As January unfolds and you start on this fresh journey of setting your New Year’s resolutions, why not think about extending your attention to include your HVAC system as well? Why is that? Your Delaware Heating & Air professionals want your year to go as smoothly as possible – without any HVAC mishaps. To accomplish this, you’ll have to enforce the best practices and HVAC habits to keep your system running in top-notch shape. By simply paying attention to components like your air filters, vents, and ducts, you could help make sure your HVAC system is set up for success all year long!
1. Air Filters: The air filters in your HVAC system are more than just accessories; they play a crucial role in maintaining clean air and ensuring smooth system operation. Homeowners should resolve to change these filters every 1-2 months to optimize performance and enhance indoor air quality (IAQ). Dust particles, stray pet fur, or other small infiltrators that get trapped in the filters will stay in the filters. So, when your air filters are bogged down with these contaminants and not changed out as suggested, it can have adverse effects on your HVAC system not being able to push out air properly, as well as negative effects on your health.
2. Vents: HVAC vents often get overlooked during cleaning, but they significantly impact your HVAC system’s efficiency. Regular dusting and cleaning are essential for improving air quality and system performance. This year, make it a point to include your vents in your cleaning routine and stay on top of eliminating those pesky dust particles.
3. Ceiling Fans and Light Fixtures: Although not directly part of your HVAC system, dust-laden ceiling fans and light fixtures can negatively affect indoor air quality (just like the vents). So, this year, make it a priority to incorporate cleaning these components into your routine to maintain a healthy living environment.
4. Smart Thermostat: Elevate your HVAC maintenance game with a smart thermostat. These devices allow you to control your home’s temperature remotely, set schedules, and receive alerts for repairs or maintenance. Invest in a smart thermostat for long-term energy savings and cost efficiency. If you haven’t made the upgrade, contact us for more information and kick off this year with a technologically advanced start.
5. Attic Insulation: Your attic’s insulation is pivotal for home comfort. If some rooms are consistently too hot or too cold, inadequate insulation may be the culprit! If you can safely do so, check the insulation depth, aiming for at least ten inches. If you find that your attic insulation is lacking, it may be time to start forming a plan to upgrade your insulation this year to save energy and extend your HVAC system’s lifespan in the long run.
6. Ductwork: The ductwork in your home plays an essential role in distributing air. Over time, dust, hair, fur, and debris can accumulate, affecting HVAC efficiency as well as the IAQ in your home. While not requiring frequent attention, professional ductwork cleaning every three to five years is a wise investment. So, if you don’t remember the last time you had a duct cleaning schedule, this year would be an opportune time to have one done.
7. Condenser: Located outdoors, the condenser is susceptible to accumulating dirt, debris, and occasional outdoor clutter around it. For this reason, regularly inspecting and clearing the vicinity around the condenser is a great proactive measure. This simple HVAC habit can prevent unnecessary issues, breakdowns, or damage to the unit. Even during the winter months when the AC system is not in use, periodic checks will confirm that no debris has fallen onto or near the condenser.
8. Maintenance Checks: Don’t underestimate the importance of annual maintenance checks. Even if everything seems to be running smoothly, these checkups are crucial for preventing long-term damage. Proactive maintenance is the best way to keep your units running for years to come, and in addition, keeping up with your maintenance checks also keeps your manufacturer’s warranty valid.
Incorporate these HVAC resolutions into your New Year’s goals for a well-maintained system, cost savings, and year-round home comfort. Always remember that staying proactive with maintenance is key to prolonging your HVAC system’s lifespan and safeguarding against unexpected issues.
For all your HVAC needs throughout the year, trust Delaware Heating & Air! Call (740) 227-8302, or schedule a heating or cooling repair appointment online now by clicking here!
