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Spring is just around the corner. It won’t be long before April showers, May flowers, seasonal allergies and heat are upon us. Before you crank up the air conditioning and turn off the heater, there are some things you should know about preparing your HVAC system for warm spring weather. We at Washington Energy Services Lynnwood have prepared some tips to help you transition your HVAC system away from the cold weather and get yourself ready for the warmer spring and summer months.
- Remove buildup around the exterior coils: In the Pacific Northwest, leaves, mud, sticks and other debris build up on the ground in the winter. When you add ice storms and snow, the ground can be a real mess by the time winter is over. Remove any trash or debris built up around the coils to keep your system running efficiently. Also, when you are mulching for the spring, be sure not to leave any mulch around the base of your unit. There needs to be a good space for airflow around the heat pump especially, so it doesn’t get blocked.
- Remove any covers that you placed on your equipment over the winter. A few examples of covers include condenser covers, coil blankets, or lids. Do this before you turn on your air-conditioner. These covers reduce heat transfer, so if you leave them on even for just a short time while running the AC your system could be severely damaged. Many people forget to do this every year, and then end up paying a lot of money to have them repaired or replaced.
- Take a look at your outdoor unit panels: Here in the Pacific Northwest, we can get some pretty strong winds in the fall and winter. These winds can sometimes damage the outdoor unit panels. Because these panels act as protective barriers to the electrical system, it’s extremely important that you check to make sure the panels are still on and aligned before turning on your HVAC unit. A broken or misaligned panel can be a hazard to yourself and your unit.
- Check the pipe insulation: It’s not uncommon to experience freezing weather over the winter here in the Pacific Northwest. These freezing temperatures and ice can cause the pipe insulation to crack. If it needs to be replaced, be sure to do it before starting your air conditioning. These pipes help to keep the unit cool, so if they are not working, it could damage your system and your system would be less efficient.
These and many other things are all important to do before starting your AC in the warmer weather. If you would like a more thorough, professional review of your HVAC system to prepare for spring, be sure to give us a call at Washington Energy Services Lynnwood.
