Spring may have started off pretty chilly in Kansas City, but warmer temperatures are surely on their way, if they're not here already. (You know the saying, after all: "If you don't like the weather, just wait a couple of minutes.")
With the mercury starting to climb in the KC area, homeowners in Olathe, Lenexa, Overland Park, and beyond are getting ready to make the switch from heating to air conditioning for the season. While you may not have needed to turn on the air conditioning just yet thanks to cooler temperatures in the mornings and evenings, there are still things that you can do as part of your spring cleaning to help get your system ready to chill before the hot summer weather arrives in full force.
Here are a few tips from the air conditioning tune-up pros at Davenport Service Company that will help you get the most out of your Olathe heating and cooling system as we head into spring.
Inside the House
Sure, you may not think too much about your Olathe heating and cooling system when you're doing your spring cleaning, but you should. This is a perfect time to get your air conditioner ready to go before the hot weather kicks in while also tidying up your house and taking care of any other odds and ends that can help your HVAC system run smoothly all year long.
While you're decluttering your pantry or cleaning out your basement, don't forget to switch the airflow in your ducts and clean your vents. Take advantage of the nice weather and open windows and doors. This will help air out your house and give your HVAC system a little break. Once you do turn the air conditioning on, keep your curtains and shades drawn, especially during the hottest part of the day, to keep sunlight from getting in and warming up the place, forcing your air conditioner to work harder.
Spring cleaning isn't just about your air conditioner, either. Now is the time to shut off your humidifier, clean it up, and let it dry out so that it's ready the next time cold weather rolls around. And while you're at it, it's always a good idea to replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors with the changing of the seasons.
Outside the House
Just like anything else that's left outside all winter, your air conditioner can accumulate dust, dirt, and debris from the winter weather. Before you turn it on for the first time, it's a good idea to wash it down with a garden hose. Just be careful not to bend the fins!
Your air conditioning unit needs unobstructed airflow in order to work properly, so it's also good to clear away weeds, shrubs, or anything else that may have gotten too close to your air conditioner. When you're landscaping around your air conditioner this spring, remember that you need to keep approximately 12 to 18 inches of open space around the unit in order for it to work the way it should.
HVAC System Pieces and Parts
Any time you switch from one season to another, you should always change your air filters. Keeping your filters changed regularly not only helps your Olathe heating and cooling system work, it also helps to keep utility bills down. And when buying air filters, remember that more expensive isn't always better. At Davenport Service Company, we recommend standard filters because other filters can restrict airflow and make your system work harder than necessary.
For some people, however, allergy season means they'll need a bit more protection. In that case, an air filter with a higher MERV rating might be appropriate. Better still, if you're concerned about allergies, consider investing in electronic air cleaners, which can help filter the vast majority of allergens out of the air without impacting the performance of your Olathe heating and cooling system.
This may also be the time to install a smart home thermostat. Smart thermostats work in conjunction with the rest of your Olathe heating and cooling system, learning your habits and patterns and adjusting temperatures to give you not only maximum comfort, but also the most bang for your utility buck. Plus, with a smart thermostat, you can often control your settings from your smartphone or other device. At Davenport Service Company in Olathe, we recommend the NEST thermostat, and we're proud to be an authorized NEST installer.
Spring Air Conditioner Tune-Ups in Olathe
Before you turn on your air conditioner for the first time, it's a good idea to have it inspected by a professional air conditioning company such as Davenport Service Company in Olathe. It's about keeping your home and family safe, knowing that you can count on your air conditioner before the hot days arrive, and also saving on your utility bill every month.
With our Davenport Service Company VIP Program, we take the guesswork out of preventive maintenance. If you sign up for our VIP Program, one of our friendly team members will call you to find a time that works best to service and inspect your air conditioner before the air conditioning season gets into full swing. Our 25-point tune ups not only catch potential problems before they become worse, they can also help ensure that your system is set up to run as efficiently as possible, reducing your energy bills throughout the hot summer months.
Keep Your Olathe AC System Running Smoothly this Spring and Summer!
Davenport Service Company is your Olathe heating and cooling specialist, and we're here to provide "Customer First" service and care to make sure that your air conditioner is reliable, efficient, and, most importantly, able to keep its cool all summer long. We've been serving the Olathe area for more than thirty years, so we know a thing or two about Kansas summers. We're proud to provide air conditioner tune-ups, emergency repair or replacement, or anything else that you may need. Just give us a call at 913-441-2222 to set up your appointment today!