When spring arrives in Ottawa, the windows open and the stale winter air goes out. Do not forget the HVAC system. It has been working hard all winter to keep you warm, and it needs the same attention as the rest of the house.
Your home's HVAC system is essential to comfort AND safety. It can only do that job if it is clean.
The checklist
1. Turn off the power
Before any cleaning, turn off the power to the HVAC system. Safety first. The last thing you want is to injure yourself in the middle of basic maintenance.
2. Replace or clean the filter
Remove the filter and replace it. If you just replaced it, clean it. Air pushes through the filter, and the system has to work harder when it is clogged. Clean monthly, replace at least every 3 months. Use a filter type approved by your manufacturer so the warranty stays intact.
3. Inspect the outdoor unit
If you have a central AC unit, go outside and look at it. Make sure it is free from debris that built up during fall and winter. Leaves and clippings often accumulate inside the unit and around the vents.
4. Clean fan blades and coils
While you are looking at the outdoor unit, clean the fan blades and the coils (which also pick up debris). A garden hose can clear the worst of it.
5. Walk through and check vents
Look at all the vents inside the home (the ones that blow warm/cool air and the ones that pull air into the system). Make sure they are not blocked so air can move freely. This delivers fresh air through the house and keeps the system from working too hard.
6. Consider duct cleaning
When was the last time you had the ducts cleaned? If it was not in the last year, schedule a duct-cleaning visit. The dust and debris that accumulated over winter can be removed so it is not recirculating through the house.
If you want both furnace and AC tuneups handled professionally, our plans cover both seasonal visits annually.
