Your home’s HVAC system goes through a lot from season to season. It keeps your home warm and toasty during the winter months, and then completely changes things up to keep it cool and comfortable when summer arrives. Maintaining your system in good working order season after season and year after year means taking some steps to ensure that it is well taken care of. The experts at New Albany Heating & Cooling, located in New Albany, Ohio, have put together a list of seven tips to help you care for your HVAC system when the seasons change:
Ways to Maintain Your HVAC System During Season Change in New Albany, Ohio
A Clean Furnace Filter is Essential
The importance of keeping a clean air filter in your furnace cannot be stressed enough. This is one of the easiest and yet most effective ways of caring for your HVAC system. During the season when your furnace is in regular use, check the air filter once every 30 days and replace it with a new filter if it is dirty. Make a note on your calendar or set a reminder on your phone to do this on the same day each month.
Special Air Filters for Pet Parents
If your family includes furbabies, it is highly recommended that you use air filters that are designed especially for homes with pets. These filters collect pet dander and fur and prevent it from circulating throughout your home.
Maintain the Outdoor Portion of Your Unit
Before you begin using your air conditioner when summer weather arrives, make sure to clean the outdoor component of your HVAC system. Clear away any sticks or branches, trash, or other debris and cut down weeds or high grass that has grown close to it. Remove anything that has become stuck in the units graTing, such as leaves, paper, etc.
Purchase a Weatherproof Cover
Keep the outside unit clean and protected from the elements with a weatherproof cover. These can be purchased at hardware and home improvement stores as well as many department stores.
Get a Programmable Thermostat for Your Home
A programmable thermostat will let you change the temperature in your home from anywhere. This will especially come in handy as seasons are changing and the weather can take an unexpected turn. A programmable thermostat will allow you to adjust the temperature in your home even when you are not there, ensuring that it will be comfortable when you return.
Maintain Clean Utility Fans/Vents
Cleaning the utility fans and vents in your bathroom, kitchen, etc, will prevent dirt buildup, which can become airborne when your system is switched over to accommodate the changing season. If the dirt and debris finds its way into your HVAC system, it can result in clogs and problems for your HVAC system.
Have Your HVAC System Inspected and Cleaned
At least once per year, have your entire HVAC system inspected and cleaned by a professional. At New Albany Heating & Cooling our trained HVAC technicians are available year-round to inspect your home’s heating and cooling system and make any necessary repairs or perform preventive maintenance. They will also thoroughly clean your system, including vents and ductwork.
Caring for Your System’s Fuel Tank
Do not allow your heating system’s fuel tank to run dry or to become very low . This can result in damage to the tank and cause problems for your HVAC system. Rather than trying to remember when to have your tank filled, contact your fuel supplier and arrange scheduled automatic refills of your heating fuel. The supplier will set up a schedule based on factors such as:
- The size of your fuel tank
- The size of your house
- Your location
- The temperature at which you prefer to keep your home he did too
- The weather
Maintaining the fuel in your system’s tank will protect your system from season to season.
Utilize Your Home’s Humidifier
Throughout the winter months, as your home is being heated by the warm air from your furnace, the atmosphere can become extremely dry. Set your home’s humidifier to keep the atmosphere comfortable and healthy for your family and to maintain the quality of your HVAC system. Air that is extremely dry can cause damage to your home and your heating and cooling system. Most people prefer a humidity level between 30% and 35% in their homes.
Protect Against Dry Air With a Whole-Home Humidifier
A whole-home humidifier works along with your HVAC system to keep it in good condition as well as preventing damage to your furniture, wood floors and trim, and even photographs displayed throughout your home. These can all be damaged by excessively dry air which can cause cracking, tearing, splitting, and peeling.
Wrapping It Up: Final Thoughts on Maintaining Your HVAC System During Season Change
With just a little attention to detail, you can keep your HVAC system in great working order from one season to the next. Replace your furnace filter every 30 days. Protect your outdoor HVAC component with a waterproof cover. Install a programmable thermostat in your home. Clean vents and utility fans in your home on a regular basis. Schedule automatic refills for your heating fuel tank. Set your home’s humidifier to a comfortable level. Schedule professional inspections and cleanings for your HVAC system annually.
If you live in New Albany, Ohio, or the surrounding area, contact New Albany Heating & Cooling with any questions you may have or to schedule a comprehensive professional inspection and cleaning of your HVAC system. Give us a call at 614-636-5002 or visit us online. Meeting all of our customers’ HVAC needs and keeping them happy are our top priorities.
