Winter is over, and warmer days are on the way! Before you start enjoying the spring sunshine, it’s important to check on your HVAC system. Your heater has been working hard for months, and your air conditioner has been sitting idle. To avoid unexpected breakdowns and ensure your home stays comfortable, now is the time to perform seasonal maintenance.
Following this checklist will help you:
✅ Improve energy efficiency
✅ Lower your utility bills
✅ Prevent expensive repairs
✅ Keep your home comfortable year-round
Let’s go over how to switch from heating to cooling, check for winter damage, and get your AC ready for spring in Wichita.
- Key Takeaways from the End-of-Winter HVAC Checklist
- How to Get Your Heating System Ready for Warmer Weather
- Check for Winter Damage
- Get Your Air Conditioner Ready for Spring
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – End-of-Winter HVAC Checklist
- Why is it important to check my HVAC system after winter?
- How often should I replace my HVAC filters?
- How do I know if my outdoor AC unit has winter damage?
- When should I turn on my AC for the first time after winter?
- What are common signs my AC needs professional maintenance?
- Can I clean my AC unit myself?
- What’s included in a professional HVAC tune-up?
- When is the best time to schedule spring HVAC maintenance?
- How can I lower my energy bills this spring and summer?
Key Takeaways from the End-of-Winter HVAC Checklist
✅ Gradually Adjust Your Heating System – Lower the thermostat slowly instead of turning the heater off all at once. Update programmable thermostats to match the changing weather.
✅ Replace Air Filters – Clean or replace your furnace and AC filters every 1–3 months to improve airflow, lower energy bills, and reduce allergens in your home.
✅ Inspect and Clean Vents & Ducts – Remove dust and debris from air vents to improve indoor air quality and HVAC efficiency.
✅ Check for Winter Damage – Inspect the outdoor unit for bent fins, debris, or damage caused by snow and ice. Listen for unusual noises that could signal worn-out parts.
✅ Review Energy Bills – A sudden increase in heating costs may indicate an issue with your system, such as a clogged filter, duct leaks, or thermostat problems.
✅ Prepare Your AC for Warmer Weather – Clean the outdoor AC unit, test it before the first hot day, and check for refrigerant leaks or airflow issues.
✅ Schedule a Professional Tune-Up – An HVAC technician can inspect electrical components, check refrigerant levels, and ensure your system is ready for the cooling season.
✅ Book Early to Avoid Peak-Season Delays – Scheduling your Spring HVAC Maintenance in Wichita before summer helps prevent costly breakdowns and last-minute repairs.
How to Get Your Heating System Ready for Warmer Weather
As the weather warms up, you’ll be using your heater less and your AC more. But don’t just shut off your furnace and forget about it! These simple steps will help keep your system in good shape for next winter.
1. Gradually Reduce Heater Usage
Rather than shutting off your heater all at once, lower the thermostat by a few degrees at a time over several days. This will help your home adjust to the changing temperatures and prevent sudden temperature swings.
If you have a programmable thermostat, adjust the settings to prevent unnecessary heating.
2. Replace Your Furnace Filter
Your HVAC filter collects dust, dirt, and allergens. A clogged filter makes your system work harder, which can lead to:
- Higher energy bills
- Poor airflow and system strain
- Increased allergens in your home
Steps to replace your HVAC filter:
- Turn off your HVAC system.
- Locate the filter (usually near the return air duct).
- Remove the old filter and check for dirt buildup.
- Insert a new filter that matches your system’s size.
If you have pets or allergies, a high-efficiency filter will help trap more dust and pollen.
3. Clean Air Vents and Ducts
Dust and debris build up in your vents over winter, reducing airflow and making your system less efficient. Cleaning them will improve air quality and help your system run smoothly.
How to clean your vents:
✔ Remove vent covers and vacuum inside.
✔ Wipe down vent covers with a damp cloth.
✔ If there’s a lot of buildup, consider professional duct cleaning.
4. Adjust Your Thermostat
Your thermostat plays a big role in energy savings. As spring arrives:
✔ Switch from heating mode to cooling mode.
✔ Set a comfortable temperature (around 75°F is a good starting point).
✔ If you have a smart thermostat, update the settings to reduce energy use when you’re away.
Check for Winter Damage
Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures can take a toll on your HVAC system. Checking for damage now can prevent bigger issues later.
1. Inspect the Outdoor Unit
Your outdoor unit (also called the condenser) may have collected debris, and winter weather could have caused damage.
What to look for:
- Bent or broken fins on the unit
- Leaves, twigs, or dirt around the unit
- At least two feet of open space around the unit for proper airflow
If you see visible damage, schedule a professional inspection before summer.
2. Listen for Unusual Noises
Did your heater make strange noises this winter? Sounds like rattling, banging, or squeaking could mean:
🚨 Loose or worn-out parts
🚨 A dirty blower fan
🚨 A clogged air filter
If your system isn’t running smoothly, have an HVAC technician inspect it before next winter.
