On Father’s Day, it’s a good time to reflect on the many sacrifices that your father or father figures made for you over the years and the extensive knowledge that he instilled in you. Many of us were lucky enough to have fathers that taught us to be self-reliant problem-solvers and that modeled those values through many DIY projects.
As you reflect on those projects, it’s hard to not think of some of the HVAC tips and tricks that dads had to keep the family’s HVAC system running smoothly. Here are a few favorites:
Change the Air Filters
Many of us recall our dad’s relentless efforts to ensure that the air filters were always clean and timely replaced. While it’s nice to enjoy those memories, including going with him to the hardware store to purchase filters or being his assistant as he put them in, make sure that you are also following in his footsteps when it comes to air filters.
Regularly changing your home’s air filters helps to improve the air quality in your home and enables your HVAC system to run smoothly. This easy preventative maintenance not only helps your family breathe cleaner air, but it also takes the pressure off of your HVAC system.
For an average home, air filters should be replaced every 90 days. If you have pets or family members with allergies or respiratory issues, it’s better to change your filters every 45-60 days. Make dad proud and add changing the air filters to your routine.
Clean the Outdoor Unit; Please and Thank You
It seems like dads always have an eye on that outdoor unit, waiting and ready to swoop in for a cleaning once any dirt and debris buildup. Maybe some dads were a little overeager about this, but once again, dad was right.
Keeping your outdoor unit clean is an important part of your HVAC system’s regular maintenance. You should thoroughly clean your outdoor unit at least once a year, and you should regularly ensure that it’s clear of debris and that the surrounding area is clear.
But remember, don’t just take a high-pressure hose to it; instead, make sure that you always remember your dad’s thorough process of opening the unit and methodically cleaning it. If you don’t remember the full process, it’s never a bad idea to have a professional come to give it a complete cleaning and inspection.
Seal Air Leaks
Do you remember your dad complaining about air conditioning in the backyard? This might’ve been a little exaggeration, but you’d be surprised how much cool air you can lose through holes, cracks, and leaks in your home.
Dad’s efforts each year to properly seal all of those leaks were spot on. Doing this helps to keep hot air out and cool air in, which makes your home much more energy-efficient and keeps you from overworking your air conditioner.
Plus, properly sealing your home will help to make it more energy-efficient all year long. Hopefully, he instilled this habit in you, but if you haven’t already, make sure that you seal all of the air leaks in your home before the hottest days of the summer.
We hope that these HVAC tips will help to keep your unit running smoothly this summer. If you have friends in need of HVAC tips, please share this post with them. And, if this reminds you of your father or a father figure that taught you many DIY tips, please thank him this Father’s Day for his years of good advice.
