A wise person once said, “there is a time for every season, and for everything under the sun. . .”
Our home’s HVAC systems are no exception.
Because homeowners need to be sure their HVAC systems are ready for the coming season, whether it be summer or winter, the changing of the seasons is the perfect time to perform maintenance on our HVAC systems. Some of this maintenance can be done on our own. A lot of it needs to be done by a professional.
To promote some of the HVAC maintenance you should do on their own, we at Kettering-Oakwood Heating & Air put together the following change-of-season maintenance guide for homeowners in the Kettering and Oakwood, Ohio, areas.
Seven HVAC Maintenance Tips for Homeowners During the Change of Seasons in the Greater Dayton, Ohio, Area
Always Start with Your Air Filter
It’s no coincidence that we have air filter care at the top of our list. We suggest you start your seasonal maintenance by checking and replacing your air filter because it’s fast, easy to do, and it doesn’t cost a lot of money. The condition of your air filter has a huge impact on the fitness of your HVAC system and its efficiency. As such, it is directly linked to the quality of the air you and your loved ones breathe. So, if your furnace filter is disposable, replace it monthly. If it is reusable, experts say to be sure to remember to clean it monthly. Ultimately, if you hope to enhance the air quality in your residence and prolong the life of your filter, an air purifier might be worth some thought.
Clean Your AC Drainage Hole
With summer on the horizon, now is a good time to clean out the drainage hole near the base of your AC unit. Keeping this drainage hole open and clean is essential to the operation of your air conditioner. It can get clogged up easily. Because it is so small, you might have to clear it out with a modified paper clip, or a wire or coat hanger.
Clean Out Dehumidifiers
Dehumidifiers can be utilized in the summer and winter. And often, they are necessities in the home. As such, as the seasons are changing here in Ohio, be sure your dehumidifier is operating optimally by cleaning it out. Experts recommend separating the external casing to let the insides air out and dry. After it has dried, vacuum the inside to pull out all the debris and dirt and dust that might be collecting inside there.
Sustain a ‘Clear Zone’ Around Your AC Unit
Your exterior air conditioning unit was designed to endure all sorts of severe weather here in Ohio. But that doesn’t mean homeowners shouldn’t do their part to protect it from Mother Nature when possible. Primarily, this means maintaining a “clear zone” surrounding it. When the spring and fall arrive, this is a good time to take a closer look at that zone and give it some additional attention. Pull out any vegetation down to the roots and clear away any debris infringing on your zone to ensure that recommended minimum two-foot radius. This “clear zone” of protection ensures your air conditioner is able to pull in the air it requires to maintain the desired temperature within your home.
Bathroom Fan Maintenance
This time of year is also ideal for giving your bathroom fans, and maybe even your ceiling fans, a brush-up to clean them and keep them running correctly. Start by removing the covers from your bathroom fans and immersing them in warm water with a mild soap. Wash them, and before putting them back up, grab a toothbrush to clean off the fan blades up top. Before starting on this task, however, first things first. Be safe, and be sure to turn off the electricity to the fan. Also, be sure that casing is dry before turning the power back on.
Time for a Thermostat Upgrade?
Fall and spring are great times to consider a thermostat upgrade because you might not be adjusting the temperature as often. Smart thermostats are “smart” for many reasons. For one, they are a smart purchase that’s simple to install. For two, they are reasonably priced, and they pay for themselves pretty fast with the energy savings they bring. Smart thermostats are also “smart” because you can program your home’s desired temperature levels ahead of time (controlled remotely via your cell phone) so you don’t have to adjust them during at night or when you leave home. Not only that, smart thermostats can communicate with you, study your behavior, and perform a host of other things to save you money on your monthly energy bill.
Don’t Neglect Your Air Vents
If forgotten about long enough, air vents are a significant component of a home HVAC system that can get obstructed with dust and dust and debris. When this gets bad, it can impede the flow of air to the point that it alters the air’s temperature coming out. To keep this from happening, consolidate your air vents into your usual household cleaning schedule. Use a vacuum on them. And while you are cleaning them, always make sure you don’t have any curtains or furniture or anything else too close to them.
Hiring a Professional is Imperative
Although these seven Do-It-Yourself home HVAC maintenance tips are important, what’s even more important is the help of a professional.
Our friendly technicians perform a host of more technical things that prolong the life of your system and ensure its efficiency. At Kettering-Oakwood Heating & Air, we value our customers, and all of our work is insured. In addition to saving you money on your energy bills, our techs can help you avoid potential breakdowns during the worst possible times. If you’d like to know more, please call Kettering-Oakwood Heating & Air today at 937-502-3842, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here. We always love hearing from you. Thanks for reading!