With the New Year starting off, many of us have participated in the tradition of setting New Year’s resolutions to improve various aspects of our lives. As your local HVAC company, we would like to remind you to extend this practice to the maintenance of your HVAC system as well. After all, your HVAC system is a vital component of your home, impacting not only your comfort but also your energy bills. This year, commit to improving your HVAC habits with simple maintenance tips, such as regularly checking and replacing air filters, cleaning vents, and optimizing ceiling fans. By incorporating these straightforward practices, you can ensure that your HVAC system remains healthy and operates at its best throughout the year. Allow your experts at Bexley Heating & Cooling to guide you through eight practical ways to enhance your HVAC habits. So, sit back, relax, and let us share these valuable tips with you.
- Change Your Air Filters Regularly: Air Filters are vital components of your HVAC system. They effectively remove dirt, dust, and other particles from the air in your home. Over time, they can become clogged with debris and should be replaced to ensure optimal airflow and efficiency of your HVAC system. Regularly changing your air filters enables your HVAC system to perform at its best and improves your home’s Indoor Air Quality (IAQ). Typically, it is recommended to replace your air filters every 1-2 months. Keep in mind that every home is unique, and depending on the occupants’ lifestyle, number of people in the household, and the number/type of pets in the house, this number will vary for many.
- Dust Your Vents Regularly: It is important not to overlook the HVAC vents in your cleaning routine. With so many tasks to juggle, such as laundry, dishes, and yard work, it’s understandable if you’ve missed them in your daily routine. However, just remember that vents play a vital role in your HVAC system. When they become clogged with dust, it can have a negative impact on air quality and system efficiency. Therefore, it is essential to include vent cleaning in your regular schedule. By dusting them regularly, you can significantly help improve the overall performance of your HVAC system.
- Dust Your Light Fixtures & Ceiling Fans Regularly: Similar to air vents, if your ceiling fans and light fixtures accumulate heavy amounts of dust, it can negatively impact the indoor air quality (IAQ) of your home. Often overlooked in daily routines, ceiling fans, and light fixtures don’t always get the attention they deserve. But it’s important to incorporate this step into your cleaning routine along with your vents. By taking small steps towards improvement and adopting positive habits, you can make a significant impact on your HVAC resolutions.
- Get a Smart Thermostat: Smart thermostats are a game-changer when it comes to efficiently maintaining your HVAC system. With remote temperature control, scheduling capabilities, and notifications for repairs or maintenance, these devices can significantly reduce energy waste and save you money in the long run. So, if you have been considering an upgrade, this year is the perfect time to start! Fortunately, there are multiple affordable options on the market, and if you have one already, we can provide installation services! Easy peasy! Our team of experts is here to help, so don’t hesitate to reach out and take the next step towards a more energy-efficient home.
- Inspect Your Attic Insulation: Proper attic insulation is essential for maintaining consistent temperatures in your home. If you’ve noticed temperature variations between rooms or if your system is constantly running to keep your home at the set temperature, it could be due to insufficient insulation in your attic. If you can safely take a peek into your attic and measure the insulation depth, try to do so. According to industry standards, attic insulation should be at least ten inches deep. If yours falls short, this year is an excellent time to start planning to upgrade your attic insulation. Improving energy efficiency and reducing the workload on your HVAC system is always a wise decision.
- Have Your Ducts Cleaned: The ductwork in your home plays an absolutely vital role in distributing cool or warm air throughout the house. If it becomes dirty and clogged with dust, hair, fur, loose particles, and debris, it can have a significant impact on both the efficiency of your HVAC system and the indoor air quality (IAQ) of your home. Luckily, regular cleaning is not required frequently. In general, it is recommended to have air ducts professionally cleaned every three to five years. However, this timeframe may vary depending on factors such as your lifestyle, the number of occupants in your home, and if you have any pets.
- Check Your Condenser Regularly: It is important to take good care of your condenser, too. The condenser, which is typically located outside in your backyard or on the side of your house, plays a critical role in releasing heat from the refrigerant, allowing your system to cool your home effectively in the cool months. However, if it becomes covered in dirt and debris or if the surrounding area is cluttered, its efficiency can be compromised. It is a good habit to periodically check the area around your condenser and keep it clear of sticks, twigs, loose debris, and outdoor clutter. By following this simple maintenance routine, you can help prevent malfunctions, breakdowns, or damage to your unit, ensuring that it operates at its best.
- Keep Up with Your Seasonal Maintenance Checks: Finally, let’s discuss the importance of scheduling seasonal maintenance checkups for your AC and furnace. You should have your AC checked once a year in the spring and your furnace at the end of summer and before its first use of the season. While you may not currently experience any issues with your units, regular maintenance is important to ensure their proper functioning. Neglecting maintenance may lead to long-term damage and even void your manufacturer’s warranty. So, don’t wait for problems to arise before it’s too late – take proactive measures to keep your HVAC system in optimal condition.
In conclusion, incorporating these HVAC resolutions into your New Year’s goals will greatly assist in maintaining the optimal condition of your HVAC system, resulting in cost savings and a consistently comfortable home throughout the year. It is important to remember that proper maintenance is crucial for extending the lifespan of your HVAC system, preventing unexpected breakdowns, and reducing energy expenses.
We’re here for you ALL year long! Call Bexley Heating & Cooling for all your HVAC needs anytime at (614) 924-7856, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!