Dirt and cobwebs are the enemy for your outdoor HVAC systems, compounded by autumn’s falling leaves. Not only does debris prevent your unit from running efficiently, accumulated dirt and dust can be a fire hazard. Sweep or hose off your unit, and make sure to remove all debris on the ground around it.

Set a reminder to replace the batteries in your smoke and  carbon monoxide alarms every six months, and check that they are in good working order. Many people use daylight saving time’s beginning and end dates to change the batteries in these alarms. 

Remember that carbon monoxide is a lethal by-product of combustion from gas, oil, and wood burning heat sources, and that it can’t be detected without an alarm. The CDC estimates that 50,000 people across the nation are victims of CO poisoning, and at least  430 of these will lose their lives after exposure.

Even the tiniest amounts of dust or debris can negatively affect your heating system’s efficiency. Make sure to vacuum pet hair out of registers and away from baseboard heating units. This is the perfect time to clean your chimney flue and remove blockages that may result in a deadly CO backup in your home.

Your furnace may keep you comfortable, but it also removes humidity from your home. A  whole home humidifier not only makes your family comfortable, it can also reduce viruses by 30%, decrease respiratory issues, and improve your sleep.

A whole home humidifier will also eliminate the “shock” from touching a metal object, a family member, or your pet’s nose!

A properly calibrated thermostat will increase your home’s energy efficiency. The best way to ensure your thermostat is working properly is to check the indoor temperature on display, and turn it up to see if it triggers the furnace to turn on. If your furnace comes on but  blows cold air , call a professional to look over your HVAC system.

If you have an old, outdated thermostat, swap it out for a  money saving programmable one that allows you to automatically set temperatures throughout the day for maximum savings on your energy bills.

While you can do these tasks yourself, it’s still important to schedule a professional to come out and perform basic  preventive maintenance on your HVAC systems. These inspections will extend the lifespan of your equipment and any warranties covering it while increasing your furnace’s efficiency and lowering your energy bills.

Join  Holtzople’s Comfort Club to receive complete preventive maintenance services, 24/7 Local HVAC services, and free or discounted covered repairs.