Essential Spring Maintenance for Your HVAC System

You may not need your air conditioning quite yet, but you will soon. As the weather starts to warm up, it's a perfect time to prioritize your HVAC system with your other spring cleaning chores. Neglecting preventative maintenance not only increases the likelihood that you'll need repairs, but it leads to inefficient performance (and higher energy costs).

Are you unsure of what steps to take to maintain your HVAC system this spring? We asked Dustin Gregoire, National Sales Manager for Bosch Home Comfort for insights to learn more about taking care of this essential home system.

Clean or Replace Your Air Filters

"Filters can quickly get clogged and impact the efficiency of your unit and the indoor air quality of your home," explains Gregoire. "[The system has to work] harder to push past whatever debris and grime that may have been captured. Working harder means higher energy bills, but with diligent maintenance, it's easily preventable."

He adds, "Plus, a clean air filter brings cleaner air – which is crucial to keep allergies symptoms at bay by filtering out common allergens and pollen known to be in the spring air.

Replacing clogged filters in your HVAC system is something you should know how to do yourself, and it's a great idea to swap in a new one every spring. "Once you know the type of air filter you need and you have purchased it, turn off your HVAC system. Make sure to clean the area thoroughly before inserting the new filter," recommends Gregoire. "As a reminder, a clean air filter reduces airborne particles and keeps seasonal allergy triggers, like pollen and pet dander at bay. Clean or replace your filters every three months at a minimum. Make a note of when you did it last, and keep that note near your HVAC system."

Related: Air Filter Maintenance That Really Matters This Season

Clear Off the Outdoor Unit

Check the outdoor air conditioner unit of your HVAC system for any debris, such as leaves, grass clippings, or branches, that may have accumulated during the winter. Clearing away debris can improve airflow and prevent damage to the unit.

Check your Thermostat

The U.S. Department of Energy notes you can save as much as 10% every year on heating and cooling by setting your programmable thermostat back by 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours a day. Homes in higher temperate climates and higher energy costs will see the largest monetary benefit from this. "As the weather heats up, set your thermostat settings to ‘auto’ mode if available to ensure your system will engage in cooling when there is a demand based on your indoor temperature. That said, you can keep it to manual mode and only make the switch to cooling when you decide you need it," suggests Gregoire.

He adds, "In fact, to save some cash, if there are times you may not need to run your AC as frequently at all. Try setting your ‘schedule’ on the programmable thermostat to automatically adjust the setpoint temperature based on the day of the week and time of day."

Furthermore, consider upgrading to a smart thermostat. These devices can help optimize energy usage and provide greater control over your HVAC system.

Schedule a Service Check-Up

"Over the course of the season, build-up can take place in your HVAC system. Sometimes even mice or snakes may have established residency," shares Gregoire, surely to caution those weary of an unwelcomed encounter. "By scheduling a HVAC inspection with a professional technician, you’ll ensure your unit runs at peak energy efficiency and extend the lifespan of your system by identifying and correcting issues early."

As handy people, we often try to DIY our way through some of these home system chores, but even routine maintenance on a HVAC system tends to be more complicated. "Certified professionals also are often able to inspect more nuanced issues such as verifying the integrity of wiring connections and verifying refrigerant levels; items that are not as easy to DIY," agrees Gregoire. "Additionally, a qualified technician may offer additional maintenance and services that improve the overall performance and health of your equipment such as filter replacement, ductwork cleaning, or even reviewing tax incentives and rebates for other home improvement options. They can also help you in your efforts to switch to something more sustainable."

While we're at it, another basic maintenance task to outsource to the pros: cleaning and inspecting air ducts for debris and air leaks. Over time, dust, debris, and even mold can accumulate in your air ducts, affecting air quality and system efficiency. Duct cleaning (just like furnace cleaning) isn't always automatically included with a routine check-up, but if it has been a few years, a good rule of thumb is to request additional service.