The changing of the seasons has various meanings for each household. Everyone has their own routines and hobbies, and schedules may vary for different families. However, this time of year is frequently referred to as back-to-school season! Whether you have elementary children entering school, high school students, or older children enrolled in college, there will be a lot of preparations and planning to ensure a successful year for everyone. Many individuals are currently preoccupied with new routines and schedules, fall traditions, switching their wardrobes, and planning for the fall school year. However, as a homeowner, it’s critical that you keep your HVAC system on your fall prep list as well! The last thing you want to do is contribute to the chaos of the back-to-school season by having a faulty heating system. So, join us at Lebanon Heating & Cooling as we walk you through preparing your HVAC system for the back-to-school season.
When Was the Last Time Your HVAC System’s Air Filter Was Changed?
The general suggestion is to switch out your air filter every 30-60 days. However, even if you don’t need to change them just yet, why not be proactive and start the new school year with a fresh set of filters? It’ll help reduce pollen, dust, and allergies in the house that may have accumulated during the summertime. Checking the air filter in your home might not be at the top of your list now that school has started again, but it’s crucial for keeping pollutants out. And with fall germs and sickness in full force, it really isn’t a bad idea to remain proactive and start the year off strong with a fresh air filter.
When Was The Last Time You Checked The Vicinity Of The Outdoor Compressor?
In the fall, as leaves die and plants enter their dormant state, your compressor is at risk of failure if any loose debris enters it. Thus, you should be sure to clear away any potential obstructions, such as leaves or twigs. Furthermore, check your outdoor unit on a regular basis during the fall to detect any developing issues before they become serious problems. An inefficient HVAC system is one thing you don’t need added to your already stressful back-to-school season!
When Was The Last Time Your Vents Were Cleaned?
When vents and ductwork become clogged with dust, it affects the performance of your HVAC system and can lead to bigger problems down the road. To avoid this, you should regularly check your vents – especially before school starts again. Too often, people ignore their ductwork until they have to pay for expensive repairs later on. Keep in mind, all vents should be open and unobstructed. The most common cause of system failure is due to blockage in the ducts. When ducts are closed, it is possible for your system to overheat or collapse entirely. If your vents are dusty, clean them with the vacuum hose attachment and a mild soap/warm water solution (as needed).
Do You Have A Smart Or Programmable Thermostat?
The weather is highly unpredictable – one day it could be boiling hot, and the next frigid. You never know what to expect, especially around this time of year! As you’re well aware, you probably haven’t had to use your heating system consistently yet. But before long, you may find yourself having to rely on it daily just to keep warm in your own home. Additionally, because the children are in school during the day, your HVAC system will not have to work as hard since there will be fewer people in the house. This will help you save money on your power bill by keeping your house cooler while you are away during the day and then heating it back up when everyone returns in the afternoon. A programmable or smart thermostat is ideal for this; you can set it to a warmer temperature while you’re away from home, then change it to a cooler temperature when everyone starts coming back.
Do You Have Your Fall Tune-up & Safety Check Scheduled?
We highly recommend that you get your heating system serviced by our NATE-certified specialists once a year in the fall for a tune-up and safety check. This examination will verify that everything is functioning correctly and safely according to current regulations. As an added advantage, keeping up with your fall tune-up and safety checks will keep the manufacturer’s warranty on your furnace valid!
At Lebanon Heating & Cooling, we want to see you and your family flourish with a successful school year by starting off the fall season strong!! If there’s anything we can do to help you along in your endeavors, whether it be upgrading your thermostat or scheduling your fall maintenance check. Call us today at (513) 540-1773, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here! Oh, and we wish you an excellent school year!
