As we embark on a fresh new year in this month of January, we find ourselves with boundless opportunities ahead. At this point, you may have already established some New Year’s resolutions aimed at enhancing various aspects of your life. Whether it pertains to finances, academics, fitness, or personal growth, there are numerous areas where one can strive for self-improvement. Interestingly, the tradition of setting New Year’s resolutions traces back to ancient Babylonians, who initially embraced this practice to honor their king and ensure a prosperous farming season at the start of their year.
Your trusted local experts at Lebanon Heating & Cooling are committed to assisting you in enhancing your HVAC maintenance practices. As a homeowner, it’s natural to desire optimal system performance for an extended period. This objective can be accomplished by implementing the following eight steps to improve your HVAC habits this year.
- RESOLVE TO KEEP UP WITH YOUR SEASONAL MAINTENANCE – We cannot stress enough the importance of regular seasonal maintenance checks. We understand that it may be tempting to skip a maintenance check when everything seems fine with your unit. However, it is crucial to remember that the purpose of a maintenance check is to ensure preventive care. Minor issues that go unnoticed can escalate into major problems over time, leading to potential long-term damage to your unit. Moreover, neglecting seasonal maintenance checks may result in the voiding of your manufacturer’s warranty. This year, make a commitment to stay proactive by scheduling a maintenance check for your AC in the spring and one for your furnace before its first use in the fall.
- RESOLVE TO CHANGE YOUR AIR FILTERS FREQUENTLY – Clogged air filters, filled with dust and loose particles, can strain your system, making it work harder than necessary. This leads to increased energy consumption and higher long-term costs. Make it your goal this year to adhere to industry standards by checking and changing your air filters every 1-2 months.
- RESOLVE TO CLEAN YOUR HVAC VENTS OFTEN – Dusty vents can have an adverse impact on your home’s air quality and hinder the efficiency of your HVAC system. For this reason, it is important to prioritize the inclusion of HVAC vent cleaning in your regular maintenance routine. By keeping your vents free of dust, you can enhance the overall air quality of your space.
- RESOLVE TO UPGRADE YOUR THERMOSTAT – Are you still utilizing a conventional thermostat? If you have contemplated upgrading to a smart thermostat, now is the ideal time to upgrade one for yourself! What is all the hype about, and why are they so beneficial? By investing in a smart thermostat, you can conveniently control your home’s temperature remotely, facilitating energy conservation and maintenance of your HVAC system while you are at work or away on a trip. You can also schedule temperatures to automatically align with your weekly routine. Furthermore, the good news is that there are several cost-effective options available. Please don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss options!
- RESOLVE TO INSPECT YOUR ATTIC INSULATION – If your HVAC system appears to be running constantly or if certain rooms in your home lack proper regulation, inadequate insulation in your attic may be the culprit. Improper insulation can lead to temperature fluctuations and place additional strain on your HVAC system. If it is safe for you to do so, we recommend checking the insulation depth in your attic. According to industry standards, a minimum of ten inches of insulation is advised. If you discover that your attic insulation falls short of this requirement, we strongly recommend upgrading your insulation this year.
- RESOLVE TO CLEAN YOUR CEILING FANS & LIGHT FIXTURES EVERY NOW & THEN – Dusty ceiling fans and light fixtures are another element in your home that can have a detrimental effect on indoor air quality and place extra strain on your HVAC system. To avoid this, include these in your HVAC resolutions and incorporate them into your regular cleaning regimen.
- RESOLVE TO KEEP YOUR CONDENSER CLEAN – Regularly inspecting and clearing the vicinity of your condenser can mitigate avoidable issues or breakdowns. Even in the winter months, when the AC is inactive, try developing a routine to periodically examine the condenser and ensure that there are no obstructions or debris near or on it.
- RESOLVE TO HAVE YOUR DUCTS CLEANED – Your home’s ducts should be professionally cleaned every three to five years. As the conduit for air distribution throughout your home, clogged ductwork can hinder efficiency and negatively impact indoor air quality (IAQ). Over time, dust particles, pet fur, and other debris can accumulate. So, if it has been a while since your last cleaning, especially if you have pets, try to prioritize having this service done this year.
By incorporating these eight HVAC resolutions into your yearly routine, you will greatly contribute to the health and efficiency of your HVAC system. Remember, proactive measures are essential for preventing unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs. By adopting good practices and HVAC habits, you can effectively mitigate HVAC issues and extend the lifespan of your system, ensuring a smoother and trouble-free year ahead.
Call Lebanon Heating & Cooling at any time all year long at (513) 540-1773, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
