Make HVAC Tune-Up a Spring Tradition in Puget Sound
Spring in Kitsap County is the perfect time to enjoy sunnier days, view blooming rhododendrons, and tune up your HVAC system.
Although maintenance may not seem as exciting as a grove of eye-popping flowers or a sunny day spent sailing, it should be high on your spring to-do list.
Maintain Your HVAC
Spring is the ideal season to give your AC or heat pump much-needed attention. At Dana’s Heating & Cooling, we recommend scheduling a seasonal tune-up before you run your cooling system on warm spring and summer days in Bremerton.
Maintenance undertaken now can prevent disastrous breakdowns in the summer. An annual tune-up ensures your AC is ready for warmer weather, including the occasional heatwaves we experience in Northwest Washington.
Mid-spring is a maintenance sweet spot for heat pump owners. It is between the end of the day-to-day heating operation and the start of the cooling season. You have time to schedule a checkup and cleaning while your equipment is on hiatus and idle. When you put your heat pump system into service for the summer, it will be clean, problem-free, and operating at peak efficiency.
Do I Need an HVAC Tune-Up?
You might not think of the Puget Sound area as a hotspot, but the past few summers have shown how real the heat can get, especially in homes not designed for consistent cooling.
Although we do not log as many hot days as other states, neglecting your HVAC system now can lead to inconvenient and expensive problems down the line. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), heating and cooling accounts for approximately 43 percent of your home utility bill.
That alone should be motivation to maintain your HVAC system.
Here are a few other reasons why spring maintenance is essential for air conditioners and heat pumps in homes from Kingston to Tacoma:
Detect Problems: A spring cooling system tune-up can identify minor issues before they escalate and take down components like dominoes. Catching a loose connection, a dirty component, or a small leak early can save you significant money and inconvenience later.
Improved Efficiency: A well-maintained system runs more efficiently. Dust, debris, and minor malfunctions can force your unit to work harder, leading to higher energy bills. Spring maintenance ensures optimal performance and energy efficiency.
Extended Lifespan: Regular care and attention can significantly prolong the life of your AC or heat pump. By addressing minor issues proactively, you prevent them from causing more significant damage over time. Major problems add up, curtailing your cooling unit’s lifespan. Timely maintenance protects your investment.
Indoor Air: Spring pollen and other allergens do not necessarily stay outdoors. They can sneak into your home through uncaulked cracks around doors and open windows and by hitching a ride on your shoes, pets, and other items left outside. Ensuring your HVAC system is clean and functioning correctly, with a fresh air filter, contributes to better indoor air quality (IAQ) for you and your family.
Homeowner HVAC Maintenance
Spring AC and heat pump maintenance is a two-pronged approach, involving tasks you can handle yourself and more in-depth checks best left to Dana’s Heating & Cooling professionals.
Make the air filter your first task. Discard it if it is dirty or clogged with debris, and replace it with a clean one. A dirty air filter can restrict airflow and make your system work harder to maintain the thermostat setting, reducing efficiency. A clean filter improves efficiency and indoor air quality.
Give your outdoor unit some TLC by removing leaves, branches, weeds, or other debris that may have accumulated around it over the fall and winter. Create a two-foot zone around the equipment.
Move obstructions, such as furniture, from air vents and ensure registers are open. Listen for strange sounds while your heat pump or air conditioner runs. Rattling, banging, and other sounds indicate a potential problem that requires professional attention.
Professional HVAC Tune-Up
Although do-it-yourself tasks are essential for HVAC system upkeep, a professional tune-up delves deeper into performance, safety, and efficiency. Here is a sampling of what our Dana’s Heating & Cooling experts typically do during a spring service visit:
Inspection: Our certified technicians check for any signs of wear, leaks, and other potential issues.
Cleaning: We clean essential components that collect dust and debris, impacting efficiency.
Refrigerant: We ensure your system has the correct amount of refrigerant for optimal performance. Low refrigerant can lead to inefficient cooling and potential compressor damage.
Electrical: We check electrical connections and wiring, tighten them, and look for corrosion.
Lubrication: We lubricate moving parts, ensuring they function smoothly and preventing premature wear.
Drain Line: Inspecting and unblocking the condensate drain line prevents potential water damage.
The most convenient way to stay on top of spring maintenance is through our Ultimate Savings Agreement. The plan gives you heating and cooling maintenance visits, priority service, a discount on service repairs, and much more!
Schedule HVAC Maintenance Today
Taking proactive steps can save money, prevent inconvenient breakdowns, and ensure your Bremerton, home remains comfortable this summer. Before the heat rolls in, schedule spring service with us at Dana’s Heating & Cooling. We have been helping families from Gig Harbor to Bainbridge Island and beyond stay comfortable for nearly 30 years. Schedule an AC or heat pump tune-up with us by calling 360-226-7369 or request service online.