Essential Plumbing & AC Maintenance for Baltimore’s Spring

Spring temperatures have many of us prepping lawn equipment, deep cleaning, or storing away winter jackets! Your home’s air conditioner and plumbing need some spring preparation, too.

Check out this guide to essential air conditioning and plumbing maintenance to ensure your home is ready for new seasonal demands!

Air Conditioning Maintenance

1. Change your air filters: Start spring with a clean sweep of your home’s air filters. Clogged filters obstruct airflow, forcing your system to work harder and be less efficient when meeting your cooling demands.
2. Test your thermostat: Give your thermostat a pop quiz before putting it to the test. Verify its functions by testing different settings and replacing the batteries if needed.
3. Inspect your outdoor unit: Your AC’s outdoor components have been dormant for several months. Examine the outdoor condenser unit for debris such as leaves, branches, and dirt. Check for damage that might have occurred during winter weather and clear away a few feet around the unit so it can gain optimal airflow.
4. Check your vents: Your system works most efficiently when your home’s vents are open, and the ducts can distribute air evenly throughout your home.
5. Schedule a tune-up: Much like servicing your vehicle, your air conditioner needs a tune-up to operate at optimal efficiency. You can extend the life of your unit with preventative AC maintenance each spring. Your technician can identify any components that need fixing, and you’ll be less likely to need emergency repairs during the height of summer.

Plumbing Maintenance

1. Test your sump pump: Your sump pump is your home’s spring hero because it keeps your home dry during extreme weather events. Spring is often full of heavy showers that can put that sump pump to the test, so conduct a sump pump test to ensure your unit won’t fail. If your sump pump isn’t working properly, you can have it expertly repaired now.
2. Check for leaks: Winter temperatures can do a number on plumbing lines, especially those exposed to outside walls or uninsulated areas of your home. Over the winter, frozen and then thawed water can create small plumbing leaks. Inspect your pipes for signs of leaks that can waste water and lead to costly damage if left unrepaired.
3. Maintain your outdoor plumbing: Your outdoor spigot was likely drained and turned off for the winter. Now that spring is here, you need to access your hose bibb to wash your car, clean outdoor furniture, and water your lawn. Inspect outdoor faucets and hoses for any damage that might have been caused by water trapped and frozen in the lines. Replace any worn hose gaskets or other components to prevent leaks.
4. Monitor your utility bills: Compare this month’s bill to the same month last year, or check for an unusual spike that can indicate a water leak in your plumbing system.
5. Inspect your water heater: Chances are there have been some long, hot showers this winter. Check your water heater for any sign of corrosion, leaks, or unusual noises. Flush the tank to remove sediment buildup, which can affect its efficiency and lifespan.

Schedule Home Services

Before you expect your air conditioning and plumbing systems to spring into action this spring, show them a little TLC with preventative maintenance and inspection.

At Len The Plumber Heating & Air, we can help get your home’s system ready no matter the season. We provide fast, expert service when you need us most.

Call (800) 950-4619(800) 950-4619 today to sign up for our service plan to streamline maintenance or schedule HVAC or plumbing repairs.