It's that time of year when our thoughts start turning towards the holidays and all the preparation that entails. However, have you taken the time to think about home maintenance? Fall is the perfect time to knock a few maintenance tasks off your list. It is especially important to arrange HVAC maintenance to ensure you are ready for Winter without the threat of unexpected breakdowns.
As a local HVAC company in Knoxville, we recommend adding some of these tasks to your fall home maintenance checklist.
Check Your Indoor Air Quality
As we head towards the winter months, it is a good idea to check on your home's indoor air quality, especially if anyone in the house has allergies, asthma, or other respiratory conditions. You can ask your local HVAC company in Knoxville to test your indoor air quality as part of your seasonal HVAC maintenance. They can also recommend the best air filters and air purifiers to suit your needs.
How Effective Is Your Insulation?
When it comes to ensuring heat does not escape from your home, everyone thinks about the doors and windows, but do you have adequate insulation in your attic or crawlspace? This is how most of the heat escapes, and if you have insufficient insulation, your HVAC unit has to work harder for longer to maintain the desired comfort level, making it more prone to breakdowns. If you have foam insulation, it is best practice to inspect it at least once a year, as it can start to settle after 12 months. Fiberglass insulation is something you can accomplish yourself if you are a handy homeowner, but even getting it professionally fitted can be relatively inexpensive.
Set Your Thermostat to An Appropriate Temperature
If you want to save money on your heating bills, it can be a good idea to adjust your thermostat when you are out of the house for several hours. However, you also want to make sure that your home is comfortable for your return home. Talk to your local HVAC company in Knoxville about choosing a programmable or smart thermostat so you can set the temperature to suit your routine or even control it remotely from your phone. For maximum efficiency, you will want the temperature inside your home to be similar to the outdoor temperature so that your HVAC unit is not being overworked. In the Fall, the ideal temperature to set your thermostat at is between 68 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit. Don't be tempted to turn off the heat when you go out. It takes much more effort to raise the temperature from off than it does to kick it up a couple of degrees from the baseline setting.
Assess The Humidity Level In Your Home
Something many homeowners never even consider is the impact that humidity levels can have on your comfort in the Fall and Winter months. The ideal humidity level you should be aiming for at this time of year is between 35 and 60 percent. This will help to minimize indoor air quality issues as mold, dust mites, and many other pollutants will thrive outside of that range. If you have trouble maintaining an even humidity level in your home, you can talk to a local HVAC company in Knoxville about installing a humidifier or dehumidifier in your heating and cooling system.
Book Fall HVAC Maintenance
Perhaps the most important advice we can give is to call your local HVAC company in Knoxville to arrange a Fall maintenance visit for your HVAC unit. Regular maintenance can extend the lifespan of your HVAC system and minimize the chance of unexpected breakdowns in the dead of Winter! Dirt and neglecting maintenance are among the top reasons for HVAC failure, so it really is important to make a fall maintenance call from a local HVAC company in Knoxville. It is one of the key points on your checklist.
In conclusion, preparing your home for the colder months doesn't stop with holiday planning—it also requires some essential home maintenance tasks. Fall is the perfect time to ensure that your HVAC system is running efficiently, your home's insulation is up to par, and the indoor air quality and humidity levels are optimal for comfort and health. By taking care of these tasks now, you'll not only improve your home's comfort and air quality but also prevent potential HVAC breakdowns and save on energy bills. Don't forget to schedule a Fall HVAC maintenance visit with a trusted local HVAC company in Knoxville to keep your system in top shape all season long!
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Gent Heating and Cooling provide heating and air conditioning for residential and commercial clients in Knoxville, Knox County, and the surrounding East Tennessee area. Over 20 Years experience. Customer Service is Our Top Priority. We strive to be on time, provide accurate estimates, and have most replacement products on our service vehicles.
Call 865-213-3818 or email office@genthvac.com