Summer break is coming up, and now is the perfect time to teach your kids about your heating and cooling system. Making them aware of how to troubleshoot when things come up, and teaching them more about the system can help improve safety while encouraging them to learn the basics about what keeps their home comfortable.
Tip #1: Teach them about the filter.
Keeping up on furnace maintenance is key to keeping your indoor air quality at its best and prolonging the life of your system. If your kids are used to completing chores, this is a good one to add. It only takes a few seconds, and teaching them about this routine can be beneficial for the future when they put life skills to use. We recommend adding this to a chore schedule or calendar so it is planned out and won’t be forgotten about. Make sure you are changing your HVAC filter every three months.
Tip #2: Keep the outdoor unit clean.
If you have older kids helping with outdoor chores such as mowing the lawn or landscaping, it’s important to teach them the basics when it comes to your air conditioning system. Lawn clippings can get into your system, which can clog the coil. This will lead to your system working harder than it needs to and can cause potential issues down the road.
Tip #3: Clean around the A/C after storms.
Storms can be common during the warmer months. In Iowa, we have had some severe thunderstorms and some that aren't as serious. If there happens to be a severe storm, it’s always a good idea to check on your outdoor unit once it is over. Strong gusts of wind can blow debris in and around your system. After the storm passes, teach your kids to pick up sticks and other debris that may have fallen around the unit. This will keep your system clean and free of any blockage.
Tip #4: Using the thermostat.
Especially if your kids will be home alone this summer, it’s a good idea to show them the ins and outs of the thermostat. Teach them about how the thermostat settings can affect the utility bill, what range of temperature you would like it to remain at, and ways to troubleshoot if it gets too hot or cold. Teach them things such as closing the curtains to avoid cold air from escaping, turning on fans, keeping windows and doors shut, and shutting off lights and appliances when they are not being used. This can teach good habits and might even save you money!
For further HVAC assistance, visit 72degrees.com or give us a call at 515-965-7272.
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