As winter ends and the weather turns warmer, your thoughts might turn to spring cleaning. Getting rid of clutter, packing up unwanted items for donation, and giving your carpets a deep cleaning can all breathe new life into your home. However, having your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit cleaned out during your spring cleaning chores can be just as important when it comes to enjoying a fresh, clean home. From enjoying cleaner air to protecting your family from harmful bacteria, including your HVAC system in your spring cleaning plans can have several benefits.
1. Air Filters Have Been Working All Winter
Inspecting and replacing your HVAC’s air filters as a part of your spring cleaning checklist might help you remember to perform this important chore each season. Your system’s filters have been trapping dirt, dust, and hair all winter long and may not be working as efficiently as they could be. Replacing them and dusting the vents can improve your indoor air quality and contribute to a longer life for your HVAC unit.
If you or a family member suffers from dust allergies, replacing your air filters can be a vital step in spring cleaning your HVAC system. Dirty filters can force dust allergens like pet dander and pollen into the air, which can trigger an allergy attack each time the system turns on.
2. Mold Can Travel Through Ducts
Spring rain, melting ice, and improper drainage can all cause water to seep into your home, particularly if your roof is not draining properly. This can cause mold growth in your attic where it might go unnoticed and eventually, mold spores can break off and travel through your HVAC systems ducts. Mold spores in the air can cause breathing problems and may settle elsewhere within your home, where it may continue to grow. Having your attic inspected for mold and your ducts cleaned can prevent this potentially-serious issue.
3. Eliminate Dust Mites
During the winter, a closed-up home can accumulate a considerable amount of dust under dressers, beds, and other heavy furniture. Dust can also collect in your HVAC ducts, which can contribute to the breeding of dust mites. These microscopic creatures, which live in household dust, may cause allergy symptoms when they are not properly controlled. Having your ducts cleaned properly before you start to use your air conditioner can reduce the presence of dust mites and result in cleaner indoor air.
4. AC Servicing Can Improve Summer Efficiency
Your HVAC’s air conditioning unit has a long, hot summer ahead of it, so having it serviced as a part of your spring cleaning plans can be important for improving its overall efficiency. Cooling maintenance can ensure that your system’s condenser fins are clean, the refrigerant levels are correct, and that the electrical system that drives the unit is functioning properly. An HVAC unit that has been professionally cleaned and inspected can give you peace of mind that it is ready to run at peak efficiency all summer long.
Spring cleaning can help you declutter your home and give it a fresh, clean feeling that can contribute to feelings of rejuvenation often associated with this time of year. However, it is important to remember your HVAC system when it comes to making your cleaning checklist for a cleaner, healthier home all summer long.