As the New Year begins, many of us have embraced the age-old tradition of making New Year’s resolutions to improve different aspects of our lives. With this in mind, as your local HVAC company, we’re here to remind you to extend this practice to the care of your HVAC system, too. After all, it’s a crucial part of your home, impacting not only your comfort but also your energy bills. So, why not make a commitment this year to improve your HVAC habits? It’s as simple as taking care of often-overlooked components like air filters, vents, and ceiling fans. By following these easy practices, you can ensure that you start the new year off with a solid maintenance routine, keeping your HVAC system in top shape. So, sit back, grab a cup of coffee, and let your folks at Blue Ash Furnace & Air Conditioning guide you through eight practical ways to upgrade your HVAC habits.
- Air Filters: Air filters are super important for your HVAC system. They do the job of filtering out all the dirt, dust, and other nasty stuff from the air in your home. As time goes by, they can get all clogged up with debris and need to be replaced to keep your HVAC system running smoothly and efficiently. By changing your air filters regularly, you’re not only helping your HVAC system work at its best, but you’re also improving the indoor air quality of your home. Usually, it’s recommended to replace your air filters every 1-2 months. But remember, each home is different depending on the lifestyle of the people living in it and the number and type of pets around. So, keep that in mind!
- Vents: It’s so easy to forget about cleaning vents, right? There are always a million other things to do, like laundry, dishes, yard work, etc. So, if you accidentally skip the vents, no worries; we get it. But here’s the thing: those vents actually play a pretty important role in your HVAC system. When they get all clogged up with dust, it messes with the air quality and efficiency. So, remember to add vent cleaning to your to-do list every now and then and give them a good dusting regularly.
- Light Fixtures & Ceiling Fans: Just like your air vents, if your ceiling fans and light fixtures are covered in dust, it can mess with the indoor air quality in your home. Ceiling fans and light fixtures are often overlooked in the daily routine, but they play a part too. So, if you’re looking to level up your HVAC habits, don’t forget to include this step in your cleaning routine alongside your vents. It’s the little improvements, combined with positive habits, that can really make a difference in achieving your goals.
- Smart Thermostat: Smart thermostats are total game-changers when it comes to keeping your HVAC system running smoothly. With them, you can control your home’s temperature from anywhere, set schedules, and even get notifications for repairs or maintenance. Talk about energy savings and long-term cost benefits! So, if you’re ready to make the leap and upgrade, give us a call.
- Attic Insulation: Having proper attic insulation is super important for maintaining the temperature in your home. If you’ve noticed that some rooms are always too hot or too cold, or if your system is constantly running to keep your home at the set temperature, it could be because of not enough insulation in the attic. If you can do it safely, take a quick look in your attic and check the insulation depth. According to industry standards, attic insulation should be at least ten inches deep. So, if yours is less than that, now’s a great time to start planning to upgrade your attic insulation. It’s never too late to find ways to improve energy efficiency.
- Ducts: Our home’s ductwork is the part of the HVAC system that’s responsible for spreading cool or warm air throughout the house. So, if it gets dirty with dust, hair, fur, and other stuff, it can really mess with the efficiency of your HVAC system and the air quality in your home. You don’t have to do it very often. Usually, it’s recommended to get your air ducts professionally cleaned every three to five years. Of course, this can vary depending on your lifestyle, the number of people in your home, and if you have pets.
- Condenser: Now, on to the condenser! Usually positioned in your backyard or sometimes on the side of your house, it plays a crucial role in your outdoor HVAC system. Its job is to release heat from the refrigerant and keep your home cool. However, here’s the thing: if it gets covered in dirt, debris, and outdoor clutter, it won’t work as efficiently as it should. So, make it a habit to check the area around your condenser every now and then. Clear out any sticks, twigs, loose debris, and outdoor clutter to avoid any unnecessary malfunctions, breakdowns, or damage to the unit.
- Seasonal Maintenance: Alright, let’s talk about those seasonal maintenance checkups. Once a year in the spring, your AC needs its seasonal maintenance check. The same goes for your furnace at the end of summer and before its first use of the season. Now, we get it. You might think you don’t need these so often or that they’re not necessary. But trust us, they are. Even if your units seem fine at the moment, they still need proper care. It’s the best way to prevent any potential issues from causing serious damage in the long run. Plus, if you don’t keep up with maintenance checks, you’ll void your manufacturer’s warranty. So, don’t wait for something to come up. Schedule that appointment with a technician and keep your HVAC system in top shape!
In a nutshell, adding these HVAC resolutions to your New Year’s goals will help a lot in keeping your HVAC system in great shape, saving you money, and ensuring a cozy home throughout the year. Don’t forget; proper maintenance is key to prolonging the lifespan of your HVAC system and avoiding unpleasant surprises like breakdowns or hefty energy bills.
We’re here for you ALL year-long! Call Blue Ash Furnace & Air Conditioning for all your HVAC needs anytime at (513) 216-5664, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!