Protect your HVAC system and your family’s comfort by tackling a few simple spring HVAC maintenance tasks. In addition to a spring HVAC tune-up from your local One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning, there are things you can do yourself to improve energy efficiency and extend the life of your HVAC system.

Download Our Spring HVAC Checklist

Spring is a time of renewal and fresh habits. Take the time to properly transition your HVAC system for the spring and summer months to keep your home more comfortable all summer long!

Making the Switch – Turning off Your Heating System

After a long winter, there are few things as satisfying as turning off your furnace or boiler. Knowing the right time to switch off your heating system can:

  • Lower your energy bill
  • Reduce wear and tear on your heating system
  • Prevent accidental heating if someone hits the wrong button on your thermostat

When it’s time to make the switch, use our step-by-step instructions to safely turn off your heating system for the season.

Turning on Your AC Unit in Spring

When it’s time to fire up your air conditioner, make sure your system is ready to go. One of our most important HVAC tips for spring is to inspect your AC unit before turning it on. This can prevent breakdowns, improve energy efficiency, lower energy costs, and help extend the life of your air conditioner.

To prep your AC unit for spring, follow these steps:

  1. Inspect the power panels outside. Also known as unit panels, these are the panels that house the electrical connections that power your condenser. Inspect these panels for signs of damage, misalignment, or malfunction to avoid shorting your AC unit and ensure a safe and reliable electrical supply. Not all air conditioning units have a dedicated panel but be sure to inspect any electrical elements on the unit, including any cords or cables.
  2. Remove the condenser cover. If you place a cover or lid over your AC unit’s outdoor condenser, make sure it’s removed before you turn on the unit. These covers can reduce heat transfer, causing your system to overheat and ultimately fail.
  3. Inspect the condenser and coil for debris. Leaves, mulch, and even trash can find a way into your outdoor unit over the fall and winter. Debris can impact heat transfer and reduce the efficiency of your AC unit. Remove any visible debris before starting your system.
  4. Check the drainage hose. The drainage or condensate line runs from inside your home through a copper or PVC pipe outdoors. In most cases, the pipe will be visible on the wall of your home near your AC unit. Always ensure the pipe is attached properly to your home and isn’t obstructed. Blocked or clogged drainage pipes can cause damaging leaks inside your home.
  5. Check your circuit breaker. In rare cases, the circuit controlling your air conditioning unit may trip during a winter power outage. If you don’t notice, the breaker may remain flipped off. It’s usually a good idea to check that the breaker is in the correct position before you attempt to turn on your AC unit.

For professional help getting your HVAC system ready this spring, you can count on One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning for all your air conditioning needs.

Setting Your Thermostat in Spring

Finding the ideal thermostat setting for spring can improve energy efficiency by reducing how often your cooling system cycles on and off. Once your furnace is off for the year, we recommend waiting until temperatures are consistently warmer than 60 degrees before turning on your air conditioning unit.

The best spring thermostat setting for your home balances three main goals:

  1. You and your family are comfortable – Most families are comfortable with their thermostat set at 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The lower your thermostat is set, the more often your AC unit will cycle on, which increases energy consumption. Even bumping up your thermostat a few degrees can save you money in the long run; just find a slightly warmer temperature at which you can still sleep comfortably.
  2. Your home’s humidity levels are in the ideal range – Keep your home’s humidity levels below 50-60% during the spring and summer months. Elevated humidity levels over long periods can increase the risk of mold, damage wood floors and furniture, and make your home less comfortable. Adjust your thermostat a few degrees cooler to remove more moisture from inside your home.
  3. Your AC unit operates efficiently –Properly setting your thermostat reduces wear and tear on your AC unit and your household’s climate impact. Check out these spring energy efficiency tips to learn more. 

Experiencing Allergy Symptoms? Spring Must Be Here!

The buds and blossoms are signs of the seasons changing, but they’re also signs of spring allergies! The best way to deal with spring allergy symptoms at home is to keep outdoor triggers like pollen outside. The most basic indoor air quality solution to alleviate spring allergies is to keep doors and windows shut. Rely on your AC unit to keep your home cool and comfortable instead of opening windows.

How to Survive Spring Allergy Season

Make a 3-step DIY plan to reduce common spring allergy symptoms with help from your home’s HVAC system:

  1. Replace your air filters. the first line of defense against spring allergy symptoms is a clean HVAC filter. Replace your air filter every 1-3 months and consider installing a new filter as soon as temperatures start to warm up.
  2. Dust your vents. Clean your HVAC vents to remove the built-up pollen, dander, and other allergens from the air ducts so they don’t circulate in your home. You might consider occasional professional cleaning services in advance of peak spring allergy season.
  3. Use a portable air purifier. Air purifiers reduce both allergy and asthma symptoms when used consistently. Combined with your home’s HVAC and filtration systems, portable air purifiers can play a role in making spring allergies more bearable.

Get Ahead of Spring HVAC Maintenance with Expert Help

Trust your local One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning to help get your home ready for a new season. From turning on your AC in spring to ensuring excellent indoor air quality year-round, we provide punctual and professional HVAC service you and your family can rely on. Request an appointment or call {F:P:Sub:Cookie:L:Phone} today!

Spring HVAC Maintenance – Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when to turn my AC in the spring?

Turning on your AC unit in the spring depends on your comfort levels and changing temperatures. We recommend turning on your air conditioning when temperatures are consistently higher than 60 degrees outdoors or when indoor temperatures are uncomfortable.

How do I get my HVAC system ready for spring?

In addition to following the recommendations above and in our printable checklist, let a trained HVAC technician provide a seasonal tune-up on your HVAC system.

What is included in a spring HVAC tune-up?

Your One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning technician will perform spring maintenance, such as:

  • Check and replace air filter, if needed
  • Test your thermostat
  • Inspect your fan motor for signs of damage or debris
  • Inspect all electrical connections
  • Inspect the condensate drain
  • Inspect refrigerant levels and charge
  • Inspect outdoor condenser
  • Offer recommendations based on inspection results

What are the most common spring HVAC problems?

The most common spring HVAC problems are clogged filters, blocked condensers, faulty electrical panels, and refrigerant leaks. Connect with your local One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning location to learn more about these common issues.

Further Reading

Additional Services

One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning is proud to be a part of Authority Brands! No matter what home service needs you’re facing, there’s an Authority Brands franchise nearby ready to roll up their sleeves and help: