As a resident of Ohio, you know all too well the importance of the HVAC system in your home. Your HVAC system, which stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, is the component that heats and cools your home. Therefore, your HVAC system’s efficiency and ability to run at its highest potential will affect the safety and well-being of you and your family. The last thing you want to do as a homeowner is to take the safety and comfort that your HVAC system supplies for granted. Should any unexpected HVAC circumstances surface, it is beneficial for you to know some basic information about your system and basic tips and tricks to practice preventative maintenance. To help our knowledgeable and friendly technicians at Centerville Heating & Cooling have provided us with the following:
What Type of HVAC System Do You Have?
If you don’t already know the answer to this question, no big deal. It happens more often than you think! However, this is a vital piece of information every homeowner should know about their HVAC system. What does your unit use gas or electricity? Do you have central air? Because there are so many different options available, if anything sudden occurs, knowing this basic piece of information will help lessen the stress on you and assist you in making an informed decision for your home.
How Old Is Your HVAC System?
Secondly, knowing how old your HVAC system is is another basic detail you want to know. Keep in mind that your air conditioning unit and your furnace may not be the same age, especially if you are not the home’s original owner. It is quite possible that one may have been replaced before the other. In addition, the older your system gets, the more its energy efficiency decreases. So while “old trusty” may still be running strong, you might actually be paying more out of pocket just to keep up with those monthly energy bills.
Do You Change Your Air Filter Regularly?
What about your air filter? Have you changed it recently? Our NATE-certified technicians suggest homeowners change their air filters every 1-2 months. Air filters may seem like such a small component in your HVAC system, but they can cause large problems if neglected and not changed as recommended. Clogged air filters will strain your HVAC system and can decrease its lifespan. So, if you don’t remember when the last time was that you swapped your air filter out with a fresh one, here is your reminder!
Should You Get Your Units Serviced Yearly?
Preventative maintenance is key to extending your system’s lifespan. Just like you have your vehicle checked out and maintained regularly, you should do the same for your HVAC system. Both your heating and cooling systems need to be serviced once a year for their seasonal tune-up & safety checks. When you schedule a maintenance check with us, our friendly and knowledgeable technicians run a system of tests, check the specifications, make sure everything is running smoothly with no underlying issues, and that everything is safe to run for the upcoming season.
How Do You Utilize Your HVAC System to Its Fullest Potential?
Energy bills stack up fast. For this reason, you want to make sure that you’re getting the most out of your HVAC system so that it runs at its highest potential. Here are a few quick points to aid you with this:
- Don’t ignore any unusual sounds or smells coming from your system. These could be signs of a more serious problem going on that needs to be fixed. If left unattended, this could lead to an abnormally high energy bill or extensive repair costs.
- Be sure your ductwork has no holes or openings that allow air to leak out.
- Make sure your home has the proper amount of insulation. Experts say insulation should be 10-14 inches thick.
- If you don’t already have one, consider upgrading your thermostat for a smart thermostat like the Nest Learning Thermostat. Smart thermostats are an affordable option and are extremely energy efficient!
Embark on your HVAC journey with Centerville Heating & Cooling. We aim for only the best for our valued customers. We are here for you if you need any additional information, have an HVAC concern, or maybe just need to get that spring maintenance check scheduled! Call us at (937) 353-1169, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
