What’s on your spring to-do list? The warm weather of spring has many homeowners feeling productive when it comes to taking care of their to-do lists. But is your heating and the cooling system included in your spring plans?

Here is the spring HVAC to-do list for your home here in New Jersey. So you can keep your home cool, comfortable, healthy, and efficient all the way through the summer and fall.

Replace Your Air Filters

Did you spend more time inside your home this last year than in years past? Your air filters are likely full of dirt, dust, allergens, and other contaminants from the long winter. The good news is, that your air filter did its job! A new filter should be changed up to every 90 days depending on how often it is used.

A clogged or dirty air filter will lose its filtration properties and force your furnace. Heat pump, and/or air conditioner to work harder than usual to pull in the air it is trying to condition. This relatively inexpensive DIY task will ensure good indoor air quality without negatively impacting your energy costs.

Clear the Debris From Outside HVAC Equipment

If you have a central AC, a ductless mini-split, a ducted heat pump, or any kind of cooling equipment that includes an outdoor compressor, it is vital to clear out the space around it. Foliage, twigs, trash, building materials, kids’ toys, and just about anything else you might find in your backyard can cause problems when it comes time to turn on your cooling system for the first time this season. Clear a 12” to 18” space around your outside unit. Including any landscaping that may have overgrown into the space around your compressor.

Inspect Your Thermostat

Is your thermostat operating as it should? Does it need new batteries? Does the temperature on your thermostat seem to give an accurate reading of the temperature in your home? If you have noticed issues with your thermostat, or if you have upgraded any heating and cooling equipment recently. You should consider replacing your thermostat with a programmable or smart thermostat. These compact and easy-to-use devices are the brain of your home comfort. Additionally, they can offer increased control and energy bill savings!

Clean Heat Pump Filters

If your home comfort system includes a mini-split heat pump, most makes and models allow for easy DIY cleaning of the air filters. Here is how to clean your heat pump filters:

1. Turn off the unit.
2. Then lift up the front cover using the lift tabs on the side.
3. Remove the air filter—it should then look like plastic with a sheer metal screen.
4. Wash the filter in the sink with warm water until all debris and dust are removed.
5. Further, allow the filter to fully dry.
6. Place the filter back into your heat pump and then close the front cover.

Schedule Professional HVAC Maintenance

The final thing on your to-do list should be to call in the home heating, cooling, and indoor air quality specialists at Precision Tech. One of our experienced and knowledgeable technicians will get “under the hood” of your HVAC units. Whether that is an air conditioner, a heat pump system, or even your furnace.

A thorough HVAC tune-up ensures your heating system is back in fighting shape after a long winter. In addition, your cooling system is ready for the upcoming gauntlet of another hot New Jersey Summer!