As homeowners in Charleston anticipate the arrival of spring, it is important to prepare your HVAC system for the warmer months ahead. Springtime in Charleston can bring fluctuating temperatures and high humidity.
Ensuring a well-maintained heating and cooling system is crucial for indoor comfort and maximum energy efficiency. Completing these recommended maintenance steps may also improve indoor air quality, prevent unexpected repairs, and preserve the lifespan of your HVAC system.
Replacing or Upgrading Your HVAC Filter
Make sure that you replace your HVAC filter before spring. Filters play an essential role in trapping dust, debris, and airborne particles so that your HVAC system runs efficiently. Dirty or clogged filters can restrict airflow, compromising performance and causing the HVAC unit to work harder to maintain stable indoor conditions.
Forcing your HVAC unit to work overtime can lead to early failure. Experts recommend changing your filter depending on the type and household factors:
- Basic fiberglass filters: Every 30 days
- Pleated filters: Every 60-90 days
- High-efficiency filters (HEPA): Every 6-12 months
- Homes with pets, allergies, or high dust: Every 30-60 days
Replacing this filter after the harsh winter months can help eliminate any obstructions and ensure optimal airflow for the spring and summer. You can also ask our team about upgrading to a better-performing filter to trap a greater range of airborne contaminants.
Testing or Upgrading Your Thermostat
While you prepare your HVAC system for spring’s arrival, consider testing or upgrading your thermostat. Adjust the thermostat’s temperature setting to cooling mode and calibrate the device for accuracy. This is an ideal time of year to replace the battery in your thermostat.
If you still have a manual thermostat, consider upgrading to a programmable or smart device instead. You can schedule temperature output based on your preferences throughout the day and make changes remotely. Modern smart thermostats offer advanced features like:
- Geofencing: Automatically adjusts based on your location.
- Energy usage reports: Provides insights to optimize settings.
- Voice control compatibility: Integrates with smart home systems like Alexa or Google Home.
Smart thermostats can also use learning algorithms to adapt the HVAC’s performance to your habits and needs.
Checking Your HVAC Refrigerant Levels
Spring is the ideal time to make sure your cooling system is ready. Since your cooling unit may have been dormant all winter, now is the time to have us check refrigerant levels. Refrigerant is a chemical cooling agent that your AC uses to operate effectively. Proper refrigerant levels are critical for correct energy usage and efficient performance.
Too much or too little refrigerant can alter the operational ability of your equipment and increase energy costs. If levels are too low, we will check for signs of a refrigerant leak. These signs include wear, corrosion, oily residue, frost, or icy buildup.
Important Update: If your system uses R-22 refrigerant (Freon), be aware that it has been phased out in the U.S. since January 2020. If your system still uses R-22, consider upgrading to a newer model that uses R-410A or other eco-friendly alternatives for better efficiency and environmental compliance.
Inspecting Vents and Registers
Vents and registers are responsible for the output and intake of air in various rooms of your home. Over time, these vents and registers can accumulate particles like dirt, dust, pollen, and pet dander. This buildup can hinder airflow and impact the efficiency of your system.
To clean them:
- Use a vacuum with a brush attachment to remove dirt and dust.
- Wipe down vents and registers with a damp cloth.
- Make sure that furniture or curtains are not blocking vents or registers to ensure the proper delivery of air to your rooms.
If dust buildup is excessive, ask about our professional air duct cleaning services to maintain optimal indoor air quality.
Checking or Sealing Ductwork
Ducts are instrumental for transferring treated air from your heating and cooling equipment to the appropriate supply and return vents. If you notice uneven cooling in your home, this could indicate a problem with ductwork obstructions or duct leaks. Problems with ductwork can lead to energy loss and reduced system efficiency.
Did you know? Up to 30% of energy loss can occur due to leaky ductwork. Proper sealing and insulation can improve efficiency and lower utility bills.
Ducts with extensive debris buildup can also impact indoor air quality and increase the risk of airborne allergens. Ask our team to check your ductwork for leaks, tears, holes, or disconnected sections. We can repair or seal any ductwork damage. In addition, you can also schedule professional duct cleaning to remove excessive debris buildup.
Replacing or Upgrading Insulation
Insulation helps prevent energy loss by reducing air leaks and maintaining established temperature levels. In this way, the right amount of insulation in your home can improve overall cooling efficiency just in time for the summer.
Make sure you have enough insulation in the attic or exposed areas. For Charleston, SC, we recommend an R-30 to R-49 rating for attic insulation to maximize energy efficiency in the warmer climate.
Sections of your HVAC unit, such as refrigerant lines, also have their own insulation. We can check these sections to ensure that all insulation is intact.
Spring Maintenance Experts
Spring is an ideal time to make sure your HVAC system is ready for optimal performance throughout the rest of the year. Planning in advance helps you avoid urgent repairs or costly breakdowns. Rudd Plumbing Heating and Air provides HVAC services for homes in Charleston, SC, and the surrounding areas.
We offer AC maintenance and repair, duct cleaning and ductwork services, and thermostat installation. Our technicians can conduct a full HVAC tune-up in the spring or answer any questions about upgrading to a heat pump for efficient heating and cooling throughout the year.
Contact Rudd Plumbing Heating and Air for all your HVAC needs today!
