HVAC Checklist & Safety Tips
1) Check the Air Filter
It’s a great idea to change your air filter with the change of seasons. Air filters should be changed according to their use, but the average can be every 30 to 90 days. You should check your air filter every month, and don’t wait longer than 3 months to replace it. Having a clean air filter is crucial to maintaining good indoor air quality. If your air filter is dirty, then the air inside of your home will also be dirty and more difficult to breathe.
2) Clean & Seal the Ducts
Ducts should be cleaned professionally every 5-7 years. It’s also important to make sure that your air isn’t escaping through gaps and cracks in your ductwork. On average, about 20-30% of conditioned air that flows through air ducts escapes through cracks in the ductwork. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, “Sealing and insulating ducts can improve the efficiency of your heating and cooling system by as much as 20 percent.”
You should check on your outdoor unit often. Spring is a great time to check on its condition. During the winter months, it’s possible that dead leaves, branches, dirt, and other debris could have collected around the unit. It’s important to keep the area around the unit free and clear to prevent any issues with airflow or potential clogging. In fact, we recommend that there should be at least a 3-foot clearance around the entire unit. When planting spring flowers and plants, be sure to pay attention to how close they are to your HVAC unit and how large they will grow.
3) Clean Around Your Unit
You should check on your outdoor unit often. Spring is a great time to check on its condition. During the winter months, it’s possible that dead leaves, branches, dirt, and other debris could have collected around the unit. It’s important to keep the area around the unit free and clear to prevent any issues with airflow or potential clogging. In fact, we recommend that there should be at least a 3-foot clearance around the entire unit. When planting spring flowers and plants, be sure to pay attention to how close they are to your HVAC unit and how large they will grow.
4) Consider a Thermostat Upgrade
Spring is a great time to upgrade your thermostat! Programmable thermostats are not only convenient, but they are also cost-effective. Programmable thermostats allow you to easily control the temperature of your home during 24/7, whether you’re home or away. Even better, smart thermostats can provide energy savings by learning your unique schedule and adapting to it. This helps conserve energy while still keeping the house comfortable when you're home.
5) Get a Spring Checkup
Transitioning from winter (especially the very icy one we just had) to spring is an adjustment for you, and for your HVAC system! Make sure your air conditioner is going to be ready when the warmer weather arrives by scheduling a checkup with your favorite local HVAC technician - Royal Heating & Air!
Safety Checklist for the House
1) Thermostat Batteries
Your thermostat is an important tool that you need year-round. If it is battery operated, the batteries in your thermostat need to be changed about once a year. Spring is a good time to check those batteries, and replace them if necessary.
2) Check the Smoke & CO Detectors
Your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors could one day save your life. It's important to make sure they are functioning properly and that the batteries are all fresh. Spring is a great time to test both detectors and replace the batteries. A way to remember this task is by doing it with every Daylight Savings Time switch - that's this weekend!
Emergencies can happen at any time, so it’s important that each household has a plan and an exit strategy in case of an emergency. Just like any public building, you should have plans for what to do in case of common emergencies in your area: fire, flood, carbon monoxide leak, and tornado. In these situations, you will usually only have minutes to get out of the house or get to shelter. That's why it’s important to have a plan ahead of time, and to practice it regularly. Daylight Savings Time is a great reminder to review and practice your emergency plan.
The first official day of spring is just over a week away - March 20th! This weekend is also Daylight Savings Time, which means it's time to "spring" our clocks forward and get ready for warmer, longer days. This is the perfect reminder to make sure our homes are clean, safe, and comfortable for the upcoming season. Royal Heating & Air can help with HVAC advice, a whole-home comfort check, new programmable thermostats, an AC unit checkup, and more! Give us a call to schedule yours: 573-480-4313
3) Create (or Review) Your Emergency Plan
Emergencies can happen at any time, so it’s important that each household has a plan and an exit strategy in case of an emergency. Just like any public building, you should have plans for what to do in case of common emergencies in your area: fire, flood, carbon monoxide leak, and tornado. In these situations, you will usually only have minutes to get out of the house or get to shelter. That's why it’s important to have a plan ahead of time, and to practice it regularly. Daylight Savings Time is a great reminder to review and practice your emergency plan.
Spring Safety for You and Your HVAC
The first official day of spring is just over a week away - March 20th! This weekend is also Daylight Savings Time, which means it's time to "spring" our clocks forward and get ready for warmer, longer days. This is the perfect reminder to make sure our homes are clean, safe, and comfortable for the upcoming season. Royal Heating & Air can help with HVAC advice, a whole-home comfort check, new programmable thermostats, an AC unit checkup, and more! Give us a call to schedule yours: 573-480-4313
Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"
