As the New Year begins, many of us have started the year off with the age-old tradition of setting resolutions to improve different areas in our lives. As your local HVAC company, we want to remind you to extend this practice to the maintenance of your HVAC system. It’s a crucial part of your home, impacting your comfort and energy bills. This year, commit to better HVAC habits with simple maintenance tips. Take care of often overlooked components like air filters, vents, and ceiling fans. By following these practices, you can start the year with a solid maintenance routine that keeps your HVAC system healthy and efficient. Let your experts at Canal Winchester Heating & Cooling guide you with eight practical ways to improve your HVAC habits.
Resolve to Change Your Air Filters Consistently
Air filters are vital components of your HVAC system, filtering out dirt, dust, and other particles from your home’s air. Over time, they can become clogged with debris and require replacement to ensure your HVAC system operates at its best. By regularly changing your air filters, you allow your HVAC system to function at its peak performance while also improving your home’s indoor air quality (IAQ). Ideally, we suggest replacing your air filters every 30-60 days. However, keep in mind that the frequency may vary depending on factors such as your lifestyle, how many people live in your home, and if you have any pets.
Resolve to Clean Your Vents Regularly
It’s easy to overlook vents during your cleaning routine. With laundry, dishes, yard work, and more, there’s always so much to do. If you’ve accidentally missed cleaning your vents in the process, it’s understandable. However, it’s important to remember that your vents play a big role in your HVAC system. So, when they become heavily laden with dust, it negatively impacts air quality and system efficiency. Therefore, be sure to include vent cleaning in your regular maintenance schedule and dust them frequently. This simple task can significantly improve the overall performance of your HVAC system.
Resolve to Clean Your Light Fixtures & Ceiling Fans Regularly
Don’t forget to clean your light fixtures and ceiling fans regularly to maintain optimal indoor air quality, too. Often overlooked, these areas can accumulate dust and negatively impact your HVAC system (just like your vents). By incorporating this step into your cleaning routine alongside your vents, you can make significant improvements to your home. Remember, it’s the small steps combined with positive habits that have the greatest impact on achieving your resolutions.
Resolve to Use an Energy-efficient Thermostat
Do you have a smart thermostat in your home yet? If not, now is an opportune time to really consider getting one. With a range of affordable smart thermostat options on the market, you can easily help your ability to manage your HVAC system evolve. Take control of your home’s temperature remotely, set schedules, and receive notifications for repairs or maintenance. By using an energy-efficient smart thermostat, you’ll save money in the long run. If you need to upgrade or have one waiting to be installed, our professional team is here to help. Contact us today to discuss your needs and experience the best in-home services.
Resolve to Have Sufficient Attic Insulation
Ensuring proper attic insulation is essential for maintaining a comfortable temperature in your home. If you’ve noticed inconsistent room temperatures, or if your system is constantly running trying to keep up with the set temperature, inadequate insulation may be the culprit. So, if you can safely check your attic and measure the insulation depth, try to do so when you can. Industry standards recommend a minimum of ten inches. If yours falls short, this year is the perfect time to plan an upgrade. Improving energy efficiency and reducing strain on your HVAC system is always a wise investment.
Resolve to Clean Your Air Ducts
The ductwork in your home is responsible for distributing cool or warm air throughout the house. If it becomes dirty and accumulates dust, hair, fur, loose particles, or debris, it can significantly impact the efficiency of your HVAC system and the indoor air quality (IAQ) in your home. Thankfully, this maintenance task doesn’t require frequent attention. Generally, air ducts should be professionally cleaned every three to five years. But keep in mind that this timeframe may vary depending on your lifestyle, the number of occupants in your home, and the presence of pets, if applicable.
Resolve to Regularly Check on Your Condenser
What about your outdoor unit? Situated outside, typically in your backyard or on the side of the house, the condenser plays a crucial role in your outdoor HVAC system. Its purpose is to release heat from the refrigerant, allowing your system to cool your home down effectively. However, given its outdoor location, if it becomes covered in dirt and debris and the surrounding area is cluttered with outdoor objects, its efficiency can be compromised. For this reason, it’s a good idea to cultivate the habit of periodically inspecting the area around your condenser. Confirm that it remains free from sticks, twigs, loose debris, and any unnecessary outdoor clutter. This practice will help prevent potential malfunctions, breakdowns, or damage to the unit.
Resolve to Keep Up with Your Seasonal Checks
To ensure optimal performance and longevity of your HVAC system, it’s also necessary to stay up to date with seasonal maintenance checks. How often should this be done? Homeowners should be scheduling their annual maintenance checks for their ACs in the spring and their furnaces at the end of summer, before their first use of the season. While you may not currently be experiencing any issues, proper care and attention are still necessary. This proactive approach is the best way to prevent potential long-term damage and maintain your manufacturer’s warranty. Don’t wait for problems to arise; be proactive and give your HVAC system the care it deserves this year.
In conclusion, including these HVAC resolutions in your New Year’s goals will greatly assist in maintaining the optimal condition of your HVAC system, resulting in cost savings and a comfortable home throughout the year. Remember, proper maintenance is crucial for extending the lifespan of your HVAC system and avoiding unexpected breakdowns or high energy bills. Rest assured; our team of professionals is ready to provide the expertise and top-notch service you need. Give us a call today to get started on maximizing the efficiency of your HVAC system and getting the most value for your investment.
We’re here for you ALL year-long! Call Canal Winchester Heating & Cooling for all your HVAC needs anytime at (614) 524-4737, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
