Are you ready to take control of your home’s comfort this fall? In Howard, OH, and other places in Knox County, the leaves are already changing. You’re likely also feeling a chill in the air most mornings.
It’s time to gear up for the coziest season of the year. This means taking care of HVAC maintenance.
We’ll show you how to tackle DIY HVAC maintenance like a pro. With these simple steps, you’ll keep your heating system running efficiently, ensure your family’s comfort, and save money on energy bills.
Say goodbye to chilly nights and hello to a toasty, welcoming home.
Start the Fall Season with Clean Filters
When the season shifts, it’s time to change the air filter. These filters play a crucial role in maintaining your system’s efficiency and your indoor air quality.
Over time, dust, debris, and allergens clog air filters. Nothing unusual as the primary role of an air filter is to trap what you don’t want circulating in your indoor air. This buildup can restrict airflow, making your HVAC system work harder to heat your home.
Clogged filters can impact indoor air quality by recirculating pollutants and allergens throughout your home. This can create concerns for household members with allergies or respiratory issues.
Changing the air filter is a simple yet essential, step in preparing your HVAC system for the fall season.
Any home improvement store in Mt. Vernon, Howard, or the surrounding cities carries filters, but your local HVAC company includes a filter change when they perform routine maintenance.
Unblock Air Vents and Registers
You’ve taken care of that dirty, clogged air filter, but don’t overlook the vents and registers. They are the gateways for warm air from the furnace to flow into your living spaces.
It’s not uncommon for air vents and registers to become unwitting victims of household clutter.
Furniture, rugs, and other items placed over vents and registers hinder airflow. The result is uneven heating. Some areas of your home will feel too warm, while others will stay chilly.
Like dirty air filters, clogged vents, and registers can force your HVAC system to work harder. Not only can it lead to higher energy bills, but it can cause wear and tear on the system.
Check for Leaks in Your Ductwork
Another easy DIY HVAC maintenance task can help you save money on energy bills and prevent overworking your furnace. Check for leaks and gaps in your ductwork.
Your ductwork is one of the most overlooked components of your HVAC system. Ductwork transports conditioned air from the furnace to the supply vents.
Ducts can develop tiny leaks, which may seem inconsequential but can significantly impact the efficiency of your HVAC system. Sometimes ductwork loosens and allows air to escape through the gaps.
Give your ductwork a thorough inspection this fall. Look for visible gaps, cracks, or loose connections. If you find any, don’t worry; it’s a manageable problem.
Seal leaks with either duct tape or mastic, a gooey adhesive that closes gaps and keeps your warm air where it belongs. If you have aging ductwork in your Howard or Mt. Vernon, OH, home, this might be the year to consider an upgrade.
Give the Thermostat a Little TLC
The thermostat is control central to your HVAC system. If it’s not working properly, your furnace may not even turn on, much less heat your home.
Thermostat care is so easy even the least experienced DIYer can handle the job.
First, clean the thermostat. Carefully remove the thermostat cover and use a soft paintbrush to gently clean the internal components. Make sure no dirt or debris obstructs the thermostat’s sensors.
Next, calibrate the thermostat. If the thermostat loses calibration, it won’t give accurate temperature readings. Consult your thermostat’s user manual for instructions on how to recalibrate.
Test for functionality now. Set the thermostat to “Heat” and raise the temperature a few degrees above the current room temperature. Listen for a click (it means the thermostat is engaged) and let the system run for a while to confirm you have warm air circulating.
Set the thermostat back to its original temperature. Listen for a click to indicate the system has turned off.
If you haven’t already done so, consider upgrading to a programmable thermostat. A smart thermostat can revolutionize the way you manage your HVAC system. It’s an excellent home improvement upgrade that most homeowners can do themselves.
Test Carbon Monoxide Detectors
During the colder months, the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) exposure increases. Fuel-burning appliances like furnaces can produce high levels of CO. Testing your carbon monoxide detectors in the fall is critical to protecting you and your family.
Here’s what you should do:
- Replace batteries
- Test functionality
- Verify correct placement
- Check end dates
- Understand the alarms
Most models have a test button. When pressed, the alarm sounds to confirm the detector is working correctly.
You should install CO detectors near sleeping areas and on every level of your house. Pay attention to manufacturer guidelines about proper installation height and distance from potential CO sources.
If you need to replace CO detectors or have questions about how to maintain them, a local HVAC company in Knox County, OH can assist.
DIY HVAC Maintenance vs the Professionals
While most homeowners can manage DIY HVAC maintenance tasks, there’s no substitute for the expertise of a professional HVAC maintenance service in Howard, OH.
HVAC professionals scrutinize every detail of your heating system. During a maintenance visit, they identify potential issues before they become major problems. This includes examining components like the heat exchanger, burners, electrical connections, and the thermostat.
You should have an HVAC tune-up each year before colder weather arrives. Routine maintenance not only helps you prepare your HVAC for winter, but it also helps prevent an unexpected and costly furnace repair.
Schedule Professional HVAC Maintenance Today
If you’ve completed everything on our list of DIY HVAC maintenance tips, you’ve come a long way toward preparing your HVAC system to keep your home cozy this winter.
Experts at Cosby Heating and Cooling can handle the rest. We specialize in HVAC installation, repair, and maintenance in Mt.Vernon, Howard, and other Knox County, OH, locations.
Don’t set up your furnace for failure. Reach out today to schedule HVAC maintenance. Your furnace and your family will thank you.
