How Can You Prepare Your HVAC System For Back To School? 

Sep 16, 2022 | AC, Back-to-school, Blog, Fall, Fall Preparation, HVAC, iWave-R, Kettering-Oakwood, OH, Thermostat, Viruses

For each household, the changing of the seasons has different meanings. Everyone has their own habits, hobbies, and schedule. Nonetheless, for a large number of people, this time of year is back-to-school season! Whether you have elementary kids, high school students, or older children in college. It’s going to be a time filled with lots of preparations and planning to ensure a successful school year and fall season for everyone. Many people are caught up in new habits, fall festivities, changing their wardrobes, and planning for the fall school year. However, as a homeowner, it’s critical that you keep your HVAC system on your call list throughout the fall! The last thing you want to do is add to the chaos of the back-to-school season is have a malfunctioning heating system. So, without wasting any time, join us at Kettering-Oakwood Heating & Air as we walk you through preparing your HVAC system for the upcoming season. 

 
Have You Been Thinking About Upgrading Your Thermostat To A Smart or Programmable One? 

As you’re probably already aware, the weather is very unpredictable. It can be hot one day and cold the next. You just never know what to expect – especially during this time of year! You probably haven’t made the switch to using your heating system full-time yet. But pretty soon, you may find yourself turning your furnace on daily. Although the weather may be unpredictable, it’s still crucial to adjust your thermostat settings accordingly. Plus, with the kids in school during the day, your HVAC system won’t have to work as hard since there will be fewer people in the house. This will help you save money on your energy bill. Smart or programmable thermostats are ideal for this; they may be programmed to keep your home at a higher temperature during the times that you and your family are away from it, then change to a more comfortable temperature in the afternoons when everyone begins coming back home. 

Have You Changed Your HVAC Air Filter Recently? 

Every 30-60 days, it’s suggested that air filters be changed. However, if your air filter isn’t supposed to be replaced for a while, it’s not a terrible idea to start off a new school year with a fresh air filter! We all know how annoying it is to have pollen, dust, and allergens floating around the house.  Fortunately, your air filter does a great job of keeping these pollutants out of your lungs, but over time it can become overloaded. It’s possible that your air filter may have become overtaken by all the summer pollen and allergens that come along with the season. That’s why we think it’s always best to be safe and change your air filters before the back-to-school season starts. 

Have You Cleaned The Area Surrounding The Outdoor Compressor? 

When leaves drop, and plants start to die off in the fall, your compressor is prone to issues should those loose leaves or debris fall into it. To prevent this, make sure there’s nothing left around the unit, such as fallen leaves, growing weeds, or branches. During the fall, strong winds may pick up these free particles and carry them into the compressor’s fan blades, causing your system to fail and creating more problems later on. By frequently checking your outdoor unit in the fall, you can be aware of any potential issues and prevent them from becoming bigger problems.  

Have You Cleaned Your Ductwork & Air Vents?   

If the ductwork and air vents in your HVAC system aren’t clean, they will gradually become blocked with dust and other particles. If this occurs, it causes your HVAC system to work less effectively and can cause larger problems. Therefore, you should check the vents. This is especially important before school starts again. All too often, people overlook their ductwork and pay for it later with costly repairs. So, make sure all of your vents are unobstructed and open. When ducts are closed, it can cause your system to overheat or break down completely. Furthermore, if you find that your vents are dusty, use your vacuum hose attachment and a mild soap/warm water solution (as necessary) to clean them up. 

 
Have You Set Up A Seasonal Tune-up & Safety Check In Your Calendar? 

Get your furnace serviced annually in the fall for its seasonal tune-up and safety check-up. This examination confirms that everything is working correctly and safely according to current regulations. Our NATE-certified technicians will also perform a comprehensive examination of your furnace to make sure it is still running efficiently per current safety guidelines. In addition, keeping up with your seasonal tune-up and safety checks keep your manufacturer’s warranty valid. Sounds like a no-brainer to us! 

Kettering-Oakwood Heating & Air is a responsible and professional HVAC service that takes pride in its work. If you are interested in our HVAC services, please call us today at (937) 502-3842 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here! Lastly, we wish you a fantastic school year!