It’s hard to believe summer is in full swing. With the year we’ve had, it’s easy to lose track of time — but don’t let your home improvement efforts go by the wayside. If anything, this is the time to keep things running smoothly to avoid unnecessary expenses. To help you get started, we’ve come up with this list of HVAC maintenance tips for 2020 in Richmond.
Virginia’s climate is a unique one. Intense heat and humidity, coupled with a strong allergy and hurricane season can really pack a punch. As a homeowner, being proactive can go a long way towards protecting your home and your family.
Change Your Filter
Anytime we offer maintenance tips, you can be sure we’ll mention changing your air filter. That’s how important it is! You would be amazed by how quickly air filters get dirty — and when that happens, it can have a major impact on air flow.
Swapping out your filter every 60-90 days is the bare minimum. To truly improve indoor air quality, air circulation, and prevent your HVAC system from being overworked, you should change your air filter once a month. This is especially important if anyone in your home suffers from allergies or has recently been sick.
Clean Up Your Yard
As many of us are staying home in 2020, you might be spending more time out in your yard. It’s great to be outside after months of being cooped up in the house, but it’s also important to make sure you’re keeping things tidy. Clutter can make it harder for your HVAC system to operate efficiently.
Make a habit of cleaning up your yard once a week. Clear away any grass clippings, branches, leaves, or other debris from around your outdoor HVAC unit, windows, and dryer vent. Use a hose to wash away any stubborn dirt and mud.
Look for Damage
While it’s best to leave thorough inspections to the professionals, it’s a good idea to keep your eyes open for signs of damage. In addition to noting any unusual noises or smells, there can be physical indications that something isn’t right.
Is anything leaking or have you noticed puddles of accumulated water? Does the wiring seem intact or has anything become frayed? Are the electrical controls functioning as they should? Reach out to a qualified HVAC technician if you notice anything amiss.
Clear Out Your Vents
It doesn’t take long for gunk to build up in your ventilation system, especially if you’ve been staying home more often. Dust, dead skin cells, pet dander and other particles will settle in your air ducts, making it harder for air to circulate freely.
Changing your air filters regularly is one of the best ways to reduce the accumulation of debris in your ventilation system. You can also remove your registers and vacuum inside of the vents to help clear things out (be sure to wipe your registers before replacing them!). Of course, having your air ducts professionally cleaned can also make a big difference!
Upgrade Your HVAC System
If your HVAC system is more than 10 years old or has been underperforming recently, it might be time to look at upgrades or new units. It’s definitely a financial investment, but using a newer, more efficient heating and cooling system can save you money in the long run (and make your home more comfortable).
Do some research and then talk to an experienced technician about your options. They can provide insight and guidance based on your specific needs. They can also make recommendations for ways to save money, if you’re sticking to a budget.
HVAC Maintenance in Richmond
At W.G. Speeks, we’ve been proudly serving the Greater Richmond Region for more than 75 years. We’d be happy to offer tips for keeping your HVAC system running optimally all year round — which is essential for residents of Virginia where summers are hot and humid!
Concerned about the pandemic? We also have solutions for improving indoor air quality, including our new iWave Air Purification system. Using the same ions found in nature, the technology “breaks apart molecules, naturally cleaning the air and producing a healthy environment.”
Our technicians are NATE-certified to ensure that our work is done right every single time. We offer a free, no-risk consultation and have implemented strategies for keeping you safe during service appointments. Give us a call today — we’re here to help!
Skip to content