Doesn’t it feel like summer has flown by? Once again, we find ourselves at the start of fall – which for many of us means a new school year. If you are a seasoned homeowner, or perhaps this isn’t your first time starting a school year with your kids, then you are probably familiar with all the chaos that comes along with the back-to-school season. There are so many preparations that entail getting ready for a seasonal transition, like buying new school supplies, changing out your wardrobe, and don’t forget – preparing your HVAC system! If you haven’t thought of that already, don’t worry. LRF Maintenance, Heating & Cooling is here to help alleviate the stress that the back-to-school seasons and ensure your HVAC system is set up for you and your family to have a successful school year!
Have You Turned On Your Furnace Yet?
If you haven’t already, you will want to make sure your furnace is set up for success this season. There are a few things we suggest doing first, before utilizing your furnace:
- Be sure to remove any dust or debris that has built up on your furnace before turning it on. It’s probable that dust and other particles have collected on the surface of the unit over the spring and summertime.
- It’s critical to allow your heating system time to adapt to the weather transition. So, it is not necessary to turn on the heat with a high setting right away. Simply start out at a lower temperature so your furnace may also succeed in performing its intended function at its highest capacity.
Have You Changed Your Air Filter Yet?
As the new school year approaches, don’t forget that with it also comes increased exposure to germs and bacteria. To combat this, be sure to change your HVAC system’s air filters every 1-2 months as recommended by experts. This way, you can at least control the spread of these illnesses within your own home, even if you can’t prevent your children from being exposed to them while they’re at school, or while you’re at work.
Although your system might not need an air filter change at the start of the season, it’s always good to have a fresh one. For extra protection against allergens and airborne particles, use a HEPA air filter, as they’re known to be 99.97% effective in removing dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and any other contaminants from the indoor air within your home. The last thing you want is for everyone in your household to get sick with fall allergies or illnesses as soon as the weather changes.
Have You Reprogrammed Your Thermostat Settings Yet?
If you live here, you know temperature changes are common and unpredictable. One day it could be sunny and hot, while the next, there might be a cold front. You likely had a go-to summer temperature you kept your thermostat on, but now that fall is (sort of) settling in, have you found the perfect balance for your home yet? Consistent weather patterns are the perfect time to readjust your thermostat for fall temperatures. By doing so, you can prevent your furnace from working too hard and also conserve energy in the process.
If you have a smart thermostat or programmable thermostat already, adjusting your thermostat to rise when you start your new back-to-school routine and lower back down as everyone gets home is an excellent technique to extend the life of your system while also reducing its energy consumption. If you don’t already own an upgraded thermostat but are thinking about purchasing one, there are several affordable alternatives available! For additional information, please contact us today!
Have You Scheduled Your Fall Tune-up & Safety Check?
Although your furnace may have turned on without any issues, preventative maintenance is still key! That’s why scheduling a fall tune-up and safety check is crucial. Your furnace hasn’t been running for the past several months, so you never know what underlying issues may be hiding from the untrained eye.
We firmly believe homeowners should keep their furnaces running properly by scheduling them in for their fall tune-up and safety checks yearly. Rest assured, all our technicians are NATE-certified and will follow all safety regulations while working on your heating system. So, get ahead of any potential problems by having a tune-up booked with yours truly before winter comes!
LRF Maintenance, Heating & Cooling provides friendly and professional heating and cooling services to the surrounding region. We’d be delighted to help you with any questions or concerns you may have. Perhaps you’d want to schedule your fall tune-up and safety check; we can certainly assist you with that. Or maybe you are interested in upgrading to a modern thermostat; whatever your HVAC need is, feel free to call at (614) 837-4822, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here! Oh, and before we go, we wish you and your family the best school year!
