Do you know how to get your home heating and cooling systems ready for a change in weather? Taking care of a few simple tasks will enhance your home’s comfort, preserve your expensive HVAC equipment, and keep your system operating efficiently. Following these simple tips in the spring or fall could save you a lot of money or headaches in the future.
During All Seasonal Changes
There are a few tasks that you should perform during seasonal changes in both the spring and fall. First, check your air filters and change them if necessary. A well-maintained filter will improve your indoor air quality and the efficiency of your HVAC systems. Next, walk through your home and check for air leaks around the doors and windows that could be letting your indoor air escape.
You should also call your HVAC technician and ask them to check and service your systems. Scheduled maintenance usually includes lubricating the motors inside your equipment, checking belts for wear, and making sure everything is working properly so your system will run efficiently.
In The Spring
Image via Flickr by CORGI HomePlan
Keeping your home a little warmer in the summer will help improve your energy usage and lower your power bills. When you switch from heating to air conditioning in the spring, adjust your thermostat a little higher. If your thermostat is programmable, set it five to eight degrees higher at night and during the day when you’re away from home.
If you have ceiling fans or an attic fan in your home, now is the time to clean them and make sure they’re operating well. Ceiling fans should turn in a counterclockwise direction to cool the room, so if yours are reversible, make sure they’re set correctly. Also, clean the outdoor condenser unit for your air conditioning system by using a hose to push debris out from the inside of the unit.
In The Fall
Your furnace may need some time to warm up after a season of inactivity, so don’t wait until the weather gets dangerously cold to turn it on. Start running it gently on those first cool days so it will be ready to use when you need it.
Meanwhile, you need to protect your outdoor air conditioner unit from freezing over and from developing rust. Turn the circuit off to prevent the unit from accidentally turning on. Remove debris with a hose, and cover the unit by wrapping it in a tarp or other waterproof covering, securing it with bungee cords. If your ceiling fans are reversible, change them to rotate clockwise so they’ll push warm air down from the ceiling.
Home heating and cooling represent a big monthly expense, and your HVAC system is one of the most expensive systems in your home. Take the time each season to properly maintain the systems and keep them operating at peak efficiency. You’ll reap the rewards of your efforts in energy savings, a prolonged life for your system, and a comfortable home throughout the year.