Find a Pro to Complete Your Home’s Spring Maintenance List

Central Florida is subject to humid and inclement weather conditions practically any time of the year, which can take a toll on your home’s HVAC system. To help your home endure the seasons and provide greater comfort, make sure to complete your home’s spring maintenance checklist.

A/C and Ductwork

When heat and humidity settle in, your heat pump or A/C may be operating around the clock. Free airflow is vital for efficient cooling, so make sure to:

• Check your air-supply registers for even airflow. If you hear rattling noises from the air ducts, you probably have a loose seam.
• Inspect your ducts for leaks, holes and disconnections, especially in your attic and crawlspace.
• Leaks, holes and disconnected seams can be sealed with fiberglass mesh, mastic sealant and metal tape.
• Check your air filter. If it’s dirty, change or clean it as appropriate.

How’s Your Water Heater?

Many people don’t realize that water heating accounts for up to 20 percent of their energy bills. To save more energy, turn back your system’s hot water temperature to 120 degrees. You’ll still receive ample hot water with lower bills. Your water heater will also last longer at a lower temperature. You can boost temperature and save energy by wrapping all of your hot water pipes with fiberglass sleeves.

Seal Air Leaks

Humidity can make wooden building structures expand and contract when absorbing and releasing moisture. As a result, seals can weaken and gaps can form around windows and doors. To prevent this problem, make sure to seal windows and doors with foam weatherstripping and caulk.

Inspect Insulation

Attic insulation is very important for keeping cool air indoors and hot air outdoors. Attics can be hostile environments, so be cautious. Attic insulation should be 12 inches thick or more. If you’re not sure if your walls are insulated, remove a wall-switch plate and look inside. If you’re conducting an energy audit, your HVAC technician will measure wall heat gain/loss using specialized equipment.

If you would like some assistance with your Orlando home’s spring maintenance list, contact Rinaldi’s Air Conditioning Service. We’ve been providing quality HVAC service, repairs and installation since 1969.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Orlando, Florida and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about home maintenance and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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