HVAC Spring Cleaning Checklist: 5 Essential HVAC Cleaning Tasks

Spring cleaning refreshes the home, improving your living environment and air quality. As you give your house some much-needed TLC, consider our HVAC spring cleaning checklist before turning on central air for the first time. 

Your HVAC system includes: 

• AC units 
• Furnaces 
• Thermostats 
• Vents and ductwork 
• Heat pumps 

Have you been wondering, “How do I clean my air conditioner in the Spring?” We can help. Link ClimateCare services families and businesses across Beaverton and the surrounding areas, offering services in central air Spring maintenance. To get you started, here are 5 steps to check off your HVAC cleaning list. 

1. Clean Furnace Filter for Spring 

If you have a reusable furnace filter, now’s the time to give it a good cleaning. For disposable filters, you should replace the filter every 90-days during peak season. Like your AC, when your furnace blows warm air into your home, it sends dust and dirt along with it. The filter captures this debris, keeping it from entering your home and lungs. 

To clean a reusable furnace filter (when in use): 

• Turn the furnace off and remove the filter from its holder 
• Note the direction of airflow on the filter as you will need to reinsert it facing the same direction 
• Wash and rinse the filter with soap and water 
• Thoroughly dry the filter 
• Reinsert filter and turn the furnace on 

2. Vacuum Vents to Sweep Air Conditioner 

Cleaning the ductwork in your home is a huge step in your HVAC spring cleaning routine. Vacuuming visible vents is easy enough. For a deep clean, contact your local heating and cooling or duct cleaning specialists to thoroughly clean your ductwork. 

To clean registers, use a damp cloth or rag to wipe away dust and film. Run the cloth in between slats to get all the clinging debris. Next, remove the register and using a narrow vacuum attachment, thoroughly suck out dust and dirt from inside the vent. 

3. Change the Air Conditioner Filter 

Your air conditioning unit sends cool air throughout your home. Without a filter, the unit would send dust and debris along with it. Changing the air conditioner filter ensures your unit runs smoothly throughout the spring and summer seasons. 

To change the AC filter, follow these steps: 

• Turn your AC unit off 
• Slide the soiled filter from the filter slot 
• Safely dispose of the old filter, or clean it (if reusable) 
• Replace the new (or newly cleaned) filter 

Want to learn more about how to keep your HVAC system in tip-top shape for any season? Contact us today to find out how we can help.

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4. Clear Around the Outside AC Unit 

As you begin spring air conditioner maintenance, don’t forget the outside portion of the unit. Most homeowners cover the external portion of the AC unit during the fall and winter months when it goes unneeded. Whether covered or not, growth and debris build up around the exterior. 

Before turning on the AC for the warm months ahead, trim back growth, and sweep around the unit to keep these external materials from getting inside. 

5. Call HVAC Service for AC Maintenance 

To keep your HVAC system running smoothly, your air conditioning unit should be inspected and serviced once a year. Spring is the best time to have your AC maintained because it has likely been resting since autumn and will be needed throughout the summer. 

Your HVAC specialists will inspect your unit for age and wear, damage, and cleaning requirements. They will then tune up your machine to make sure it runs in tip-top shape all summer. 

Wrapping Up Your Central Air Conditioner Maintenance Checklist  

Interested in learning more about how to get your AC ready for summer? Call Link ClimateCare today to schedule AC maintenance and hear about our air conditioner maintenance checklist and furnace cleaning checklist.