It feels more like summer than spring in South Florida, but that doesn’t mean we can ignore our spring maintenance to-do lists. It’s more important than ever to be ready for the hot weather ahead. Make sure to follow the spring checklist for your HVAC system before it gets really hot.

Easy Homeowner DIY Checklist

If you’re not big on home improvement projects, you can still save money by performing some maintenance tasks yourself.

Here’s a quick list of easy DIY tasks:

Change air filters

Change filters every month if you have allergies, but the minimum is every 90 days. A clean filter ensures the AC flows freely when you need it and improves the air quality in your home.

Clean ceiling fans

Ceiling fans collect a lot of dust over time. Spring is a good time to remove dust, wipe them clean, and change the rotation direction settings for summer cooling. (If you haven’t already.)

Clean vents

It’s no substitute for professional duct cleaning but does add your vents to your spring-cleaning routine. Remove them, wash them, and use the extension tool on your vacuum to remove dust from inside the ducts.

Check thermostat

Like your smoke detector, change your thermostat battery every six months. If you have a programmable thermostat, adjust your settings for summer operation.

Clean up around the outdoor unit

Spring landscaping chores should include cleaning up the outdoor AC unit. Remove any leaves or branches from around the unit. Cut back any overhanging foliage and remove all weeds from around the pad.

Advanced DIY Spring Checklist

If you’re handy with tools, you can try your hand at more complex tasks for maintaining your HVAC system.

Clean evaporator coils

The evaporator coils are located in your indoor AC unit, usually above the blower motor. Turn off the system, cut the breaker, and open the access panel to clean the evaporator coils. You’ll need compressed air and a commercial coil cleaner.

This improves the cooling power of your AC unit as well as the indoor air quality of your home.

Clean drain pan and line

Moisture removed from the air collects in the drain pan under the indoor unit, where it’s piped outdoors or to a waste drain. Check for dirt in the pan and flush the drain line with a vinegar and water solution to remove algae.

Clean condensing unit

The coils in the outdoor unit become dirty, reducing the efficiency of your AC unit. After turning off the system and cutting the power, remove the access panel and use a mild cleaning solution and a hose to remove any grime.

If the fins are bent or damaged, use a fin comb to realign them.

Your Worry-Free Checklist

Better yet, make an appointment today with the experts at One Hour Air in Miami. We’ll take care of all of the items on the spring checklist for your HVAC system. From duct cleaning to thermostat programming, we’ll keep you cool and comfortable this summer.