Back-to-School HVAC Checklist with Seiter Services!

Along with your usual back-to-school preparation, you may not have included your HVAC system. After all, you live with it year-round, right? Who needs to add more to an already full to-do list? The thing is, you may end up with unforeseen issues if you neglect your HVAC system this fall. This applies whether you’re the kids are doing school at home or the house is empty all day with them at school.

Here are five back-to-school tips for your HVAC system so you’re ready to go this fall.

School at home

Ventilation

For schooling at home, the fresh air requirements become more critical when you’re constantly present, especially for children. Make it a priority to ensure that you have proper ventilation, with working exhaust fans in the right places at a bare minimum. For proper ventilation, consider upgrading to an ERV (Energy Recovery Ventilator) or HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilator) for maximum fresh air with the best energy savings.

Consistent temperature control

In order to function well, especially for young learners, you need to have a comfortable temperature at all times of the day. Consistency for the temperature in your home requires the right thermostat, an efficient furnace and the right air distribution at the very least. You may need to do upgrades or replacements depending on your home’s HVAC performance.

An empty house

Daytime setback

For a home with kids and adults away all day, consider reducing the temperature when the house is empty. This can be accomplished manually by lowering the thermostat before leaving and then raising it (and waiting for your home to warm up those few degrees) when you get home. Alternatively, you can automate the process by installing a programmable or smart thermostat to reduce the likelihood that you forget to change the temperature for four out of five week days.

Any situation

Carbon monoxide safety

Keeping your family safe is the critical first priority. Ensure that you have functioning carbon monoxide alarms in the right places and that your system is maintained to reduce the risk of ever needing those alarms. If you’ve been neglecting your furnace maintenance, remember it’s about more than comfort and energy savings, it can be a life and death situation.

Moisture control

Too much or too little humidity will make the difference between a comfortable, safe environment and being too sick to function. Address any issues with dry or humid air before you have to face the consequences of either one, especially for your kids with their developing, vulnerable lungs.