Your home’s HVAC system endures a lot. From keeping your home heated during the winter to completely switching things up and keeping it cool throughout the summer, your heating and cooling system is primarily responsible for the comfort of your home and family. Maintaining it in the best possible working order from one year to the next and one season to the next means giving it some special attention and TLC. Springboro Heating & Cooling, located in Springboro, Ohio, has created a list of seven tips to help you maintain your HVAC system in great working condition from season to season:
Ways to Maintain Your HVAC System During Season Change in Springboro, Ohio
Replace the Furnace Filter
The importance of this single step can’t be stressed enough. Mark your calendar and examine the air filter on the same day each month throughout the season when your furnace is in use. Replace the filter at the end of winter as well. It is important to always have a fresh air filter in your furnace. This is one of the most effective ways to keep your HVAC system working great when the seasons change.
Use the Right Type of Air Filter
If you have pets, you already know how difficult it can be to keep the fur and dander cleaned up inside your home. Just imagine those substances making their way into your HVAC system. Use specially designed furnace filters for homes with pets in order to trap pet hair and dander and keep it from circulating in the air throughout your home.
Don’t Forget the Outdoor Unit
Before you start using your air conditioner for this summer, thoroughly clean the outdoor component of your HVAC system. Remove any branches or sticks, trash, or other debris that is located near the unit and cut away any high grass or weeds that have grown up around it. Remove anything that has become stuck in the units grating, such as leaves, paper, etc.
Cover the Component
Keep the outdoor part of your HVAC system clean and protected from damage and the the elements by investing in a good quality weatherproof cover. These can be purchased at home improvement stores as well as most hardware and department stores.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat gives you the ability to change the settings on your thermostat in your home from anywhere. As we all know, when the seasons change, there can be some pretty unexpected changes in the weather as well. Sometimes the changes are extreme and happen very quickly. A programmable thermostat will allow you to adjust the settings and the temperature in your home even while you are away.
Keep Household Vents and Utility Fans Clean
These often-overlooked areas need to be cleaned on a regular basis to prevent dust and dirt buildup, which can cause problems for your HVAC system. Dirt and debris from these areas can find its way into your HVAC system. Keeping components such as kitchen and bathroom vents and fans clean will make it possible for them to work well with your heating and cooling system when the seasons change.
Have Your HVAC System Professionally Cleaned and Inspected
In addition to keeping bathroom and kitchen fans and vents clean, it is necessary to make sure that your entire HVAC system is clean and free of dirt and debris that can make its way into your home when your system is put into use as the seasons change. Contact Springboro Heating & Cooling to make arrangements for one of our HVAC technicians to conduct a thorough inspection and cleaning of your HVAC system. This will reveal any issues or potential problems that need to be addressed before they are able to cause major trouble for your HVAC system and your home. If any issues are found, our technician will initiate repairs immediately.
Don’t Let Fuel Run Low
If the heating fuel for your HVAC system becomes very low or the tank becomes completely empty, this can result in damage to the tank and it can cause problems with your heating system. Don’t risk forgetting to get the fuel tank refilled: have your fuel supplier set you up on a schedule for automatic refills. The supplier will base your refill schedule on several factors, including:
- The size of your house
- The size of your heating fuel tank
- Your location
- The weather
- The temperature you usually keep your home set to
By scheduling automatic refills, you will be protecting your fuel tank and your HVAC system and ensuring that they will be in good condition from one season to the next.
Make Use of Your Humidifier
When your home is being heated during the winter months, the air inside can become extremely dry. This can be unhealthy for your family and your home in general. Make sure you set your home’s humidifier to a level that will keep the atmosphere healthy and comfortable and protect your belongings as well as your HVAC system. Most people find that a humidity level between 30% and 35% is the most comfortable.
Invest in a Whole-Home Humidifier
A whole-home humidifier protects your home’s HVAC system and helps it to improve the quality of air being circulated throughout your home. It also protects against damage to furnishings, wood flooring and trim, even things like photographs displayed throughout your home that can be caused by extremely dry air. When air is too dry cracking, tearing, splitting, and discoloration of these items can occur.
Wrapping it up: Final Thoughts on Maintaining Your HVAC System During Season Change
Help your HVAC system to continue working great by following a few simple recommendations. Replace your furnace filter on a regular basis to keep it clean. Protect the outdoor component of your HVAC system during the months it is not in use. Install a programmable thermostat in your home. Keep utility fans and vents in your home clean. Don’t allow your heating fuel tank to get too low or completely empty. Set the humidifier in your home to a comfortable level. Schedule regular HVAC inspections by a professional.
If you live in Springboro, Ohio, or the surrounding area, contact Springboro Heating & Cooling with any questions you may have regarding the care of your HVAC system or to schedule an appointment for a comprehensive professional inspection and cleaning give us a call at 937-600-6834 or visit us online. Providing our customers with the best possible care and service is our number one priority.
