The winter was long and rough, but now spring is on the horizon. As temperatures rise, the time to turn on your air conditioner is getting closer. Before setting your thermostat down, now would be a good time to think about cleaning up.
Your HVAC contractor in Williamsburg, VA, may suggest some housekeeping before turning on your AC for the first time. For instance, start with your air ducts. The ducts lining your home may be holding some dust and other particles that have formed while your heating system was running. As such, turning on the AC also runs the risk of circulating these particles and lowering the indoor air quality.
Duct cleaning is an effective strategy for getting rid of dust. Now would be a great time to do so as well. Considering that spring is also a time when allergens like pollen reign supreme, it would make sense to make sure your ducts are free of them.
A clean air duct circulates cold air more effectively, too. Dust and other solid particles force your air conditioning to work harder. As a consequence, they use more energy and can drive up your energy costs. Cleaning your ducts can go a long way in keeping your energy costs manageable.
While there is a lot of emphasis on cleaning air ducts, it also makes sense to check your air filters as well. Many HVAC contractors recommend replacing your filter twice a year while checking them each month. Filters are relatively inexpensive. Naturally, you may need to clean or replace them more often if you run your AC frequently.