For us Oregonians, April showers tend to just bring more May showers (and flowers!), but a wet spring gives us a little more inside time for spring cleaning. If you’re at a loss for where in your home to start, here’s a to-do list for all things HVAC this spring:
Banish the Dust
After months of closed windows, the air in your home has completed a proper marathon from being circulated over and over. That usually comes with a build up of dust, dirt, and debris — all of which can make their way into your air ducts. So take a moment to clean off those nooks and crannies to help promote cleaner air circulation within your home.
Give Your Vents a Spa Day
While you’re dusting everything else, don’t forget about your vents! Check every register around the house to make sure air can pass freely and it’s not blocked by furniture, rugs, curtains, etc. To wash the grills, remove them from the vents, vacuum away any dust and pet hair that you can reach, and then wash them with warm water and mild soap.
Let the Sunshine In
The seals on your windows are subject to cooling and heating throughout the year, so springtime can be a good time to check how well they are doing their job. As you check your seals, give your windows a quick clean to let all of that warming (though admittedly rare) sunshine in throughout the spring season.
Get Your Ducts in a Row
If it has been 3-4 years since your last duct cleaning, or if you have an allergy or asthma sufferer in the house, this spring is a good time to consider having Wolcott out to give your ducts a proper spring cleaning. Regular dusting can help stretch the number of years between cleanings, but all homes need a proper duct cleaning every few years — especially if you have pets in the home.
Have Wolcott’s Pros Check Out Your A/C
An annual A/C tune-up is one of the most important spring cleaning to-dos. Scheduling an A/C tune-up before the hot days arrive ensures you’ll be ready before the heat hits. Our HVAC technicians will inspect your entire system, address any malfunctions, and catch issues before they become major. They will also clean your A/C parts to help your unit run more efficiently and last longer.
Out With the Old A/C Filters
Part of our A/C tune-up service will include replacing your A/C filters, though you can also do this yourself. This simple step saves some strain that your unit will experience when having to force air through dirty filters that block open flow. A filter change will lower your utility bill and increase the lifespan of your unit.
In With the Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats can be a brilliant way to lower your energy bill over the hot summer months. Smart thermostats are programmed to learn your energy habits and reduce usage when not needed. There are many makes and models, so Wolcott can help find your ideal thermostat and provide expert installation.
Give Your Outdoor Unit Some Breathing Room
If you have an outdoor HVAC unit, take a moment to check out the area around the unit to clear away any tall grass, leaves or any other debris that winter whisked up against it which might interfere with your unit’s airflow. Allow for 1-2 feet of clearance on all sides. And while you’re inspecting the area, let us know if you find any external damage to your unit. Most of the time, exterior damage that is visible is simply cosmetic — but when in doubt, give us a call.
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