A survey conducted last year listed the following as the top five New Year’s resolutions: saving money; exercising more; eating healthier; spending more time with family and friends; and losing weight. Nowhere in that list – and probably not in your list – is making sure your home’s heating and air conditioning are in order. So, we’ll help you. Here are 13 heating and air conditioning resolutions for 2025.
1. Have Your Furnace and AC Maintained Annually
Furnace and air conditioning maintenance has several benefits: optimizing your comfort; keeping utility costs down; enhancing your home’s air quality; and more. Also, many manufacturers require an annual inspection to keep the warranty valid.
2. Change Your Filters Regularly
This not only will improve the air quality in your home, but it will also allow your heating and air conditioning system to function more efficiently, thus lowering your utility bills. One-half inch filters should be replaced monthly; thicker filters at least quarterly.
3. Clean Your Air Ducts
This will also ensure the air coming into your home is clean and allows your HVAC unit to run more efficiently.
4. Clean Your Vents
Removing dirt and dust from your vents also can improve air quality and allow your HVAC system to run more efficiently.
5. Improve Air Quality
Improve air quality in other ways, such as investing in a UV air filter, air purifiers, humidifiers and dehumidifiers, and air cleaners.
6. Add House Plants
Also, green plants can improve air quality.
7. Adjust Your Thermostat
Keep the thermostat a bit higher in the summer and colder in the winter. This can save a lot of money and can extend the life of your heating and air conditioning system.
8. Stay Warm Without Extra Heating
In the winter, compensate for the lower setting on your thermostat by adding layers of clothing or an extra blanket. Also the ceiling fan is not just for the summer; let the ceiling fan spin clockwise in the winter to force warm air down from the ceiling. Finally on sunny days keep the shades, blinds and drapes open to let the sun warm your home.
9. Stay Cool in the Summer
In the summer, compensate for the higher setting on your thermostat by cooking outside to eliminate heat generated by the oven, stove and microwave. Also on cooler days open the windows to let cool air in. On hot days keep the blinds, shades and drapes closed to prevent the sun from making your home hotter.
10. Invest in a Wi-Fi Thermostat
This thermostat will also drive down energy bills by allowing you to set different temperatures for different times of the day. Plus, you can control it remotely through your mobile phone or tablet.
11. Upgrade Your Heating and Air Conditioning System
If your system is 15 years old or older, if your utility bills are rising, if you are not comfortable, or if your system needs frequent repairs, it may be time for an upgrade. If so, consider buying the most energy-efficient units you can afford. It will pay off in the long run with lower utility bills.
12. Zone
If your home has multiple levels or closed off rooms, consider a zoning system that allows you to set different temperatures for different areas of your home.
13. Make Sure Your Attic Is Well-Insulated
A well-insulated attic will prevent cold air from entering your home in the winter, and hot air in the summer. This can have a major impact on your utility bills. While we are on the subject of your attic, consider an attic fan.
Resolve to Contact Ravinia Plumbing for Expert Heating and Air Conditioning Assistance
Ravinia Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Electric’s experienced HVAC technicians can maintain and make repairs to your existing HVAC system and can help you select and then install HVAC products as needed. Our customers have relied on us since 1928 (that’s 97 years!) for quality products, knowledgeable technicians, and superior service, including 24/7/365 emergency service. That is why we have made a name for ourselves as the most trusted plumbing, sewer, heating and air conditioning, and electrical company in Chicagoland. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
