It’s the start of January, and we’ve got a whole new year ahead of us! By now, you might have set some New Year’s resolutions to improve different areas of your life. Whether it’s your finances, academics, fitness, or personal goals, there are plenty of ways to make positive changes. Interestingly enough, the tradition of setting New Year’s resolutions goes way back to the ancient Babylonians. They used to do it to honor their king and kickstart a successful farming season. So, what are your resolutions for this year?
So, you might be wondering what all this has to do with HVAC. Well, here’s the thing –our team of local experts at Lancaster Furnace & Air Conditioning wants to lend a hand in enhancing your HVAC maintenance habits. We understand that, as a homeowner, you want your system to run smoothly for as long as possible. That’s why we’re here to share eight simple steps to help you improve your HVAC habits. Let’s dive in!
- KEEP UP WITH YOUR SEASONAL MAINTENANCE CHECKS – We’ve mentioned it before, and we’ll keep saying it – your seasonal maintenance checks are important! We understand that it can be tempting to skip a check when everything seems fine with your unit. However, the purpose of a maintenance check is to prevent issues from arising. Sometimes, small, unnoticed problems can escalate into bigger ones over time. By neglecting maintenance, you risk causing long-term damage to your unit. Additionally, skipping seasonal checks could void your manufacturer’s warranty. This year, let’s not wait for a breakdown. Make a commitment to staying up to date with your seasonal maintenance by scheduling an AC check in the spring and a furnace check before its first use in the fall.
- CHANGE YOUR AIR FILTERS ON TIME – You should resolve to check and change your air filters regularly! When those filters get clogged with dust and particles, it makes your system work harder, leading to higher energy consumption and costs. So, why not make it a goal this year to stay on top of it? Generally, air filters should be changed every 1-2 months.
- CLEAN YOUR HVAC VENTS REGULARLY – Dusty vents can actually mess with the air quality in your home and make your HVAC system work harder than it needs to, ultimately adding extra strain. So, it’s a good idea to add your HVAC vents to your regular cleaning routine to keep them dust-free and improve the overall air quality in your home.
- UPGRADE TO A SMART THERMOSTAT – Still using a regular thermostat at home? Time to hop on the smart thermostat train! Wondering what all the hype is about? With a smart thermostat, you can control your home’s temperature remotely, save energy, and sync temperatures to coincide with your schedule. Best part? There are affordable options available! So, start the year smart with a smart thermostat. Call us to chat about options!
- CHECK YOUR ATTIC INSULATION – If your HVAC system seems to be running all the time or if there are rooms in your home that don’t feel well-regulated, it could be due to insufficient insulation in your attic. When there’s not enough insulation, it can cause temperature fluctuations and put extra strain on your HVAC system to maintain the desired temperature. If you can safely check the insulation depth in your attic, we recommend doing so. According to industry standards, you should have at least ten inches of insulation. If you find that your attic insulation is less than this, we highly recommend considering a plan to upgrade your insulation this year.
- CLEAN YOUR CEILING FANS AND LIGHT FIXTURES FREQUENTLY – Dusty ceiling fans and light fixtures can really affect your indoor air quality and put extra strain on your HVAC system. So, it’s a good idea to make them part of your HVAC resolutions and include them in your regular cleaning routine.
- KEEP YOUR CONDENSER CLEAR – It’s important to regularly check and clear the area around your condenser to prevent any unnecessary issues or breakdowns. Even during the winter when you’re not using the AC, it’s still a good idea to make it a habit to check the condenser frequently and ensure nothing has fallen onto or near it. Stay proactive and keep an eye on your condenser all year long.
- GET YOUR DUCTS CLEANED – Do you remember the last time you had your ducts cleaned? Dirty or clogged ductwork can really mess with your HVAC system’s efficiency and the quality of the air inside your home. Since it’s the part of your HVAC system that spreads the air all around, if it’s full of dust, pet fur, and other loose particles from years gone by, it’s going to make your indoor air quality suffer. Typically, homeowners should have their ducts cleaned every three to five years. So, if it’s been a while since you did this (especially if you have pets), it’s high time to get it done this year.
By incorporating these eight HVAC resolutions into your year, you’ll be on track to a healthier, more efficient HVAC system. Remember, prevention is key to avoiding unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs. Following good practices will keep HVAC catastrophes away and can help extend the lifespan of your system, resulting in a hopefully hassle-free and smoother year for you!
Call Lancaster Furnace & Air Conditioning at any time all year long at (740) 625-2320, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
