School is back in session in Delaware, Ohio! Fall signifies the back-to-school season and one of the most hectic times of the year. New routines, homework assignments, packed lunches – they may all keep your head swirling with a checklist of things to do in order to make for a smooth transition into the new school year. But what about your HVAC system? Where does it come into play with all of this? And why does it need to be prepared for the back-to-school season? Well, for starters, along with the change in weather also comes the transition from air conditioning to furnace use. Your air conditioning system was heavily used this past summer, and now with the cooler months in tow, you will need to start consistently using your furnace. Therefore, it’s important to make sure all your ducks are in a row as you ring in the new school year!
Follow these tips and tricks from your Delaware Heating & Air service professionals to guarantee your HVAC system is back-to-school ready for the fall!
Did You Change the Air Filter for the Fall Season?
If you’re a savvy homeowner who enjoys taking care of things yourself, you likely already know the general rule of air filters – they need to be changed every 30-60 days. This allows your HVAC system to run smoothly while properly circulating the air inside your house, which contributes to high indoor air quality. Do you remember when the last time was that you switched your air filters out? Maybe they’re not due for them to be changed yet. If this is the case, it will not hurt to roll into the season with a fresh air filter. In the summer, pollen and allergens are highly abundant; it’s possible your filter has gotten bogged down with these particles. Therefore, we think it is advantageous to be proactive and change them before the start of the new season. Think of it as starting a new season with a clean slate, so to speak. The back-to-school season comes with all sorts of germs and unwanted bacterial woes. So, stay two steps ahead of these uninvited visitors by proactively changing the air filters out.
Do You Use a Purification System In Your Home?
Back to school germs – there’s simply no way around them! Germs, viruses, and other airborne bacteria are inevitable this time of the year. And although you can’t control the germs your children are exposed to at school or even for yourself when you’re at work, you can greatly minimize the chances of these unwanted guests infiltrating your home and exposing the rest of your family. This can be achieved with the use of a good home air purification system like the highly recommended iWave-R. Its use of needlepoint ionization has a 99.4% rate of success, almost completely eradicating viruses and other airborne contaminants. So, if you are looking for a solution to exterminate bacteria and germs efficiently, the iWave-R may just be the solution for you.
Did You Clear the Area Around the Compressor?
Thirdly, consider your outdoor unit, also known as the compressor. We always outline the importance of keeping the vicinity around the compressor clear from obstruction and loose debris. In the summer, when the weather is warm, weeds and grass are likely to grow around this area. You probably tended to them when you did the yardwork or mowed the grass. However, with the seasonal transition, some weeds and plant overgrowth may have slipped past you, still sprouting in places where they are completely unwelcome. Remember that weeds and grass can still grow this time of year; therefore, you should stay vigilant and make sure any loose leaves, weeds, or vegetation don’t get blown and caught in the compressor’s fan blades. This would not be a fun scenario. It would certainly make for an even more hectic back-to-school season with a malfunctioning compressor. Keep this from happening by frequently visiting this area throughout the fall time. Loose leaves and twigs will steadily build up and accumulate, so it’s crucial to keep an eye out for them.
Did You Schedule Your Fall Tune-up & Safety Check?
Every year, in the fall, your furnace needs to be serviced for its fall tune-up & safety check. Your heating system has been unused for a good amount of time up until now. So, it’s essential it not only gets tuned up, but it also needs to be inspected by a licensed HVAC specialist to confirm everything is still running correctly per current safety standards.
Did You Reprogram the Thermostat Temperature?
Now, last of all, let’s address your thermostat. You probably have a perfect temperature setting that you leave your thermostat set at in the summer. But with the weather changing, you will need a new ideal temperature for this fall season. If you happen to have a smart or programmable thermostat, you may already have it set to correlate with your and your family’s weekly routine. For example, you probably have it programmed to be at a higher temperature for the times when no one is at home. This, of course, saves energy while still keeping your home at a suitable temperature. However, with school once again in effect – you most likely wake up earlier now and get home at a different time. So, your weekly routine may look slightly different now. With that being said, you will want to reset the temperature on your thermostat to align with your new schedule.
If you’d like extra tips and advice on making your back-to-school transition a painless and simple process, please reach out to your Delaware Heating & Air service experts at (740) 227-8302, or schedule a heating or cooling repair appointment online now by clicking here! And most of all, we hope you and your family have a fantastic school year!
