The kids going back to school is a sign that summer is coming to an end. It’s also a handy reminder that it’s time to take care of important HVAC maintenance and comfort setting updates. Tackling the following tasks at the start of the school year can help you optimize your HVAC performance and energy savings throughout the coming fall and winter:
Adjust Your Thermostat Programming
Once everyone is in the family is back to their normal school/work routine and no one is home on weekdays, you can save energy by making adjustments to your programmable thermostat scheduling and temperature settings. For the greatest potential savings, it’s best to schedule daily seven- to ten-degree temperature setbacks for at least eight-hour periods.
Put in a Fresh Air Filter
Your cooling system worked hard to maintain your home’s comfort level over the summer, so you likely have a dirty air filter that needs changing. Since this filter also serves the heating system, now’s the time to replace it. Ideally, the filter should be checked monthly and replaced as needed to prevent airflow restrictions that erode energy efficiency or cause component damage.
Seal Air Leaks
Being proactive about sealing sources of conditioned air losses around your home can boost comfort and help you save energy year-round. To start, seal holes, gaps and cracks around your windows and exterior doors, where wires, vents and pipes extrude through the shell, and around the attic floor and hatch. Then, seal the accessible ductwork with mastic or metal-backed tape, and install an R-6 wrap insulation to avoid wasting your heated or cooled air.
Schedule Preventive Maintenance
Your annual back-to-school preparations are a good reminder to get your HVAC system inspected, cleaned and tuned up. Scheduling a preventive maintenance visit now allows you ample time to take care of any needed repairs before the start of heating season, and it gives you peace of mind that your heating equipment is running safely at maximum efficiency.
To schedule preventive HVAC maintenance for your Dayton home when the kids go back to school, contact us today at Ace Hardware Home Services.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Dayton, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
