As the New Year begins, many of us partake in the age-old tradition of setting New Year’s resolutions to enhance 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. After all, it is a vital component of your home, impacting not only your comfort but also your energy bills. This year, make a commitment to improving your HVAC habits with simple maintenance tips by attending to often overlooked HVAC components such as air filters, vents, and ceiling fans.
By implementing these straightforward practices, you can ensure that you start the new year with a solid maintenance routine that will keep your HVAC system in optimal condition. Allow your experts at Bridgetown Heating & Cooling to guide you through eight practical ways to enhance your HVAC habits.
- Change Your Air Filters: Air filters are vital components of your HVAC system as they effectively remove dirt, dust, and other particles from the air in your home. Over time, these filters can accumulate debris and require replacement to ensure optimal airflow and efficiency. By regularly changing your air filters, you enable your HVAC system to operate at its peak performance and enhance the indoor air quality (IAQ) of your home. Typically, it is recommended to replace air filters every 1-2 months, although this may vary depending on factors such as the number of occupants in the home, lifestyle, and if there are any pets in the household.
- Clean Your Vents: It is important not to overlook vents in your cleaning routine. With so many tasks to manage, such as laundry, dishes, and yard work, it is understandable if vents are accidentally missed. However, when vents become heavily laden with dust, it can have a negative impact on air quality and system efficiency. Therefore, we recommend including vents in your regular cleaning schedule and ensuring they are dusted regularly. This simple task can significantly improve the overall performance of your HVAC system.
- Clean Your Light Fixtures & Ceiling Fans: Similar to air vents, dusty ceiling fans and light fixtures can have a negative impact on the indoor air quality (IAQ) of your home. Often overlooked in daily routines, ceiling fans, and light fixtures should be included in your cleaning regimen to enhance your HVAC habits. By taking small steps towards improvement and adopting positive habits, you can make a significant impact on your resolutions.
- Use a Smart Thermostat: Smart thermostats are revolutionary when it comes to efficient HVAC system maintenance. They provide remote temperature control, customizable schedules, and notifications for necessary repairs or maintenance. This advanced technology can significantly reduce energy waste and lead to long-term cost savings. If you’re considering upgrading, please contact us to discuss installation details.
- Inspect Your Attic Insulation: Proper attic insulation is important for maintaining optimal temperature control in your home. If you’ve noticed temperature variations among rooms or if your system is constantly running to keep your home at the set temperature, it might indicate inadequate attic insulation. If it is safe to do so, inspect your attic and measure the depth of the insulation. As per industry standards, attic insulation should have a minimum depth of ten inches. If yours falls short, this year is an opportune time to devise a plan to upgrade your attic insulation. Enhancing energy efficiency and reducing the workload on your HVAC system are always worthwhile endeavors.
- Have Your Ductwork Cleaned: The ductwork in your home plays a crucial role in the HVAC system, distributing cool or warm air throughout the house. Therefore, if it becomes dirty and accumulates dust, hair, fur, loose particles, and debris, it can have a significant impact on both the efficiency of the HVAC system and the indoor air quality (IAQ) of your house. Fortunately, it is not a task that needs to be performed frequently. Generally, you should have your ductwork professionally cleaned every three to five years. However, this frequency may vary depending on factors such as your lifestyle, the number of occupants in the home, and the presence of pets.
- Check Your Condenser Regularly: The outdoor unit, known as the condenser, plays a crucial role in your outdoor HVAC system. It is typically situated in your backyard or sometimes on the side of the house. The condenser’s primary function is to release heat from the refrigerant, facilitating the cooling process in your home. Keep in mind that its efficiency can be compromised if it becomes covered in dirt, debris or if it is surrounded by outdoor clutter. To prevent any potential malfunctions or breakdowns, you should periodically inspect the area around the condenser. Make it a habit to keep the vicinity clear of sticks, twigs, loose debris, and outdoor clutter. By doing so, you can ensure optimal functioning and longevity of your HVAC system.
- Schedule Your Seasonal Maintenance Checks: As a final point, let us discuss the importance of scheduling seasonal maintenance checkups. Both units should be serviced at least once a year. Your AC should undergo a seasonal maintenance check in the spring, while your furnace should be checked at the end of summer and before its first use of the season. Some may question the necessity and frequency of these checkups, but it is crucial to understand the significance of having them done. Even if your units are currently functioning well, they still require proper care and attention. This proactive approach serves as the best preventive maintenance for your HVAC system. Delaying an appointment with a technician until a problem actually arises puts your system at risk of long-term damage resulting from overlooked issues. Moreover, neglecting maintenance checks can void your manufacturer’s warranty.
In conclusion, including these HVAC resolutions in your New Year’s goals will greatly assist in maintaining your HVAC system, resulting in cost savings and a consistently comfortable home throughout the year. Remember, proper maintenance is crucial for prolonging the lifespan of your HVAC system and preventing unexpected breakdowns or excessive energy expenses.
We’re here for you ALL year-long! Call Bridgetown Heating & Cooling for all your HVAC needs anytime at (513) 273-1335, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!