Are You Forgetting These Essential Spring HVAC Tasks?

As temperatures start to climb in Hendersonville, Springfield, White House, and surrounding areas, now is the perfect time to make sure your HVAC system is ready for the summer heat. A little maintenance now can help you avoid expensive breakdowns, lower energy bills, and keep your home cool and comfortable when you need it most.

At Petitt Heating & Cooling, we know how important it is to have an HVAC system you can count on during the hottest months of the year. That’s why we’ve put together this simple, homeowner-friendly spring maintenance checklist– so you can have peace of mind knowing your system is in top shape before summer arrives.

Change Your Air Filter

Replacing your air filter is one of the easiest and most effective ways to keep your HVAC system in top shape. A clogged filter restricts airflow, making your system work harder to cool your home, which can increase energy bills, reduce cooling efficiency, and even lead to system damage over time.

How Often: Every 1-3 months, depending on your filter type and how much your system runs. If you have pets, allergies, or live in a high-pollen area, consider replacing it more frequently.

Quick Tip: Not sure if it’s time to replace your filter? Hold it up to the light. If you can’t see through it, it’s time for a new one!

Keeping up with filter changes is a small task that makes a big difference in keeping your home comfortable and your HVAC system running efficiently. If you’re unsure which filter is best for your system or need help with HVAC maintenance, Petitt Heating & Cooling is here to help!

Clean the Coils

Over time, your HVAC system’s evaporator and condenser coils collect dirt, dust, and grime. When these coils get too dirty, your air conditioner has to work harder to cool your home, leading to higher energy bills, reduced cooling performance, and even system failures.

How to Clean: Safety first! Always shut off power at the breaker before performing any maintenance. Use a soft brush or a vacuum with a brush attachment to remove loose dirt and dust. For outdoor condenser coils, gently rinse with a hose. For indoor coils, wipe clean with a damp cloth. Once the coils are dry, put everything back together and turn the system back on.

If cleaning your coils sounds like more than you want to tackle, Petitt Heating & Cooling can take care of it for you. Our professional maintenance services ensure your coils, filters, and entire system are in peak condition, so you stay cool all summer long. Call us today to schedule an inspection!

Check the Thermostat

Your thermostat is the command center of your HVAC system. If it’s not working properly, your home may feel too warm, your energy bills could spike, and your system might run longer than necessary. A quick check can ensure your AC is cooling efficiently and keeping your home comfortable without wasting energy.

What to Check: Ensure your thermostat is switched to cooling mode before the temperatures rise. Compare the thermostat reading to the actual room temperature. If there’s a big difference, recalibrate or replace it. If your thermostat runs on batteries, replace them at the start of each season. Make sure your thermostat isn’t near heat sources like lamps, windows, or appliances that could give false readings.

Upgrade Tip: A smart thermostat can help you reduce energy waste, lower utility bills, and make temperature adjustments easy– even when you’re not home.

If your thermostat isn’t working correctly or you’re interested in upgrading to a smart model, Petitt Heating & Cooling can help. Our experts can assess your current setup and recommend the best thermostat for your home’s needs. 

Inspect Your Ductwork for Leaks

Your home’s ductwork is responsible for delivering cool air throughout your space. If there are leaks, gaps, or blockages, your HVAC system has to work harder to maintain the right temperature, leading to higher energy bills, uneven cooling, and unnecessary wear on your system.

What to Look For: If you’ve noticed increased energy costs and your vents aren’t blowing as strongly as they should, duct leaks could be to blame. Some rooms may feel cooler than others, even with the AC running. Look for cracks, disconnected sections, or holes in exposed ductwork (often in attics, crawl spaces, or basements).

What to Do: Use HVAC-approved foil tape or duct mastic to cover visible cracks or gaps. Avoid regular duct tape, as it won’t hold up long-term. Make sure vents and registers are fully open and not blocked by furniture, rugs, or debris.

At Petitt Heating & Cooling, we offer professional duct inspections to identify hidden leaks, improve efficiency, and help you save money on cooling costs. If you suspect ductwork issues, call us today to schedule an inspection and keep your home comfortable all summer long.

Clear Debris Around Your Outdoor Unit

Your outdoor AC unit needs plenty of space and airflow to work efficiently. If it’s surrounded by overgrown grass, leaves, or debris, it has to work harder to cool your home– leading to higher energy bills, increased wear and tear, and potential breakdowns.

What to Do: Keep at least 2-3 feet of clearance around the unit to allow for proper airflow. Remove leaves, dirt, and debris– these can clog the system and restrict airflow. 

At Petitt Heating & Cooling, we provide comprehensive AC maintenance to keep your unit performing at its best. If you notice reduced cooling, weak airflow, or just want peace of mind before summer, give us a call today.

Check Refrigerant Levels

Refrigerant is the lifeblood of your air conditioning system, absorbing heat from inside your home and releasing it outside. If your system is low on refrigerant, it won’t cool properly, and it could lead to serious damage over time.

Signs of Low Refrigerant: If your system is running but not cooling, a refrigerant leak may be the cause. If your AC is freezing up, it could be struggling due to low refrigerant levels. Hissing or bubbling noises could indicate a leak in the refrigerant lines.

What to Do: Running your AC with low refrigerant can cause major strain on the compressor, leading to costly repairs or even system failure. Refrigerant isn’t something homeowners can replace themselves. A licensed professional can inspect for leaks, recharge the system, and ensure proper levels. If your system uses outdated refrigerant (like R-22, which is being phased out), you may need to upgrade to a more efficient, environmentally friendly system.

Schedule Professional HVAC Maintenance

Even if you keep up with basic maintenance like changing air filters and clearing debris, professional HVAC maintenance ensures your system is fully optimized before summer’s heat sets in. Regular maintenance can help prevent unexpected breakdowns, improve efficiency, and extend the life of your unit– saving you time, money, and hassle.

During a professional maintenance visit, a technician will check refrigerant levels, clean evaporator and condenser coils, inspect electrical components, test airflow, and calibrate the thermostat to ensure your system is running at peak performance. A full system health check also allows potential issues to be caught early, preventing costly repairs down the line.

Trust Petitt Heating & Cooling for Your HVAC Needs

Spring is the perfect time to make sure your HVAC system is prepared for the summer heat. A little preventative maintenance now can help you avoid unexpected breakdowns, improve efficiency, and keep your home cool and comfortable when temperatures rise. 

At Petitt Heating & Cooling, we offer expert maintenance, reliable repairs, and energy-efficient system upgrades to homeowners in Hendersonville, Springfield, White House, and surrounding areas. Whether you need seasonal maintenance, a quick fix, or a full system replacement, our team is here to help ensure your HVAC runs smoothly all summer long.

Why Homeowners Trust Us:

• Certified, experienced technicians – Highly trained professionals dedicated to quality service.
• 24/7 emergency repairs – HVAC issues don’t wait for a convenient time, and neither do we.
• Flexible financing options – Flexible payment plans for repairs or system replacements.
• Comprehensive maintenance plans – Keep your system in top shape year-round and prevent costly surprises.

Don’t wait for the summer heat to put stress on your system! Call Petitt Heating & Cooling at 615-654-0814 or schedule an appointment online to ensure your system is summer-ready.