Just as the seasons change, so too do our home’s heating and cooling needs. Because homeowners want to be sure their HVAC system is performing correctly, and have it ready for the coming season, this is why the fall and spring are the most suitable times for HVAC maintenance. Getting a fast, simple, affordable tune-up is essential to recognizing potential problems ahead of summer and winter when you need your system to perform seamlessly. And while the majority of this servicing must be performed by a professional, we at Delaware Heating & Air created the following change-of-season maintenance guide for the things homeowners should do on their own.
SEVEN HVAC MAINTENANCE TIPS FOR HOMEOWNERS DURING THE CHANGE OF SEASONS IN DELAWARE, OHIO:
Air Filters Come First
We put air filter care at the top of our guide for a good reason. Not only is air filter maintenance something easy and fast to do, but also it has a significant influence on the health of your HVAC system. In turn, it determines the quality of the air you breathe. Keeping up-to-date on your furnace filter reduces the amount of energy you use by around 15 percent. Experts say if your furnace filter is disposable to replace it monthly. If your furnace filter is reusable, make sure to clean it out monthly just as well. Finally, if you wish to improve the air quality in your home and prolong the life of your filter, an air purifier might be worth consideration.
Drainage Hole Maintenance
Near the base of your AC unit, underneath its evaporator fins, you should find a small drainage hole. It’s important to keep this drainage hole open and clean for your air conditioner to operate properly. As such, during the changing of the seasons, it’s a good time to check it. You will probably find this hole is too small to clear out with your fingers, so we suggest using something a modified paper clip, coat hanger or wire.
Attend to Your Dehumidifier
Because they can be utilized in summer and winter, dehumidifiers are often necessities in some homes. Make sure your dehumidifier is operating optimally during the changing of the seasons. Some experts suggest removing the external casing to let the interior dry. When the system is dry, we suggest using a vacuum cleaner to suck out all the dirt, debris, and grime that might be collecting in there.
Maintaining a ‘Clear Zone’ Around Your AC
Even though your AC unit was built to withstand all sorts of severe weather outside, homeowners should still protect it from Mother Nature as much as possible. This includes keeping a “clear zone” around it. The spring and fall is a good time to take a closer look at your AC unit to give it some TLC. Remove any vegetation, foliage, or debris forming around it to maintain a minimum two-foot radius around it. Providing this “clear zone” of protection guarantees your air conditioner gets the air it needs to maintain the temperature within your home.
Clean Off Your Bathroom Fans
The fall and spring times are also ideal times to give your bathroom fans, and possibly even your ceiling fans, a brush-up to keep them clean and running efficiently. We recommend removing the covers from your bathroom fans and washing them in warm water with a mild soap. Before putting those covers back up, utilize a toothbrush to clean off the fan blades. More importantly, on this task, first things first, be sure to turn off the electricity to the fan is off before removing the cover, and make sure everything is dry before turning it back on.
Time for a Thermostat Upgrade?
Smart thermostats are “smart” for more than one reason. For one, they are wise investments that are easy to install. For two, they’re affordable, and they pay for themselves relatively quickly with energy savings. In addition to all this, smart thermostats enable you to program your home’s temperature levels ahead of time (controlled from your cell phone if you’d like) so that you don’t have to adjust the thermostat manually to save. On top of that, smart thermostats communicate with you, learn your behavior, and perform other things to save you money on your energy bill.
Incorporate Air Vents Into Your Cleaning Routine
If neglected long enough, your air vents are a significant component of your HVAC system that can get all blocked up with dust and dust and debris. If this gets bad enough, it can hinder airflow to the point that it will alter the temperature of the air coming out. To keep this from occurring, combine your air vents into your usual household cleaning routine. And when you clean them, always make sure there aren’t any curtains or furniture or anything else in the way of your vents.
PROFESSIONAL ATTENTION IS CRUCIAL
We hope you utilize these seven Do-It-Yourself HVAC maintenance tips. However, more importantly, we hope you realize how imperative it is to hire a pro. To prolong the life of your system and ensure its efficiency, there’s no substitute for a reputable, licensed HVAC contractor. At Delaware Heating & Air, our friendly technicians are certified, and all of our work is insured. In addition to saving you money on your energy bills, our techs can help you avoid potential breakdowns during the worst possible times. For more information, please call Delaware Heating & Air today at 740-227-8302, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here.
