Spring Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Home Comfort Equipment Running Smoothly

As the snow melts and the first signs of spring emerge across Ontario, it’s the ideal time to turn your attention indoors, specifically, to your home comfort equipment. While spring cleaning usually focuses on closets, garages, and windows, many homeowners overlook the vital systems that keep their homes livable: HVAC appliances. 

Spring is a transitional season, and just like we switch from winter boots to sneakers, our HVAC and plumbing systems need a seasonal tune-up too. Taking time to clean, inspect, and maintain your home comfort equipment in the spring helps ensure everything runs smoothly and efficiently throughout the summer and reduces the risk of unexpected (and often costly) breakdowns. 

Let’s dive into the essential spring maintenance steps you should take to keep your home’s comfort systems running at their best. 

1. Give Your Furnace a Final Check-Up 

Your furnace has likely worked hard over the winter to keep your family warm, and now that spring is here, it’s time to check in with it before it takes a break for the warmer months. 

Replace the Filter to Improve Efficiency and Air Quality  

Start by changing the furnace filter. This simple task can significantly improve indoor air quality, boost system performance, and even help your air conditioner operate more efficiently, especially since many homes share ductwork between heating and cooling systems. Not sure how often this should be done? Take a look at our guide on how often you should change your furnace filter to stay on top of maintenance year-round. 

Do a Quick Visual Inspection

While you're at it, do a quick visual inspection. Look for dust or debris buildup around the unit, check the blower area if it’s accessible, and listen for any unusual noises. If anything seems off, it might be a good time to schedule a tune-up.  

Should You Turn Off Your Furnace in Spring?

One question we often hear during this season is whether you should shut the furnace off completely. It’s a valid concern, especially for homeowners looking to reduce energy usage or make the most of their programmable thermostats. If you're wondering the same thing, check out our full article on whether you should turn your furnace off in spring. It breaks down when it’s a good idea to switch it off and when you might want to leave it running in standby mode. 

2. Get Your Air Conditioner Ready for Ontario’s Hot Summer 

Ontario summers can get hot and humid, so make sure your air conditioner is ready before the real heat hits. As temperatures start to rise, your air conditioner will soon be working hard to keep your home cool and comfortable. Spring is the perfect time to give it a once-over before the real heat sets in. A little preparation now can help you avoid unexpected breakdowns when you need cooling the most. 

Clear Debris Around the Outdoor Unit

Start by clearing any debris around the outdoor condenser unit. During the winter, leaves, branches, and even snow may have piled up around it. Make sure there’s at least two to three feet of open space on all sides to allow for proper airflow and ventilation.  

Inspect the Fins and Coils

Next, inspect the unit’s fins and coils. These can collect dirt and dust over time, which can reduce efficiency and increase energy use. Gently clean them using a soft brush or a vacuum with a brush attachment. If any of the fins appear bent, you can carefully straighten them using a fin comb or similar tool. 

Replace or Clean the Filter

Don’t forget to clean or replace the air filter inside your system. A clogged filter restricts airflow, forcing your air conditioner to work harder than it should. Replacing it is one of the simplest ways to improve both performance and energy efficiency. 

Test the System

Once the cleaning is done, test your air conditioner by turning it on briefly. Listen for unusual sounds, check that it’s blowing cold air, and make sure there are no strange smells or error messages on your thermostat or control panel. If anything doesn’t seem right, it’s best to have a professional take a look before summer arrives. 

Routine maintenance like this not only helps your air conditioner run more efficiently, it also extends its lifespan. By taking care of your system now, you can stay cool and stress-free all summer long. 

3. Check On Your Heat Pump 

If your home runs on a heat pump, spring maintenance is especially important. Unlike furnaces and air conditioners, which typically operate for only part of the year, heat pumps work year-round providing both heating in the winter and cooling in the summer. That means they rarely get a break, and regular upkeep is essential to keep things running smoothly.  

Clean or Replace the Air Filters

Start with the basics by cleaning or replacing the air filters. When filters become clogged with dust and debris, airflow is restricted, which makes the system work harder and reduces its overall efficiency. Keeping filters clean helps maintain performance and keeps your energy bills in check. 

