7 Tips to Help Maintain HVAC Systems With Changing of Seasons

Your home’s heating and cooling system goes through a lot. From keeping your home heated to various temperatures throughout the cool/cold weather months to switching things up completely and keeping it cool and comfy when warm/hot weather season arrives, your HVAC system rises to the challenge, season after season. Keeping it in great working order year after year requires a little know how and TLC on your part. Pickerington Heating & Cooling, located in Pickerington, Ohio, has seven helpful tips for you that will help keep your HVAC system in top form when the seasons change:  

Ways to Maintain Your HVAC System During Season Change in Pickerington, Ohio

Change the Furnace Filter

The importance of this simple step cannot be stressed enough. Choose a day and check the filter on that same day each month during the season that your furnace is in use, but also make sure to put in a clean filter at the end of cold-weather season going into summer. Always having a clean filter in your furnace is one of the best things you can do for your HVAC system.

Choose Pet Friendly Air Filters for Your Furnace

If you have pets in your home it is highly recommended that you use furnace filters that are designed specifically to trap and hold pet hair and dander.  

Prep Your System’s Outdoor Unit

Prior to turning on your air conditioner when warm-weather season arrives, be sure to clean the outdoor component of your HVAC system. Pick up any trash, debris, branches/sticks, and cut down any weeds or high grass that are growing close to it. Clear away anything that has become stuck in the unit, such as leaves, paper, etc.

Protect Your Outdoor HVAC Component

Keep the outdoor portion of your HVAC unit safe and clean with a good-quality weatherproof cover. These can be found at home improvement stores and many department stores. They will protect your outside HVAC component from the elements during the winter season when it is not in use.  

Invest in a Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat allows you to control the temperature in your home even when you aren’t there. Changing seasons can involve unexpected and often extreme weather changes. A programmable thermostat makes it possible for you to adjust the temperature inside your house if these extreme changes occur while you are away from home.  

Clean Vents and Utility Fans Around the House

Keeping vents and fans clean will prevent dirt from becoming airborne when you switch your system to accommodate the new season. You don’t want dirt and debris finding their way into your HVAC system and causing problems from one season to the next. Pay particular attention to bathroom fans and vents as well as those near the stove in your kitchen.  

Have a Professional Inspection and Cleaning Done

Keeping the kitchen and bathroom fans and vents clean is important to your HVAC system, but your whole system needs some extra special attention to help it make the transition between seasons. At Pickerington Heating & Cooling our professional HVAC technicians are available year-round to perform a complete inspection and thorough cleaning of your entire HVAC system. This will turn up any existing or potential problems so that the technician can make any necessary repairs right away.  

Keep Your Fuel Tank Filled

Allowing your HVAC systems fuel tank to run extremely low or to become completely empty can actually damage the tank and cause problems for your heating system. Don’t take a chance on forgetting to have your tank refilled: contact your supplier and set up a schedule to have it automatically refilled. The schedule will be determined based on a few factors such as:
  • Tank size
  • The size of your house
  • The weather
  • The temperature you prefer to keep your home set to
  • Your location
Scheduled refills will protect your HVAC system and keep it in good condition from season to season.  

Adjust the Settings on Your Home’s Humidifier

During the cold weather months, the air in your home can become extremely dry. Be sure to adjust your home humidifier’s setting to keep the atmosphere inside comfortable and healthy for your family members and for your HVAC system. Most people find a home humidity level between 30% to 35% to be comfortable.

A Whole-Home Humidifier is a Good Investment

A whole-home humidifier works with your home’s HVAC system to improve air quality and prevent damage to furniture, wood flooring and trim, etc., that dry air can cause such as cracking, splitting, and tearing.  

Wrapping It Up: Final Thoughts on Maintaining Your HVAC System During Season Change

You can keep your HVAC system working great by following some simple tips. Keep a clean air filter in your furnace at all times. Take care of the outdoor portion of your HVAC system. Upgrade to a programmable thermostat. Keep the vents and fans in your house clean to avoid clogging. Don’t let your fuel tank get too low or completely empty. Keep your home’s humidifier set to a comfortable, healthy level. Have your HVAC system professionally inspected and cleaned at least once a year. If you live in Pickerington, Ohio, or the surrounding area, contact Pickerington Heating & Cooling for all of your HVAC needs. Call us at 614-837-4026 or visit us online. We are at your service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to provide you with the best HVAC service in the business.    Â