While your furnace works overtime keeping your home warm throughout the winter, it can get downright filthy. As air pushes through the ducts, vents, and filters, dust, dirt, and other grime will accumulate. This impacts how efficiently your system runs. It can lead to increased repair needs if the system isn’t cleaned and maintained on a routine basis. Use these spring cleaning tips to keep your furnace running well.
Replace the Air Filters
As the warm air blows through the air filters, the filters collect everything from dust and dander to bacteria, dirt, and more. As the buildup accumulates, airflow is partially impeded. This means that your furnace needs to work overtime to keep your home warm. Depending on manufacturer recommendations, filters should be cleaned or replaced approximately every one to six months. By replacing dirty filters now, your system will function more efficiently during the upcoming season.
Vacuum the Vents
The vents and registers will also get dirty. In addition to impacting the functionality of your system, these dirty fixtures will make your home look filthy and can lead to increased indoor allergy symptoms. The easy way to deal with this is to use the handheld attachment on your vacuum to remove the dust. If they require further cleaning, you can remove them and clean them with soap and water.
Clear Out the Exterior Condenser Unit
Wind and winter precipitation often lead to a thick layer of dust and debris on the exterior unit’s fan blades. Leaves, twigs, and other debris can also build up. This mess reduces the operational efficiency of your unit. It’ll cause higher energy bills, and it will eventually lead to otherwise preventable repair problems. Simply removing large debris and rinsing off the fan blades will yield great results.
Clean the Air Ducts
Air ducts generally don’t need to be cleaned every year, but they do need to be cleaned. Routine duct cleaning promotes peak furnace efficiency and improves air quality. The optimal frequency for air duct cleaning is between three and five years. If it’s been a few years since your ducts were last professionally cleaned, it may be time for this important service.
Schedule an Annual Tune-Up
Your HVAC system requires an annual tune-up to clean internal components, check for developing damage, and complete other essential maintenance steps. Now that winter is in the rearview mirror, spring cleaning and maintenance take priority. While you tend to tasks like sprucing up your yard and deep cleaning your home this season, experienced HVAC technicians can provide your system with a professional touch during a maintenance call. Contact us at Absolute Electrical Heating & Air in Denver, CO for reliable, prompt furnace services.