Spring is almost upon us and this is the time of year when we begin to think about a fresh start. As the weather turns warmer, it’s natural to give our homes a good spring clean and our HVAC system is an important aspect that should not be overlooked. After all, the heating and cooling systems bring fresh air into our homes and they can dramatically affect the levels of pollen, dust and airborne pollutants. Many homes have poor indoor air quality (IAQ) and it may be worse than the air quality outdoors! In this article, we will take a closer look at five HVAC spring cleaning tips in more detail.
1. The Bedrooms
It’s uncomfortable to think about dust mites, bedbugs and other small creatures that are lurking in our homes. But, the fact is that they collect in our bedsheets, pillows, mattresses and other soft furnishings. The bedrooms are a prime location for these creatures because we spend a lot of our time there resting. These microscopic pests are actually related to spiders and they can trigger asthma attacks and allergic reactions. They can even be found in bedroom furniture, drapes, carpets and other areas too. The best way to deal with these creatures is to thoroughly vacuum every surface. All bedding should be washed weekly to remove them for the week ahead. But, you may be unaware that you can decrease the number of dust mites in your home with air filtration. The primary purpose of the air filters in your HVAC systems is to protect the sensitive components. But, they do collect a lot of airborne dust and debris before it’s recirculated back into the home. Changing the air filter regularly is a good start and you may want to consider an upgrade to a unit with a MERV rating of 11 or 12. If you want the ultimate air cleaning experience, contact your local HVAC specialist and ask about air purification systems.
2. The Kitchen
The kitchen is one area where it’s very important to practice good hygiene standards. After all, this is where we cook our food, and eating unsanitary food can cause illness. To clean the kitchen, many people opt for a quick fix using air fresheners, aerosol sprays, and other chemical cleaning products. These can be effective, but they are toxic to the environment and some can even cause chemical burns if they come into contact with skin. The release of these chemicals into the air will lower the IAQ leading to asthma attacks and allergic reactions. People with pre-existing respiratory illnesses are usually the first to notice the use of these products. The best way to deal with this situation is to make a switch to greener cleaning products to make the environment less toxic. Also, consider an air purification system to make the air clean, fresh, and free from harmful contaminants.
3. The Bathrooms
The bathroom surfaces may look clean, but they can be a breeding ground for bacteria, mold, and other harmful microorganisms. This is especially true if you have hard water which can form sticky soap scum. Even the tile grout can harbor these nasty microorganisms and it can be difficult to clean these surfaces thoroughly. Again, resorting to harsh chemical cleaners is not the right answer and it may make the environment worse. A better option is to make your own cleaning solution with a 1:1 ratio of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the areas liberally, leave them for 10-20 minutes and scrub the area clean to kill and remove the bacteria. It’s also important to clean the bathroom fans at least once per year and spring cleaning is the ideal time to perform this task. Turn off the power, remove the cover, wash it in warm soapy water and remove the dirt from the fan blades with an old toothbrush. When you take the time to remove dirt, the IAQ and the efficiency of the fan are improved.
4. The Family Room
The family room suffers from many of the problems that we highlighted in the bedrooms section of this article. Hopefully, we get to spend regular time in the family room relaxing after a hard day at work or school. So, it should come as no surprise that dust mites are probably lurking in rugs, carpets, drapes, cushions, and other soft furnishings. Dust mites are the source of dust mite allergens which can cause allergic reactions. Unfortunately, these mites are tiny enough to pass through the walls of a typical vacuum cleaner bag. But, regular vacuuming does keep their numbers down if you tackle those dust bunnies that may be lurking out of sight. If you have ceiling fans, remove the dust now and they will be ready to use when the weather gets warmer. This is the perfect time to fix any air leaks with caulk to improve the insulation characteristics of the room. If you have high humidity levels, consider a dehumidifier and an exhaust fan to get the problem under control.
5. Clean the Outdoor AC Units
Many people clean the indoor vents and arrange for duct cleaning to improve the performance, efficiency, and IAQ in their homes. This is a great idea, but don’t forget about the outdoor AC units. When the weather turns hot, you will need these units to be performing efficiently to make the home cool and comfortable. Over the winter months, these units are usually covered with dirt and dust. The internal spaces may contain dead leaves and other debris that lowers the energy efficiency. First, make sure the area around the units is clean and clear of debris. If you have items stored there, move them to another location and trim back any vegetation that may have grown into the area. Then clean the area with a low-pressure hose before you take a closer look at the unit. There is a drainage hole on the AC unit cabinet base, check it for debris to make sure it can drain efficiently.
If you need to schedule a spring tune-up for your HVAC system, contact your local heating and cooling specialist today.