Taking Care of Your Home’s HVAC System

well-functioning HVAC system is a critical part of modern home comfort. It keeps you cool in the summer and warm in the winter, allowing you to enjoy time with friendsfamily, and yourself. But in order for your HVAC system to take care of you, you must take care of your HVAC system. 

A neglected HVAC system is inefficient and prone to mechanical issues. You’ll find yourself having to turn the thermostat to more extreme temperatures to keep up with the weather outside, resulting in higher utility bills. Eventually, it might breakdown altogether, leaving you in a very uncomfortable position while you wait for it to get fixed. 

The best thing to do is to keep it clean and maintained as you go. Here are a few tips to keeps your HVAC system in top shape. 

Keep the Space Clear Around the Outside Condensing Unit 

Most HVAC units will have outdoor and indoor components. Outside is where you’ll find your condensing unit. This helps pump heat from your home, so it’s important to keep it clean and clear. Leaves, twigs, grass clippings, and debris will fall on it from time to time. These pieces can get inside, causing problems that result in lost efficiency and premature failure. Periodically check your unit and brush these items away. 

As for the indoor components such as the air handler and furnace, always keep the areas around them clear as well. Never store household cleaning products or any other materials on or around them. This is a serious safety hazard. 

Check for Leaks in Ducts 

If your temperatures fluctuate from room to room, or you’re finding yourself having to run your system non-stop, you may have some leaks. With your system running, go around your house, following the ducts. Keep a hand up towards the duct system, feeling for sudden bursts of air. 

If you find a spot where air seems to be leaking out of, use some duct tape to patch it up. This will increase air flow and improve efficiency.  

Clean Your System and Air-Ducts 

Dirt and dust build up in HVAC units and air ducts over time. These can block up airflow, increase stress on your system, and leave your home dusty. A clean system operates at maximum efficiency, allowing you to run your system less often while breathing clean air. 

HVAC and air duct systems can be a little tricky to get inside of. That’s why it’s best to have a professional inspect and clean your unit as needed. For HVAC and air duct cleaning in Dayton, Ohio and the greater Miami Valley area, contact Air Duct Cleaning & Radon Company today!  

We also work on commercial properties. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Radon Testing Before Basement Renovation

Short-term tests typically run for 48 to 96 hours. That’s enough to get a clear baseline before renovation. If you're on a tight timeline, we offer same-day professional radon testing, using calibrated digital monitors with faster turnaround and higher accuracy.

🛠️ Pro Tip: Schedule your test at least a week before framing or insulation begins — that gives you time to take action if mitigation is needed.

Often, yes. Finishing a basement reduces natural ventilation, seals air pathways, and creates negative pressure zones — all of which can trap radon gas inside. We frequently see radon levels double or triple after renovation.

If you plan to install drywall, flooring, or closed-cell insulation, test first. It's much harder to retrofit a system once the space is finished.

Absolutely. In fact, newer energy-efficient homes are often more airtight, which can amplify radon accumulation.
Radon isn’t about age — it’s about soil conditions, slab construction, and airflow. We’ve mitigated brand-new builds in Columbus that tested over 10.0 pCi/L before occupancy.

The EPA recommends testing every 2 years, but after a basement remodel, you should test immediately after the work is complete — even if you tested beforehand.

🎯 And if you already have a radon mitigation system, make sure to re-test after any HVAC upgrades, insulation changes, or new construction that may affect airflow.

  • Below 2.0 pCi/L: No action needed — considered low risk.
  • 2.0 to 3.9 pCi/L: Consider mitigation, especially if children live in the home.
  • 4.0+ pCi/L: The EPA’s action threshold. Mitigation is strongly advised.

🔎 We’ve seen plenty of “borderline” homes spike to dangerous levels after finishing — so if you're anywhere near 4.0 pCi/L, don't wait.

Final Takeaway: Test First, Then Build

The only way to ensure a safe renovation is through early detection. Testing for radon before finishing your basement isn’t just smart — it’s essential.

Call (614) 799-8530 to schedule a professional radon consultation Licensed. Proven. Local. - Get answers before you build — and breathe cleaner air afterward.

Serving Columbus, Dayton, Springfield, Cincinnati, and all of Central Ohio

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