3. Check Your Energy Bills
Did your heating costs suddenly increase this winter? If so, your HVAC system might be struggling.
Possible reasons include:
⚡ A clogged air filter
⚡ Leaky ductwork
⚡ A malfunctioning thermostat
Addressing these issues now can help lower your bills next winter.
Get Your Air Conditioner Ready for Spring
With warmer weather coming, your AC needs attention after months of inactivity.
1. Clean the AC Unit
Dirt and debris can block airflow and reduce efficiency. Cleaning the outdoor unit ensures your air conditioner runs efficiently.
How to clean your AC condenser:
🔹 Turn off the power to the unit.
🔹 Remove leaves, sticks, and dirt from around the unit.
🔹 Use a garden hose to gently rinse off dirt from the fins.
If the unit is very dirty or damaged, schedule a professional cleaning.
2. Test the Air Conditioner Early
Don’t wait for the first hot day to turn on your AC. Testing it early ensures it’s working properly when you need it.
How to test your AC:
✅ Set your thermostat to cooling mode.
✅ Lower the temperature a few degrees.
✅ Listen for unusual noises.
✅ Check if cool air is coming from the vents.
If your AC isn’t cooling properly, there may be a refrigerant issue or airflow problem that needs professional attention.
3. Check Refrigerant Levels
Refrigerant helps cool your home, but if levels are too low, your AC won’t work efficiently.
Signs of a refrigerant problem:
🚫 Warm air from vents
🚫 Ice forming on refrigerant lines
🚫 A hissing sound near the outdoor unit
Only a licensed HVAC technician can check and refill refrigerant safely.
4. Replace AC Filters
Just like your furnace filter, your AC filter needs regular replacement. A clean filter improves airflow and helps your system run efficiently.
When to change your AC filter:
📌 Every 1–2 months if you have pets or allergies.
📌 Every 3 months for most homes.
Conclusion
As seasons change, your HVAC system needs care to stay efficient and reliable. Preparing your heating and cooling systems now helps prevent costly repairs, lowers energy bills, and keeps your home comfortable. Simple tasks like changing air filters, cleaning vents, and inspecting outdoor units can make a big difference.
Testing your air conditioner early and scheduling professional maintenance will help you avoid breakdowns when the summer heat arrives.
Don’t wait until the first scorching day to find out your AC isn’t working! The best time for spring HVAC maintenance is now—before peak demand for service. At Integrity Trade Services, we specialize in keeping your home comfortable year-round. Whether you need a seasonal check-up, a system tune-up, or expert advice, we’re here to help.
📞 Call us at 316-249-4249 or
🌐 Visit https://integritywichita.com/ to schedule your appointment.
A little preparation now will keep your home cool, comfortable, and energy-efficient all season long!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – End-of-Winter HVAC Checklist
Why is it important to check my HVAC system after winter?
Winter weather can put a lot of strain on your heating system, and your air conditioner has been sitting unused for months. Checking both systems ensures they’re working efficiently, prevents unexpected breakdowns, and can help reduce your energy bills.
How often should I replace my HVAC filters?
- Every 1–2 months if you have pets or allergies.
- Every 3 months for most households.
- If your filter looks dirty or clogged before the recommended time, replace it sooner.
How do I know if my outdoor AC unit has winter damage?
Look for signs like bent fins, debris buildup, or ice damage. If the unit seems blocked or damaged, it might not function properly when you turn it on. Cleaning the unit and scheduling an inspection can prevent bigger issues.
When should I turn on my AC for the first time after winter?
Test your air conditioner in early spring before the first hot day. This gives you time to fix any issues before temperatures rise.
What are common signs my AC needs professional maintenance?
- Weak or warm airflow coming from vents.
- Unusual noises like rattling, buzzing, or clicking.
- Ice forming on the refrigerant lines.
- Higher-than-usual energy bills.
- The AC keeps turning on and off frequently.
Can I clean my AC unit myself?
Yes! Turn off the power, remove debris from around the unit, and use a garden hose to rinse off the coils. However, deeper cleaning and refrigerant checks should be handled by a professional.
What’s included in a professional HVAC tune-up?
A technician will:
✔ Inspect electrical components and wiring.
✔ Check and clean system parts.
✔ Test cooling efficiency.
✔ Check refrigerant levels and look for leaks.
✔ Ensure your system is working at peak performance.
When is the best time to schedule spring HVAC maintenance?
Early spring is ideal, before HVAC companies get busy with summer service calls. Scheduling early helps ensure your system is ready before the first heatwave.
How can I lower my energy bills this spring and summer?
- Change air filters regularly to keep airflow strong.
- Use a programmable thermostat to control temperatures efficiently.
- Seal duct leaks to prevent cooled air from escaping.
- Schedule seasonal maintenance to keep your system running smoothly.
This article has been a collaboration between Integrity Trade Services and OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Created on February 16, 2025, it combines AI-generated draft material with ITS’s revision and oversight, ensuring accuracy and relevance while addressing any AI limitations.
