" Filter Changes are Recommended at Least Every 90 Days ... Set Your Thermostart to 68 Degrees Fahrenheit in the Winter "
Baby It ’ s Cold Outside …
Keep Your Residents Warm & Fuzzy this Winter Season
BY LIZ CAPONE
It is hard to imagine , yet , here we are , days are shorter , and it is noticeably cooler . Winter is right around the corner . Here are a few quick tips to help you , your community , and your residents prepare for the upcoming heating season .
Heating System Inspections . We have all heard the idiom ; an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure . The same is true for your community ’ s heating and cooling systems , taking care of the little things before they become big things is key to both your budget and your resident ’ s comfort . Some elements to inspect include :
• Inspect Heat Exchanger
• Inspect Fans and Blowers
• Inspect Humidifier
• Check Wiring
• Check Gas Line
• Clean Flame Sensor
• Inspect Flu Pipe
Filters
During heating season longer cycles of use create the need for more frequent filter changes . Frequent changes help ensure your system is running as efficiently as possible . Note , it is important to use the correct MERV rated filter designed for your system . The wrong sized MERV rated filter can be detrimental to the overall system performance . Filter changes are recommended at least every 90 days . Change every 30 – 60 days in high dust areas or homes with pets .
Vents
Ensure vents are open , and clear of debris . Clearing any obstructions and creating uninhibited air flow is probably one of the easiest ways to promote resident comfort and system efficiency .
Thermostats .
Set your thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter .
According to Energy Star , setting your thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit ( 20 degrees Celsius ) when you ’ re home is the ideal balance of comfort and energy efficiency . So why is 68 degrees the magic number ? The energy saving key is lowering the temperature ( about 10-12 degrees Fahrenheit or 6-8 degrees Celsius ) at night or when you ’ re away . Don ’ t turn that dial !
Your residents can save as much as 10 % a year in heating and cooling costs by turning back thermostats 7 - 10 degrees Fahrenheit for eight hours a day . Constantly raising or lowering the temperature throughout the day or forgetting to set it to the proper temperature can cost them more over time .
Windows
Have a look to ensure windows are in good condition . Well maintained seals inhibit cold air from entering your resident ’ s home . Help residents stay more comfortable and maintain a more consistent temperature in their homes . Ask them to open blinds and coverings to let in ambient sun heat during the day and closing during the evening provides additional insulation .
Know When to Call the Professionals .
Knowing when to call in the professionals is critical , especially during unexpected cold snaps . Determining that a system break down requires professional attention quickly allows your maintenance teams to move to other key resident calls .
We hope these tips increase your team ’ s efficiency and drive higher resident approval ratings in the coming months and all year long .
Liz Capone is the SW Regional Account Manager at Trane Technologies . www . aamdhq . org OCTOBER 2022 TRENDS | 35