7 Spring Cleaning Tips for Your HVAC Units

It’s pretty much that time of the year again: spring cleaning season! Now that the weather is slowly but surely starting to warm up, it’s nearly time to shut off our furnaces and rev up the A/C right away…or is it?

Before you get excited about the warm weather, it’s time to get some spring cleaning done and out of the way. By doing so, it’ll be done and out of your way so you can go outside and get some fresh air! Here are some tips from us about how to spring clean your HVAC units.

Tip 1: Safety first!

Anytime you decide to clean your HVAC you must always make sure the power connecting to the unit is switched off. Check all power entrances and any separate fuses connecting to your units to determine if an electrical problem may be present (and if so, don’t do anything upon discovering it! Let professionals handle electrical components).

Use rubber gloves and if necessary masks when using cleaning products for exterior cleaning. You may want to wear a mask in case the dust build-up is really bad!

If you find certain components have worn down to the point of needing outright replacement, it’s best not to DIY installing the new part, especially if it’s an older system you’re cleaning. Your technician can do that for you, or if the system is too old for a single component replacement, they can install a brand new system which will save you money and time in the process.

Tip 2: The vacuum cleaner is your friend

We repeat: the vacuum cleaner is your friend. Well, unless you’re going outside, in which case the broom and rake are your next closest friends! Vacuum any dust bunnies, pet dander (if you have pets), dirt, or debris hanging out near your units. If you’re going to clean the air filters, have your vacuum cleaner on hand for that too.

If you have an outdoor HVAC system, sweep away all and any fallen leaves, dirt, and debris. While you’re at it, cut back all overgrown grass, bushes, and other plants so that they don’t touch or crowd the outdoor unit. Stick to the guideline of giving your outdoor heat pump at least 2 feet of space all around to prevent outdoor debris from harming the pumps.

Tip 3: Use these tools

In addition to the vacuum cleaner, broom, and rake, there are other tools you will want to have on hand for spring cleaning your HVAC. These tools include cleaning supplies such as warm water and soap, a scrub brush, a mop and mop bucket, and your HVAC units’ manuals. The latter item is especially important in the event you need to make a fix that’s easily DIY, or to determine whether or not it’s time to call in the professionals for help.

Another handy thing to have around are a toolbox in case you need to unscrew certain parts (such as getting in to check your air filter, if it’s attached to your unit as opposed to replaceable), a first aid kit (because you never just know—and, again, safety first), a flashlight, and insulation padding, scissors, and duct tape in the event your units’ insulation—usually the kind protecting its most delicate parts—is wearing thin.

Tip 4: Time to inspect

Now that the power to your units has been shut down and you’ve got your cleaning tools on hand, it’s time to inspect your units.

• Turn on your air conditioner. Yes, we mean that. Give it a quick test run to see if you notice any issues arising such as weird noises or weak airflow. If so, now is the best time to call a technician before temperatures outside rise.
• Check the furnace and A/C filters for any dirt and dust buildup. You will need to clean or replace these depending on the severity of the dirtiness buildup. After all, your furnace has probably been running all winter and collected all sorts of pollutants.
• Check the plumbing for any issues with your hot water heater and connecting pipes.
• Inspect the insulation covering your air ducts should there be any pieces wearing thin or need patching up.
• Ensure the thermostat is working. Test it out for a few minutes with each unit. If it’s attached to an older system, perhaps it’s time to upgrade to a smart thermostat for better results in saving energy.

Tip 5: Clean or replace these specifically

• Air filters. Again, check your furnace and A/C first.
• The surface and interior of the air ventilation ducts. Many gross things have probably accumulated over the winter, and you can’t just climb inside to take a look. Hiring professional duct cleaning may be your best shot at ensuring your vents are clean.
• Your A/C condenser. This is the most important component of the A/C unit that may or may need replacing.
• The thermostat. A faulty one could be the reason why there’s a problem with your HVAC even though it’s been cleaned through and through.
• The fan blades. This is more for your air conditioning, but it’s still a good idea to clean because the fan is what helps circulate cool air throughout the area. If it’s dirty, then the dirt will contaminate the indoor air.
• Specifically the kind covering up the air vents connecting to your HVAC or that which is surrounding the unit’s more delicate components. You don’t want there to be any tears where air can leak out from.
• The inside of your hot water heater. If this task seems daunting, don’t worry, we have an article on how to take care of that.

Tip 6: Clean up when you’re done

Things can get messy even when you’re cleaning your HVAC! Oil, gasoline, and even water (depending on which HVAC unit you’re tending to) could get spilled either while cleaning your units or refilling their fuel sources. Of course the most alarming mess to clean up is one created by a leak or a fracture somewhere either within or on the unit’s exterior. Get extra help from a technician if this is a mess you’ve discovered!

Tip 7: Your HVAC technician is your friend too!

Calling in the professionals for help, especially if you know you need to spring clean but you haven’t got the time in your busy work schedule, can be the exact thing you need. They can especially help with certain fixes that you shouldn’t do yourself, such as:

• Pre-season tune-ups (before summer hits)
• Preventive maintenance
• Tightening up electrical connections
• Lubricating moving parts
• If necessary, replacing and installing old systems with newer models

Need some help with the more nitty-gritty details of cleaning and maintaining your HVAC units? Give us a call! At Rep-Air Heating And Cooling we provide our customers with many options that will best suit your needs from heating and cooling to refrigeration. Contact us today for your complimentary quote: 1-778-728-1476 or contact@repairheatingandcooling.com and don’t forget to take a look at our website: https://repairheatingandcooling.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for free giveaways!