Daylight Savings HVAC Checklist

With daylight savings time coming up in March, it’s time to start thinking about what steps you need to take to get your house ready for the change and make sure you’re all set for the warmer months.

While your home is completely closed against winter weather, your HVAC units get a workout. We’re talking sediment, dust, and clogged ducts. Start getting everything cleared now to make sure it operates efficiently in time for daylight savings.

Thermostat

Most modern home thermostats are considered “smart,” with digital displays and a range of features connecting them to the internet. If you have a smart thermostat, chances are it will adjust all on its own. But just in case it has some trouble, we’ve provided links below to the major thermostat manufacturers with their instructions on how to manually adjust the time.

Cooling Unit

With summer on the way, it’s critical to make sure your AC unit is in working order before the heat hits. In winter, leaves, dirt, and even snow collect around your air conditioner, which can cause issues when you start it up again after daylight savings.

To make sure it’s running correctly with no problems, follow our basic checklist.

Clear leaves and debris from the outdoor AC unit
Clean or replace the air filter
Inspect outdoor wiring for signs of damage
Carefully rotate fan blades and check them for debris
Run the cooling system for an hour

Fans and Exhaust Ducts

Exhaust fans throughout the house are a less considered area of HVAC maintenance, but they’re essential for proper ventilation. With the house closed up in winter, they can easily be obstructed. Exhaust helps your home “breathe,” which helps reduce humidity and decreases the chance of mold developing.

Make sure to thoroughly check your home’s exhaust system by following these simple steps.

Using a vacuum, clean bathroom exhaust fans
Clean the filters in your cooking range exhaust
Inspect and clean your attic exhaust fans
Check and clean the attic exhaust vents

Sump Pumps

If your basement is prone to flooding, you’re likely aware of how vital a sump pump is, especially if there is HVAC equipment there. Sump pumps expel water from your basement, but to do so efficiently, they might need a little help. Follow these steps to make sure your sump pump is ready for the spring and summer storms to lower the risk of unpleasant and possibly expensive clean-up costs.

Make sure the sump pit is free from debris and sediment
Treat the system pump with three cups of white vinegar and let sit for an hour
Flush the sump pit with cold water
Put two gallons of cold water through the condensate pump

Don’t be caught with preventable problems when they’re more expensive and less convenient to fix. Following these simple steps before daylight savings starts will set your HVAC system up for success throughout the summer. If you need a hand, call Acker Heating & Cooling for your heating and cooling needs throughout the year.

Bryan Acker