Have you made any New Year’s resolutions yet? It’s an age-old tradition that many of us follow to inspire our own personal growth and progress in various aspects of our lives. But as a friendly reminder, don’t forget to include your HVAC system in your resolutions! Now, we know it may sound silly, but your local experts at Finneytown Heating & Cooling want to help you improve your HVAC habits for better home comfort, energy savings, and overall system efficiency this year.
THINGS YOU CAN RESOLVE TO DO FOR YOUR HVAC SYSTEM:
- The HVAC Air Filters: Ever thought about the air filters in your HVAC system? They’re not just random accessories! They actually work pretty hard to filter out dirt, dust, and other particles, keeping the air clean and your system running smoothly. So, if they are bogged down with dust and loose debris, they cannot and will not perform their job as they are meant to. This year, make it a resolution to change these filters every 1-2 months (per industry standards). That way, you’ll maintain optimal performance and improve your home’s Indoor Air Quality (IAQ). Of course, how often you change them may vary depending on your lifestyle, the number of people in your household, and how many fur babies you have at home!
- The HVAC Vents: You know, we often tend to forget about the vents when we’re cleaning. There’s just so much on our list; well, it’s kind of understandable. But these vents play a pretty big role in how well our HVAC system works. So, if we dust and clean them regularly, it can make a huge positive difference in the air we breathe and how well the whole system performs. So, go ahead and include them in your regular cleaning routine.
- The Ceiling Fans & Light Fixtures: Ceiling fans and light fixtures are another component that is often overlooked! Even though they’re not technically part of your HVAC system, dusty ceiling fans and light fixtures can also negatively impact the air quality in your home. So, it’s a good idea to add this step to your cleaning regimen as well.
- A Smart Thermostat: Want to take your HVAC maintenance to the next level? Then consider getting a smart thermostat if you don’t have one already. With these cool devices, you can control your home’s temperature from anywhere, set schedules, and even get alerts for repairs or maintenance. And guess what? You’ll save energy and money in the long run. So, if you haven’t upgraded yet, give us a call for more info. Start the New Year with a smart thermostat and a solid start!
- The Attic Insulation: Let’s have a chat about insulation, shall we? If you’ve got some rooms that are always too hot or too chilly, and you can’t quite get the temperature regulated, or if your HVAC system just never seems to take a break, it might be because your attic insulation is insufficient. If this resonates with you, try checking the depth of your insulation (if it is safe for you to do so). It is recommended that attic insulation is a minimum of ten inches deep! If yours falls short of this, maybe it’s time to consider an upgrade this year. Not only will it help you save energy, but it could extend the lifespan of your HVAC system if yours is constantly running.
- The Ductwork: The ductwork in your home distributes air throughout the house. Over time, it’s natural for dust, hair, fur, and debris to accumulate, which can affect both the efficiency of your HVAC system and the quality of the indoor air (IAQ). While it’s not something you have to do frequently, it’s definitely a good idea to have your ductwork professionally cleaned every three to five years. Take care of your home and HVAC system by keeping your ducts maintained.
- The Condenser: The condenser can really suffer if it’s surrounded by dirt, debris, and clutter. So, it’s a good idea to regularly check and clear the area around it to keep it running smoothly for many years to come. This simple habit can help prevent any unnecessary issues, breakdowns, or damage to the unit. Oh, and even during winter when you’re not using it, it’s still a good idea to give it a quick look every now and then just to make sure nothing has fallen onto or near the condenser.
- Maintenance Checks: Don’t underestimate how important it is to get those annual maintenance checks done. Even if everything seems fine, these checkups are crucial to avoid any long-term damage. You don’t want to wait for something to go wrong before calling in a technician. Taking preventive measures is the best way to keep your units running smoothly for years to come. Plus, staying on top of maintenance ensures that your manufacturer’s warranty remains valid. So, make sure you don’t skip those seasonal checkups!
In a nutshell, when you include these HVAC resolutions in your New Year’s goals, you’re making a commitment to keeping your system in top shape, saving some cash, and enjoying comfort all year round. It’s important to keep in mind that being proactive with maintenance is crucial for extending the lifespan of your HVAC system and avoiding any unexpected problems. So, go ahead and take charge this year!
For all your HVAC needs throughout the year, count on Finneytown Heating & Cooling. Call us at (513) 935-0440, or schedule an appointment now by clicking here!
