Most new homeowners are eager to get to know their new neighbors and pick out the best room for family movie night, but they often forget to check their new home’s HVAC system. Throughout the changing seasons, the efficiency of heating and air conditioning units affects your indoor air quality. To reduce indoor allergies and avoid high repair costs, take note of a few helpful tips to help keep your system running for years to come.

How to Improve Indoor Air Quality

1. Familiarize Yourself With the HVAC System

Older HVAC systems can be up to 60% less efficient than newer systems. Are you using an air conditioner for cooling and a gas furnace for heating? Maybe your house is heated by a 20-year-old wood-burning furnace or a boiler. Learn as much as you can about the system’s age and service history for a better idea of how to maintain it and boost its effectiveness.

2. Replace Filters

The easiest way homeowners can maintain HVAC equipment is by changing filters regularly. This task is easy; pull out the old one and replace it with one purchased from a trusted hardware store. To keep track of when you last changed it, write the date on the exterior frame of a new filter. Some filters list a preferred change interval, but a safe bet is to change them out at least once every one to two months to ensure the best indoor air quality throughout your home.

3. Schedule Maintenance

Yearly scheduled maintenance will help prolong the life of your HVAC system and help thwart the need for expensive repairs later. Your trusted AC and heating contractor is your first line of defense, providing detailed inspections that reveal problems like rust, leaks, and faulty electrical wires. They’ll also give you tips on maintaining the equipment throughout the year.

4. Use the Thermostat Efficiently

Newer thermostats are equipped with useful features to help homeowners maximize their HVAC system’s productivity. Programmable settings let you set specific temperatures for certain times, and learning technology can automatically adjust the temperature based on time of day and past habits. These capabilities keep your home comfortable and ensure your equipment is working at maximum efficiency.

For over 100 years, Schenerlein & Sligar in Steubenville, OH, has been dedicated to quality craftsmanship and maintenance, providing residential customers and businesses with excellent AC and heating services for optimum indoor air quality. Trust these professionals to handle a host of tasks, including AC installation, plasma cutting, and heating installation. Check out their website for information on their services and call for an appointment at (740) 282-5184.