Indoor air quality (IAQ) generally refers to the health and cleanliness of the air in indoor spaces and is directly related to the comfort and well-being of the occupants. Poor IAQ can cause serious health effects, especially since indoor air can become even more polluted than outdoor air. Good IAQ is important, especially since according to the Environmental Protection Agency, people in the United States spend approximately 90% of their time indoors. So here are some spring cleaning tips, including air conditioning repair in Saratoga, CA, to help improve IAQ.
1. Annual Professional Maintenance
The first step in HVAC spring cleaning should be scheduling your annual service. This routine appointment will help improve the safety, efficiency, and longevity of your HVAC system. It will also help ensure your air conditioner will be ready for the warmer days ahead.
2. Clean the Air Return Vents
Next, you want to remove any dust and dirt that has built up on the air return vents. You can remove them for cleaning or leave them installed. Use a vacuum hose to suck up loose debris. Then use a rag and some mild cleaner to wipe down the grill.
3. Clean the Registers
Dirt, pet hair, and small objects often collect in the floor registers around the home. So it is a good idea to remove the registers, wash them with soap and water, and pull out any debris collecting in the ductwork underneath.
4. Change the Filters
If the furnace has been running all winter the filter has been trapping pollutants like dust, dander, pet hair, and dirt. One of the best things you can do for your HVAC system to improve IAQ is to check the filter every month and replace it when it is clogged.
5. Clear the Area around Indoor Unit
It is important to keep the area around the indoor unit clear. Not only will this promote better air quality and efficient operation, but will also allow the unit to operate safely.
6. Clear the Area around Outdoor Unit
The outdoor unit probably collected a lot of dust and debris over the winter. Spring is the perfect time to clear things out. First, turn off the power to the outdoor unit. Then vacuum the fins with a soft brush attachment and be careful not to bend them. Then cut back any vegetation and remove any yard waste to prevent airflow problems.
7. Duct Cleaning and Sealing
Ducts do not need cleaning every year. In fact, this is a home maintenance task that only needs to be done once every five years or so. This is because the filters are designed to keep most of the dust and debris out of the ductwork. But, if moisture and debris do become a problem, you can often smell it. That is when you will want to call for duct cleaning.
Spring is a great time to carry out maintenance on your HVAC system, especially if you want to reduce allergens and pollutants to improve IAQ. If you need air conditioning repair in Saratoga, CA, don’t put it off. Contact the HVAC professionals at Pelle Heating & Air Conditioning.
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