What’s better than a TO-DO list? A TO-DON’T list! When it comes to your HVAC system, avoiding certain behaviors and ensuring you don’t neglect proper maintenance is critical to keeping your system functioning. Winter might be fading away (for now), but spring and summer have their own challenges, and indoor air quality is important year round. To protect your family’s health and keep your HVAC system in tip-top shape, here is your spring to-don’t list.
DON’T leave that dirty filter in your furnace
Neglecting your filter leads to dust in your ductwork, increased allergen levels and a struggling blower. Replace your filter this spring to avoid poor indoor air quality and the issues that come with it.
DON’T forget to clean your furnace room
Add the furnace room to your spring clean-up list so your equipment has the right amount of clearance for safe and efficient operation.
DON’T neglect a tune-up
Neglecting your HVAC equipment is another habit to change this spring. Add this to the top of your to-do list for the season, and you’ll reap the benefits for the years added to your equipment’s lifespan. Even though we’re moving out of the “furnace season,” this is a great time to address any possible issues your furnace may have developed from keeping you warm all winter. Tuning up your air conditioner during the spring season will also prepare you for the sweltering heat before it becomes a problem.
Don’t ignore your ventilation
Ventilation is critical regardless of the season, but if you have allergies that act up in the spring, it may be tempting to shut all the windows and recirculate air to avoid outdoor allergens. That’s not the solution. A robust ventilation system gives you the benefit of outdoor air without exposure to allergens from outside. Ensure that your exhaust systems work, and consider a heat recovery ventilation system with high-efficiency filters to get the benefit of outdoor air without the allergens.
Don’t leave your thermostat turned up
As the temperature outside rises, you might take this opportunity to experience an early summer indoors. However, this wastes energy and is unnecessary for you to maintain indoor comfort levels. If you have a programmable thermostat, lower your setpoints as the weather improves, or do it manually as needed.
