Why Spring Prep Matters for Your HVAC System
As winter melts away and the weather warms, your HVAC system starts to shift gears. Preparing your air conditioner for the upcoming St. Louis heat isn’t just about comfort — it’s about preventing breakdowns, improving efficiency, and saving money before summer hits. A spring HVAC checkup ensures your cooling system is ready to take on long days of heat and humidity without missing a beat.
At Cherry Tree Heating & Air Conditioning, we recommend that homeowners use this pre-spring HVAC checklist to identify early signs that maintenance or service may be needed.
Your Pre-Spring HVAC Checklist
✅ 1. Check Your Air Filter
One of the easiest and most important steps is to check (and change) your HVAC air filter. A dirty filter restricts airflow, which makes your system work harder and can lead to overheating or poor cooling. We recommend checking your filter monthly and replacing it at least every 60–90 days — or more often if you have pets or allergies.
What to watch for:
- Visible dust or debris on the filter
- Increased dust around the house
- Weak airflow from vents
✅ 2. Look at the Thermostat
Before switching your system to cooling, take a minute to review your thermostat settings. Make sure it’s set to “cool” and that your desired temperature is realistic (usually around 72–74°F). If you’ve been using a programmable thermostat for winter settings, update the schedule to reflect spring and summer hours.
Signs something’s off:
- Temperature feels different than the setting
- Short cycling (AC turns on and off quickly)
- Delayed system start when adjusting temperature
✅ 3. Inspect Your Outdoor Unit
Winter weather can cause debris to pile up around your outdoor AC unit. Leaves, sticks, and even snowmelt buildup can clog airflow.
Do this:
- Clear away leaves, mulch, and branches from around the unit
- Make sure there’s at least 2 feet of clearance on all sides
- Check that the fan blades spin freely (power off first)
✅ 4. Check for Unusual Noises or Smells
When you turn on your system for the first time this spring, pay attention to anything unusual.
Red flags:
- Loud banging, squealing, or rattling sounds
- Burning smells or musty odors coming from the vents
- Unit takes too long to cool the home
Any of these could be a sign of worn belts, dirty components, or failing motors. Cherry Tree HVAC offers comprehensive inspections to diagnose and resolve these issues early.
✅ 5. Check for Uneven Cooling
Are some rooms still feeling stuffy or warm while others cool down quickly? This may indicate airflow issues or imbalanced ductwork.
Things to note:
- Weak airflow from some vents
- Hot or cold spots throughout the home
- Thermostat battles between family members
We offer custom solutions to address uneven comfort — whether that means zoning, adjusting ductwork, or system upgrades.
✅ 6. Review Your Energy Bills
Have your heating or cooling bills crept up over time? Even if your system seems to be working, a spike in energy usage could mean it’s struggling due to wear and tear.
Compare your energy usage to the same time last year. If costs have increased and your usage hasn’t, it may be time for a tune-up or inspection.
When to Call for a Professional Tune-Up
If you’ve checked off some items on this list and still have concerns, schedule a spring maintenance visit with Cherry Tree HVAC. Our certified technicians will:
- Clean and inspect your air conditioner or heat pump
- Test refrigerant levels and airflow
- Tighten electrical connections
- Inspect your thermostat, filter, coils, and more
This helps prevent breakdowns, improves efficiency, and ensures your system runs reliably when the heat hits.
Consider Joining the Sweet Comfort Club
Want the easiest way to stay on top of maintenance? Our Sweet Comfort Club includes:
- Two annual visits (spring and fall)
- Front-of-line service for emergency calls
- Discounts on repairs if needed
- Peace of mind year-round
It’s the best way to keep your system running like new, especially when the seasons change.
Let Cherry Tree HVAC Help You Stay Cool This summer!
Spring is the perfect time to check in on your HVAC system before summer stress sets in. This checklist will help you spot early warning signs so you can take action — whether it’s a quick filter swap or calling Cherry Tree HVAC for a professional tune-up.
We’re here with personalized service, expert inspections, and 24/7 availability to keep your home comfortable. If you’re in the St. Louis area and want to make sure your HVAC is ready for spring and beyond, reach out today.
Your comfort is our mission — every season, every day.