Keep your home comfortable with these timely tips.

If you’re like most people, your heating and air conditioning system was working overtime this winter. So instead of just easing back and forgetting about your system until summer, you’d be wise to take advantage of the mild spring weather to give your HVAC the attention it deserves and make sure it will be ready for summer.

Let’s start with the basics. A change in season is a signal to change your filters. Or if you have a high end HEPA filter, you should clean it. If you do nothing else, do that. It keeps your air clean and makes your system more energy efficient.

While you’re working on your unit, go ahead and vacuum any dust or debris you might find and check for any loose or corroded connections. If your system has a humidifier or dehumidifier, remove the housing, allow the unit to dry and vacuum it as well.

Here’s something you might not ever think about – clean your bathroom fans. Take off the cover (after disconnecting the power), wash with soapy water and clean the blades. Allow it to dry completely before reconnecting the power.

If your system is over ten years old, you might want to consider replacing it with a new, high efficiency system. New systems can save you big bucks on your energy bill and can be properly sized to make sure you enjoy the ultimate in comfort. And spring is the perfect time for such a conversion. After all, wouldn’t you rather have a day or two of downtime in April instead of August!

Moving outside, you should make sure that your exterior HVAC equipment and any window units you might have are free and clear of shrubs, trees or growth of any nature. If your greenery is too close, break out the pruning shears.

Make sure you check around all your doors and windows for small cracks that may have developed during the winter and recaulk as necessary.

And finally, if you’d rather someone else give your HVAC system a spring sprucing, schedule an appointment with your local ARS or Rescue Rooter service expert today.