HVAC System Spring Cleaning Checklist

We’ve made it! Winter is almost over. The days are starting to get longer and it’s time to start tackling your Spring to-do list.

Where do I start?!

That answer is simple, every Spring Cleaning Checklist should start with your HVAC system. Spring is a popular time for people to get their HVAC system tuned up and ready to go for the summer heat, so maintenance spots can fill up fast. It’s better to get ahead of the rush and schedule your tune-up or cleaning ASAP.

How do I know if my HVAC system needs a tune-up?

We recommend regular tune-ups every 6 months or at the beginning of fall and end of winter. This will ensure that your HVAC system is running efficiently and problem-free as it works to keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. You can also run through our Spring cleaning checklist to help determine if your system is in need of maintenance.

Time to spring clean your way to a more efficient home! We’ve listed the top 10 HVAC system Spring cleaning checklist items that should be any homeowners top-priority this spring.   

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1. Clean HVAC Vents & Schedule a Duct Cleaning

All winter long your HVAC ducts have been pushing out dust, allergens, and pet hair. Spring is the perfect time to clean your duct vents and registers. To wash the grills you’ll need to first remove them from the vents. Vacuum visible debris from the grill, then wash them with warm water and a mild soap. You may want to schedule a duct cleaning too. This will remove all debris and allergens from your HVAC ducts throughout your home. So you can breathe easy knowing the air inside your home is clean.

2. Change HVAC Filters

As a general rule of thumb, your HVAC filters should be replaced every 90 days. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, replacing a dirty, clogged filter with a clean one can reduce your air conditioner’s energy consumption by up to 15 percent. There’s no such thing as changing your filters too often either.

Consider replacing your filters more frequently if:

• You have pets that shed (monthly replacement recommended)
• Household members have allergies or respiratory conditions
• You live in a high-dust environment
• You’re running your system continuously

Shipley Energy tip: Keep a supply of filters on hand so you’re never caught without a replacement. Note your filter size (typically printed on the filter frame) and purchase several at once to simplify this routine maintenance task.

3. Dust Ceiling Fans & Light Fixtures

It’s no secret that ceiling fans and light fixtures collect a lot of dust throughout the year. Spring is a popular time for households to use ceiling fans as a way to deal with early heat-waves before having to turn on the A/C. But what you may not realize is that all of the dust your HVAC vents blew around all winter is going to come flying off of your ceiling fan blades as soon as you turn it on. This is also a great time to check bathroom and stove range hood fans!

Cleaning process:

• Use an extendable duster or damp cloth to wipe both sides of each ceiling fan blade
• Clean light fixtures and covers, removing any insects or debris
• Check bathroom exhaust fans and kitchen range hood filters
• Wipe down ceiling registers and return air vents

4. Test Batteries in Smoke and Carbon-Monoxide Detectors

Your furnace and heating equipment have been working overtime all winter, and as you transition away from heating season, it’s the perfect time to make sure your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are up to the job.

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas produced by fuel-burning equipment like furnaces, boilers, and water heaters, so a functioning CO detector isn’t just a good idea… it’s your first line of defense.

Check and replace batteries in all detectors now, and make a note to check them again in the fall before heating season kicks back in. While you’re at it, swap out the batteries in your thermostat too.

Shipley Energy tip: A cracked heat exchanger is one of the most common sources of carbon monoxide leaks in the home, and it’s not something you’d ever spot on your own. Our HVAC technicians inspect the heat exchanger as part of every spring tune-up, giving you peace of mind heading into the warmer months.

5. Clean Around Outdoor A/C Unit

During the fall and winter, leaves, dirt, and other debris have likely made their way in and around your outdoor HVAC unit. Your unit should have at least 1-2 feet of clearance all the way around to help maximize airflow and improve your system’s performance. First you want to make sure the power is turned off. Start by clearing leaves, picking up trash, and trimming back any plants or bushes. You can then clean up the unit itself. Carefully vacuum the outside of the unit with a brush attachment.

When to call for service: If you notice damaged fins, refrigerant line issues, unusual corrosion, or if the unit isn’t level, schedule professional maintenance before testing your system. These issues can affect performance and may worsen if left unaddressed.

Shipley Energy HVAC technicians perform comprehensive outdoor unit inspections during spring tune-ups, addressing issues that affect cooling performance and system longevity.