Clean the Outdoor Coils

Next, inspect and clean the outdoor coils. Just like an air conditioner, a heat pump relies on these coils to transfer heat. Dirt, leaves, and other debris can block airflow and lower efficiency, so it’s a good idea to gently clean them in early spring. 

Test Mode Switching

After cleaning, take a moment to test how well the system switches between heating and cooling modes. Since heat pumps need to shift between functions with the changing seasons, spring is the perfect time to ensure everything is switching correctly. If it struggles to switch modes or doesn’t respond as expected, it could be a sign that your thermostat needs adjusting or the system needs servicing. 

Because heat pumps work more consistently than other HVAC systems, a spring inspection by a professional technician is a smart investment. They can catch any potential issues early, fine-tune the system, and make sure your home stays comfortable no matter the season.

4. Don’t Forget About Your Water Softener 

Hard water is a year-round issue in many parts of Ontario. While it might not get as much attention as your furnace or air conditioner, your water softener plays an important role in keeping your home running smoothly. A functioning water softener not only improves the quality of your water but also protects your appliances from scale buildup.

Hard water can leave behind mineral deposits that clog pipes, reduce appliance efficiency, and affect everything from your skin to your laundry. That’s why it’s important to include your water softener in your spring maintenance routine. 

Check the Salt Level

Start by checking the salt level in the tank. Ideally, it should be about half full. If it’s running low, top it up with high-quality water softener salt to keep the system functioning properly. 

Break Up Salt Bridges

Next, look for salt bridges. These are hard crusts that can form inside the tank and create a gap between the salt and the water below. This prevents the salt from dissolving as it should. If you spot one, gently break it apart using a broom handle or a similar tool. 

Clean the Brine Tank

If it’s been a while, spring is a great time to clean the brine tank. Drain the tank completely, rinse out any buildup or residue, and refill it with fresh salt. This helps prevent future clogs and keeps the system working efficiently. 

Keeping your water softener well-maintained helps protect your plumbing and appliances, while also improving water quality throughout your home. It makes a noticeable difference in your hair, skin, clothing, and more. 

5. Flush and Inspect Your Water Heater 

Spring is a great time to give your water heater a little love. Whether you use a traditional water heater tank or a tankless unit, over time, sediment can build up inside the tank, especially in areas with hard water. This buildup can reduce efficiency, increase the time it takes to heat water, and eventually lead to wear and tear on the system. 

Here’s what to do: 

Flush the Tank

To keep your water heater running efficiently, start by flushing the tank. Draining just a few gallons from the bottom can help remove accumulated sediment. If it hasn’t been done in a while, consider doing a complete flush or having a technician handle it for you. 

Check the Temperature Setting

Next, check the temperature setting. The recommended temperature is 120°F, which offers a good balance between energy savings and safety. Setting it higher can increase the risk of scalding, especially in homes with children, while setting it too low might not effectively kill bacteria. 

Look for Signs of Corrosion or Leaks

While inspecting the unit, look for any signs of rust, corrosion, or leaks around the tank or plumbing connections. These could indicate developing problems that should be addressed before they become serious. 

Staying on top of water heater maintenance helps ensure consistent hot water, reduces your energy bills, and minimizes the chances of unexpected repairs. 

Why Spring Maintenance Matters for Ontario Homeowners 

You might be wondering why it is so important to do all this now? 

The answer is simple: spring is the calm before the storm.

It’s a time when temperatures are mild, demand for HVAC service is lower, and you have time to catch small issues before they turn into bigger, more expensive problems. Taking care of your equipment now sets you up for a worry-free season ahead. 

Think of it like getting an oil change for your car. Skip it too long, and the cost of neglect adds up quickly. 

Let Go Lime Handle It for You 

We know that life gets busy, and not everyone has time to inspect filters, test systems, or flush tanks. That’s where Go Lime can help. 

We specialize in HVAC and home comfort services across Ontario, offering everything from seasonal maintenance to full system installations. Our certified technicians will make sure your equipment is clean, efficient, and ready for the months ahead. 

Whether you’re getting ready for summer or simply want peace of mind, we’ve got you covered. 

Book your spring maintenance with Go Lime today and enjoy a more comfortable, energy-efficient home - no matter the season.