Winter is almost over, and you’re ready for something fresh and new. Your heating and cooling system did a great job keeping you warm during the coldest months, but what do you need to do now to make sure it’s ready for summer? Ernst Heating & Cooling of Hamel, Illinois, recommends that homeowners tackle this important spring task list to keep your heating and cooling system working in any weather.
Replace your air filter
Changing your air filter is a simple yet effective way to increase the efficiency of your home comfort system. Your furnace or AC unit is equipped with an air filter to trap the dust, pollen, and other irritants that try to enter your home. Over time, however, this filter can get filthy, and your system will have to work harder to do its job. Swap out the dirty filter for a new one every three months or according to the manufacturer’s recommendation.
While you’re at it, consider other air quality solutions
Air filters are a great first defense against dust, dirt, and pollen, but air quality solutions take it a step further with superior air filtration. Did you know that indoor air may be 2 to 5 times more polluted than outdoors? Everyday irritants like dust, allergens, cleaning solutions, chemicals, or carbon monoxide may leave you with a scratchy throat and itchy eyes. Talk to the air quality experts at Ernst Heating & Cooling about air quality solutions, including air filtration systems attached to your existing home comfort system or germicidal lights installed within your ductwork to kill mold spores, bacteria, and other irritants.
Clean around your outdoor unit.
It’s been a brutally cold winter here in Illinois, and you probably haven’t spent too much time doing yard chores. Take advantage of spring temperatures now and tidy up the area around your outdoor unit. Clear away those sticks, dead leaves, and other yard debris that tend to gather around the unit over time. You’ll want unrestricted airflow once the AC turns on this summer.
Give the AC a test run
We recommend checking your AC before you need it in the summer. That way, you can call Ernst Heating & Cooling if you run into any problems. Start your system and listen for unusual noises like grinding, banging, or whistling. If you hear them—or if your AC doesn’t feel cool—call us for a service check.
Schedule your AC tune-up
If you spring for a tune-up, you’ll give your AC a head start this season. Just like your car appreciates regular oil changes, your AC unit needs a complete inspection and cleaning to keep it running efficiently during summer’s hottest months. Our trained technicians will thoroughly clean your AC’s evaporator, blower, and condenser coils so they’re ready to run in the summer. We’ll also examine and lubricate the moving parts and test and adjust any loose electrical connections and blower components. Want to save money and make sure you don’t miss these important maintenance tasks? Ask your technician about the Ernst Comfort Plan, which offers two precision tune-ups each year as well as priority scheduling and discounts on repairs and air filters.
These five simple steps can make a powerful difference for Illinois homeowners as we move out of winter and into warmer temperatures. To get a head start, call Ernst now at 618-217-1836 to schedule your spring tune-up. If it’s easier, you can also fill out our convenient online form at https://www.ernstheating.com/contact_us/ to request an appointment. Ernst Heating & Cooling has served the area for over 70 years. Let us serve you as well.