3 Simple Spring Maintenance Tips for Your Home HVAC System

As you prepare your spring-cleaning checklist, ensure the HVAC system is on your list.

The average Ontario household spends over $2,300 on energy costs in their home throughout the year. Approximately half that cost is associated with heating and cooling the home. With rising energy costs, hotter summers, and colder winters, staying on top of this household budget line is ever more important.

Beyond keeping immediate household costs down, maintaining your HVAC system helps reduce long-term replacement costs and is beneficial to the health and well-being of your family.

1. Change the filter in your furnace.

This is first because it is easy, quick, and effective. A clean air filter is a big benefit to the health of your entire HVAC system and the health of your family. It’s reported a clean air filter can save up to 15% of the heating and cooling costs for your home.

For the HVAC system, a dirty filter means the HVAC motor must work harder to deliver air throughout your home. This wears on the motor while also pulling more energy to push the air through. A clean filter reduces current expenses while also prolonging the entire system.

A clean filter also benefits your family with cleaner air. Pet dander is an all-year issue for pet owners but Spring is the season of pollination! With the beauty of blossoming around us comes the suffering of allergies for many. A clean air filter can keep your home as a safe spot for relief from allergies which keeps medical costs down as well.

2. Clean up the outside air conditioning unit.

Many AC units have a very tiny drainage hole located near the cabinet’s base. For the AC unit to work effectively, the hole must remain clear. You can use something small like a bobby pin, screwdriver, or paperclip to ensure the hole is clear.

While you’re doing that take a couple of moments to ensure the space around the AC unit is clear. Clean any debris from the winter season. For garden planning, it is recommended that vegetation be at least two feet away from the unit.

3. Consider a smart thermostat.

Smart thermostats are not only the cool new thing to have in your home. A properly programmed thermostat can also save a good chunk on energy costs throughout the year while keeping your home cozy and comfortable.

A smart thermostat can program your home to be warmer (during the spring and summer) while you are not home and cooler while you are. With additional assistance from the user, these systems can also be programmed to get the most out of mid-peak and off-peak energy hours.

Spring is a favourite time for many. Let’s make it the favourite time for our HVAC system too.