Spring has arrived in the Midwest! We’re seeing flowers blooming and a lot warmer weather, but we’re still experiencing plenty of chilly days. As the temperatures fluctuate between the 30s and the 70s, homeowners in Olathe may find themselves switching back and forth from heating at night to air conditioning during the day. Sooner or later, though, the warm weather will win out, which means that now is a good time to have your home HVAC system inspected and optimized before the temperatures climb too high. We wanted to address a few frequently asked questions that we often receive as an HVAC service company in Olathe, so that our friends in the area can stay better informed and more comfortable this spring!
How do I prepare my HVAC system for warmer weather?
This is a big question with a wide array of answers, but here are a few basics that you should be sure to do as the seasons change: First, replace your air filter. This is something you should do every month or two, regardless of the season. Next, make sure that all the vents throughout your house are open and that airflow is unobstructed. Finally, reach out to your local HVAC service company for a seasonal tune-up. This will ensure that all your HVAC system components are in good condition so they will run efficiently once the weather really warms up, and it can also catch bigger problems before they become big problems.
Is it necessary to have my HVAC system serviced in the spring?
Yes! Your HVAC system should be serviced at least twice a year by a professional HVAC service company, and the best time to do it is when the seasons are changing and you’re switching over from heating to cooling, or vice versa. Servicing your HVAC service in the spring is a good idea because your air conditioner has been sitting idle throughout the winter. Having a technician check out the whole system before you start using your A/C helps to ensure optimal performance and efficiency throughout the coming summer months.
What should I do if my air conditioner isn’t cooling properly?
Any number of problems may cause your home air conditioner to cool unevenly or improperly. The best thing to do is to contact a local heating and cooling service company such as Davenport Service Company in Olathe. One of our highly trained HVAC technicians can diagnose the problem and get you on the road to a more comfortable house and, probably, a lower utility bill this summer. Don’t delay getting in touch, though. A small problem today may be a big problem tomorrow.
How can I improve the indoor air quality in my home during the spring?
Indoor air quality can be an issue in the spring, especially for those of us who suffer from allergies. The first and best thing you can do to improve your home’s air quality is to replace your air filters regularly. If that’s not enough, however, air purifiers are available that can help to filter more debris and allergens out of your air. You can also help cut down on dust, pet dander, and other allergens by vacuuming carpets and cloth furniture regularly.
What type of air filter should I use in my HVAC system during the spring?
More than once now, we’ve mentioned the importance of changing your air filter regularly. But if you go to the store, you’ll see that there are an awful lot of air filter options available. Which one is right for you? At Davenport Service Company, our skilled technicians will be happy to make recommendations based on your home HVAC system and your specific situation, but in general, air filters are rated on what’s known as the MERV scale, which stands for “Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value.” Essentially, the higher a filter’s MERV rating, the more particles it filters out of the air, but the harder your furnace or air conditioner has to work to push air through it. This means that there’s a tradeoff between air quality and higher utility bills, one that you’ll have to navigate based on things like whether your family members suffer from allergies, asthma, or other conditions that may be exacerbated by poor air quality.
How can I reduce my energy bills while using my HVAC system in the spring?
As we already mentioned, the best way to reduce your energy bills during the spring and keep them to a minimum is to have your HVAC system regularly serviced to ensure that it’s running as efficiently as possible. But you can do other things around the house to help keep your home cool while also keeping your utility bills low. For starters, upgrade to a programmable or “smart” thermostat that can help to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home more efficiently. During warmer days, you may want to close window blinds and curtains to help block out sunlight and keep your home cooler overall.
How often should I change the air filter in my HVAC system during the spring?
Most of the time, you can get away with changing your air filter every two or even three months. However, during the spring, you may want to change your air filter more often. With so much pollen and other debris in the air in springtime, air filters can become clogged much more quickly than at other times of the year, so you may want to change your air filter once every month.
How do I know that my air conditioner or HVAC system needs to be serviced?
The short answer is that if you think it might need to be serviced, it probably does. Strange noises, unusual odors, or uneven or inadequate cooling are all signs that something may be wrong with your home air conditioner. Rising energy bills can indicate a problem, too. If your air conditioner is struggling to keep the house cool or running more often or for longer than it seems like it should, there may be a problem. And if your HVAC system simply hasn’t been serviced yet this spring, it’s time to contact an HVAC service company in Olathe.
At Davenport Service Company, we’ve been helping Olathe homeowners stay warm and cool all year round for more than three decades, and we’re here to help you this spring! Give us a call at 913-441-2222 today!
