For each family, fall means a variety of things. However, for most people, this period of the year also signals the start of the school year! Whether you have children in college or high school or are just preparing to go back to school yourself, this time of year is undoubtedly one of the busiest periods of the year. As a result, you’re probably knee-deep in all kinds of autumn preparations.
From changing your seasonal wardrobe to getting your kids ready for a new school year! Now is the best time to include your HVAC system in your fall preparation, particularly given the seasonal turn. It’s critical that your heating system stays up and running through the cold months so you can focus on more important things like ringing in a successful new school year with your family! Fortunately, Hilliard-Dublin Heating & Air is here to help ease the burden for you. So, keep reading as we go through some useful recommendations for your fall HVAC prep.
Have You Invested in a Smart or Programmable Thermostat?
As you are aware, the weather in Ohio is fickle. The weather is always changing, and it’s probable that you’ve just been readjusting your thermostat temperature up and down to accommodate for the constant shift. It’s warm one day; the next, it could be chilly outside. However, keep in mind that as the seasons progress, you will want to update your smart or programmable thermostat to match once the weather change is more consistent. Furthermore, with the children back in school, your daily routine has most likely been altered to account for earlier mornings. Therefore you’ll want to reset your thermostat to match those hours. Because there are fewer people in the house, your furnace will not have to work as hard to maintain the temperature. If you don’t already have a smart or programmable thermostat, now might be the time to buy one. Fortunately, there are several affordable alternatives available; plus, we can even install them for you!
Have You Checked and Changed Your Air Filter?
According to industry norms, air filters must be replaced every 30-60 days. Even if your air filter isn’t due for a change just yet, it’s still a good idea to start the back-to-school season off with a fresh slate. In the summer, pollen, dust, and other allergens are common home intruders. As a result, your air filter may have become exposed to these allergens and overloaded. So, we think it’s preferable to be safe than sorry and change those air filters ahead of time before we get into this school year head-on.
Have You Cleaned Around Your Outdoor Unit, the Compressor?
As we transition into fall, leaves can become a problem for your compressor, which is likely located in your backyard. It’s crucial to keep the area surrounding this unit free of leaves, debris, and plants. During the fall, high winds can pick up these loose particles and drop them onto the compressor’s fan blades, causing your system to malfunction and produce further problems later on. Therefore, you should maintain a level of vigilance by visiting this area throughout the fall and making sure there are no obstructions around your outside unit. The last thing you want is an unreliable HVAC system in addition to all of your other back-to-school concerns!
Have You Cleaned Your Air Vents and Ducts?
The ductwork and air vents in your HVAC system play a vital role in distributing airflow to all areas of your home. If these components aren’t clean, over time, they’ll become clogged with dust and other particles. This build-up will make your HVAC system work harder, which can lead to larger problems down the road. To get ready for the start of school, go on a house inspection, double-checking that no objects or blockages are preventing your vents from releasing air into the rooms. You should also make sure that each vent is open, and none are closed. When ducts are left closed, it will confuse your system and cause it to overwork itself. Furthermore, if you discover that your vents are dusty, they may be vacuumed using your vacuum hose attachment and cleaned with a mild soap and warm water solution if necessary.
Have You Called to Book Your Fall Maintenance Check?
If you haven’t already scheduled your yearly fall maintenance check, we highly advise it. All of our customers should have their furnaces serviced once a year for a seasonal tune-up and safety check to ensure that everything is functioning properly. Not to mention that our NATE-certified experts do a comprehensive examination to double-check that your heating system is still in compliance with current safety standards. After all, the well-being and security of you and your family are always at the top of our list!
Trust Hilliard-Dublin Heating & Air for responsible and professional HVAC service that you can rely on. We would be grateful for the opportunity to serve you, your home, and your family. So, please don’t hesitate to call us today at (614) 490-7520, or schedule an appointment online now clicking here! Oh, and good luck this school year! Fall is a great time to make memories with your family.