How to Spring Clean Your HVAC System

It’s that time again: spring cleaning. As you’re getting your house clean and organized for another year, don’t forget one area that many people miss: your HVAC system.

HVAC spring cleaning provides your entire house with cleaner air and helps cut down on the dust that accumulates on your furniture. And the good news is, it only takes a few simple steps to complete your HVAC spring cleaning checklist.

The first thing you’ll want to do is clean your vents. Your HVAC system has two kinds of vents: air return vents that suck air into the system, and air supply vents that release air into your home. Both types tend to get a lot of dust and grime on the metal vent plates that cover the openings to your ducts.

One option to clean your vent covers is to remove them and soak them in soapy water. Scrub any stubborn dirt spots with a cloth or soft brush, and then rinse and let dry completely before putting them back.

Another option is to use your vacuum hose to suck the dust off your vent covers. Some people find that the brush attachment for their vacuum helps dislodge stuck-on dirt.

The air return vent (the one that sucks up air) will usually have a filter behind the vent cover. Be sure to clean or replace it if it’s looking dirty.

Next, you will want to clean your outside A/C unit. Once again, your vacuum is your friend. Using your brush attachment, carefully clean the tiny metal fins on your unit. They are easy to bend, so be gentle.

If you have any plants growing up around your unit, now is the time to cut them back. Also, remove any yard debris that can block air flow into the unit.

Finally, schedule a professional check-up and cleaning for your HVAC system. This will ensure that parts of your system you can’t reach, like your ducts and coil, get properly cleaned.

If you have questions about HVAC spring cleaning or any other HVAC issues in your Coastal Bend area home, contact Mathews CCAC today.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Corpus Christi, Texas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about spring cleaning your HVAC system and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 361-678-2495.

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