This year, in addition to making plans for personal improvements like health or finances, we encourage you to improve the health of your home. A few small changes can improve the quality of air that circulates in your home. These changes can also extend the life of your heating and cooling system. Here are 10 New Year’s Resolutions for your HVAC to do just that:
1. Change Your Air Filters Regularly
This simple, but important, new year’s resolution is the first we recommend. Air filters keep the air circulating into your home clean. They do so by trapping contaminants by trapping dust, dirt, and other particles. Over time, the air filters will become clogged by the dust, dirt, and contaminants it traps, which reduces airflow and the efficiency of your HVAC. To avoid this and make sure your heating & cooling system works properly throughout the year, we recommend the air filters are replaced every 3-6 months. The time frame can vary depending on the age & condition of the unit, or if there are any pets in the household. Consider purchasing MERV-13 or higher rated filters.
2. Schedule Routine Preventative Maintenance
Semi-Annual HVAC maintenance tune-ups can make sure your HVAC system runs smoothly all year long. Preventative HVAC maintenance should be programmed twice a year, ideally once before the summer and a second visit before the winter. An experienced HVAC technician will check your heating and cooling systems to make sure it is in good condition and working efficiently. Routine visits allow any potential problems to be discovered before they become larger issues. Having regular check-ups for your HVAC system will prolong the life of your system, improve indoor air quality, and save you money on energy costs.
3. Install a Programmable Thermostat
Consider investing in a programmable thermostat if you do not already have one. A programmable thermostat allows you to be in control of your ac systems usage. By programming your thermostat to go lower in the winter or higher in the summer by a few degrees, you could potentially save $180 every year in energy costs.
4. Install UV Lights for Improved Indoor Air Quality
Indoor air quality is crucial for the health of your family, especially during a pandemic. Some things you can do to improve the air quality of your home include adding UV lights to your heating & cooling system. UV Lights destroy the genetic material of viruses and bacteria, protect against airborne germs, reduce common odors, and help alleviate allergies and flu symptoms.
5. Get your Air Ducts Cleaned & Sealed
Air duct systems are one of the most important components of your HVAC system. We recommend getting your home’s air duct cleaning done every three to five years. Duct cleaning services remove dirt & debris from the ventilation system in your home. If it has been more than five years, plan to get your air duct cleaning done this year. Contact your HVAC company to schedule air duct cleaning and ask about duct sealing.
6. Add Zoning, if needed
If you live in a multi-level home or have closed-off rooms, it can be difficult to maintain a comfortable temperature. To address these hot/cold spots, consider adding zoning systems. Zoning can help keep different areas of your home at different temperatures. Your HVAC company can help configure a set up that works best in your home to help address these problem areas.
7. Upgrade your HVAC System
HVAC units generally last 10 to 15 years before they break down. If it has been more than 15 years since the heating and cooling system was installed in your home, the new year is the perfect time to consider an upgrade. This might seem like an unnecessary expense, but the benefits of a new HVAC are well worth the change. A new HVAC system is more energy-efficient, which can help save money in the long run. Ask your local certified HVAC company for a quote to determine the best size of HVAC for your home.
8. Adjust the temperature on your thermostat
We all want to achieve maximum comfort while we are at home, and our temperature preferences may be different. But, if you were to adjust your thermostat just a couple of degrees during the winter and increase the temperature just a couple of degrees during the summer, you can save energy and money each month. This small change keeps your HVAC system from working excessively and in turn, can extend your HVAC unit’s life.
9. Become Familiar with your HVAC system
Being familiar with your HVAC system is not the most fascinating thing in the world. But, adding this to your resolution list could better identify problems before they get worse. Recognizing strange noises or observing temperature drops or rises can decrease the time before an HVAC technician is contacted and can potentially reduce the amount of time it takes to solve the problems and make sure it is up and running.
10. Research an AC & Heating Company Before Scheduling
Anytime you hire someone to do any sort of work in your home, take the time to research the company. Be sure to check their reviews and their website to make sure they are certified, licensed, and insured to do any work. By taking the time to research a company beforehand, you could find a trusted lifelong service provider.
Consider a company like Freedom Heating & Air LLC. Our company can help you complete these 10 New Year’s Resolutions. Freedom has serviced the Dallas-Fort Worth area for over ten years. Our expert HVAC technicians are certified and have years of experience installing, servicing, and repairing both residential and light commercial HVAC systems. Reach out today to schedule service. Contact us at 214-306-8456 or fill out our contact form.
