing a smart thermostat to optimize your home's heating and cooling performance. Not only can smart thermostats reduce your energy and power bills, but you can have alerts sent to your phone if your heating or AC cuts out.
  7. Schedule a professional tune-up: A professional HVAC technician can perform a thorough annual inspection and tune-up of your system to ensure it's running efficiently and safely. Since HVAC technicians are busiest in the summer and winter months, spring is an ideal time to ensure availability and schedule a tune-up.