When you’re changing your clocks for Daylight Saving Time, it’s a good reminder to tackle other household chores like installing new batteries in all your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms. You can also use a spring forward reminder to make sure your HVAC system is in optimal condition by taking care of the following tasks.
Pamper the Ductwork System
Have an HVAC professional inspect your ductwork, make any needed fixes and then seal and insulate it to stop energy waste and improve efficiency. Spring is also the right time to schedule duct cleaning, and give all your registers a thorough vacuuming.
Give the Outdoor Unit Ample Breathing Room
If air can’t flow easily through the outdoor condenser, your HVAC system has to work harder and uses more energy. To keep your energy costs in check and avoid straining the compressor and other components, clean up any debris in a two-foot area around the outdoor unit. Remove accumulated yard debris like dead leaves, tall weeds or broken branches, and trim back low-hanging tree limbs and shrubs.
Lower the Load on the HVAC System
Reducing your equipment’s workload brings you noticeable benefits including greater comfort and lower energy bills. One of the easiest ways to lower the load is air sealing gaps, cracks and holes around your home’s exterior using weather stripping, caulk and expandable spray foam. You can also plug air leaks between the living areas and the attic, and increase the amount of insulation between the attic floor joists to the recommended maximum of R-60.
Set Up a Cooling System Inspection
A spring checkup on your air conditioner or heat pump should cover key tasks like checking the coolant level, cleaning/lubricating the blower assembly, cleaning the fans and coils, flushing out the condensate drain line and replacing the air filter. Your technician will also advise you to check the filter once a month throughout the cooling season and replace it whenever it starts to look dirty.
For more spring forward HVAC tips for increasing comfort and energy efficiency in your Dayton home, contact us at Ace Hardware Home Services today.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Dayton, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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