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6. Test Your Air Conditioning System

Once you’ve cleaned up around your outdoor unit, it should be ready to test! Head to your thermostat and switch it to the cooling setting Adjust the temperature just enough to trigger your system to turn on. Wait a few minutes and then confirm that the system is working properly and that cool air is starting to circulate throughout the house. You’ll want to make sure all ceiling fans are turned off and windows and doors are closed during this test. If the air doesn’t seem adequately cool, make sure you have the thermostat on the correct setting and temperature. If all looks good but you’re still not feeling cool air, it might be time to have your system tuned-up and have the coolant replaced.

When to schedule service: If your air conditioning doesn’t start, runs but doesn’t cool effectively, makes unusual noises, or cycles on and off rapidly, contact a professional technician. These symptoms indicate issues that require trained diagnosis and repair.

Shipley Energy offers comprehensive air conditioning tune-ups that include refrigerant level checks, electrical connection testing, condensate drain cleaning, and performance verification—everything your system needs for reliable summer cooling.

7. Adjust Your Thermostat

If your thermostat is not programmable, we recommend upgrading before the summer heat arrives. Programmable thermostats are helpful with maximizing energy savings. Spring usually brings a lot of up and down in temperatures, warmer days but still pretty chilly at night. You’ll want to make sure your thermostat is set on the correct settings so you’re not over-cooling at night or heating during the day when it’s not needed.

Shipley Energy can help with thermostat selection and installation as part of our comprehensive HVAC services, ensuring your new thermostat integrates properly with your heating and cooling system.

8. Clean Fridge Coils

While not directly part of your HVAC system, your refrigerator coils affect your home’s overall energy consumption. Dust-covered coils force the compressor motor to work harder, increasing energy use and potentially shortening your refrigerator’s lifespan.

Cleaning process:

• Locate coils (typically on the back or underneath the unit)
• Unplug refrigerator or turn off power
• Use a coil brush or vacuum with brush attachment to remove dust
• Wipe accessible areas with a damp cloth
• Restore power and verify operation

Frequency: Cleaning coils once or twice yearly maintains optimal efficiency. If you have pets that shed, consider cleaning coils quarterly to prevent excessive dust accumulation.

9. Check Your Home’s Sealing and Weatherproofing

Winter can be tough on your home’s envelope. Freezing temperatures, ice, and moisture can work their way into door frames, window seals, and exterior walls — and by spring you may have gaps and cracks you didn’t have last fall. This matters more than most people realize: even small air leaks force your AC to work harder all summer, driving up your energy bills and putting unnecessary strain on your system.

Walk the perimeter of your home and check weatherstripping around doors and windows, look for cracks in caulking, and inspect any spots where pipes or wires enter the home from outside. These are quick, inexpensive fixes that pay for themselves fast. If you notice significant drafts or uneven cooling in certain rooms this summer, it may be worth having a professional energy audit done to identify where your home is losing conditioned air.

10. Review Your Winter Energy Bills

Before you close the book on heating season, it’s worth taking a few minutes to look back at what you spent. If your energy bills crept up this winter without a clear explanation (a colder-than-average stretch or a change in fuel prices) your heating system may be working harder than it should. Reduced efficiency is often a quiet symptom of a system that needs servicing, whether its a filter that went too long without changing, or ductwork that’s losing conditioned air before it reaches its destination.

Comparing this winter’s bills to last year’s is a simple way to spot a problem early. If something looks off, it’s worth contacting Shipley Energy we can help identify whether the issue is equipment, fuel, or something in between.

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Spring Cleaning, Done!

Hooray, you’re 10 tasks closer to being done with your spring cleaning to-do list! Your neighbors will be jealous when you’re relaxing on the porch with a cold drink while they’re still trying to get their air conditioning system to work.

While the items on our HVAC system spring cleaning checklist will help keep your system running smoothly, keep in mind that there are maintenance items that only trained HVAC technicians should handle. It’s important that your HVAC system gets inspected and tuned-up at the beginning of Spring and Fall. Regular maintenance will help keep your system running efficiently for years to come! Similarly, duct cleanings and regular filter-changes are key to maintaining clean air inside our home.

We make getting your HVAC system running in tip-top shape easier than ever! With several service plans available, you can choose one that fits your budget and protects your household from unexpected repairs. Get in touch with our team today to start, or call us at 1-800-839-1849.

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