Now that winter is over and spring has officially begun, it's time to prepare your HVAC system for the season change. Proper maintenance is essential to both your heating and cooling systems. Luckily, there are some steps you can take that will help you prepare both units for the arrival of warm weather. Here are three steps you can take to weatherize your HVAC system.

Clear the Ducts

When it comes to preparing your HVAC system for the changing seasons, the first thing you should do is clear your ducts. Whether you're heating or cooling your home, the air is filtering through the ducts in your home. That means they're collecting dirt, dust, and other contaminants.

Without proper cleaning, those contaminants are going to flow through to the air you're breathing. Not only that, but that debris is also going to clog up your heating and cooling system. Before the warm weather arrives and you need to use your air conditioner on a daily basis, have your ducts professionally cleaned.

While your ducts are being cleaned, you should remove the vent covers and give them a thorough cleaning, as well. Fill your sink with warm water and add several teaspoons of grease-cutting dish detergent. Soak your vent covers for about 30 minutes, and then wash them with a green scrubbing sponge. Allow them to air dry and then replace them.

Change the Filter

While you're shutting down the heater and powering up the air conditioner for warm weather, don't forget to change the filter. Your filter is your HVAC system's first line of defense against clogged heating and cooling elements. If your filter gets clogged, your heater and air conditioner will have to work too hard to push air through the ducts. You can protect your HVAC system and prevent problems by changing your filter several times a year, especially at the change of each season.

Clean the Heating and Cooling Units

During the change of seasons, it's important that you clean both your heating and cooling units. Begin by vacuuming all the external components of your heating unit. This will remove the dirt that could damage your heater while it's shut down during the summer. Finally, clean your air conditioner. First, use a hose to wash the external coils and blade to remove dirt that could interfere with energy efficiency. Next, clean the condenser tube to remove mold. You can clean that by using a small pipe cleaner. Finally, check the wiring to make sure there's no damage, such as cracking or fraying.

Now that the seasons are changing, it's time to get your HVAC system prepared. For other tips on how to prepare your heating and cooling systems for the changes, contact an HVAC service technician near you, or check out websites like http://www.airtimelv.com.