HVAC equipment is one of the most expensive appliances in your home. The expected life expectancy of an AC system is around 12-15 years and around 18-20 for a furnace. If you live in the home long enough most likely you will need to replace both components at least once. HVAC replacement is not inexpensive, so it pays to help them last as long as possible. If you properly take care of your heating and cooling units, they will take care of you for as many years possible. In this article we discuss ways to extend the life of your HVAC system.
Schedule Routine Maintenance
Your air conditioner and furnace should be maintained at least once a year to have the longest lives possible. Schedule professional ac maintenance in the spring and your furnace in the fall. This will ensure the system has been optimized for efficient operation the very first day it’s needed. If you schedule regular maintenance your system will run efficiently and without issue. If your system is undermaintained you can expect high energy bills, costly repairs, and premature failure. Routine maintenance helps identify any potential issues before they possibly cause a complete breakdown.
Replace Air Filters Regularly
Air filters will be replaced during professional maintenance visit. However, in between visits you should check and change filters regularly. Check them monthly during periods of heavy use, but at the bare minimum replace every three months. A clogged dirty air filter will force your HVAC system to work harder than it should to move air throughout your home, increasing wear and tear.
Check your Condenser
The condenser is the outdoor component of your HVAC system. Keep the area around your condenser clear of obstructions to keep the air flowing smoothly. Since they are located outdoors the system easily collects dirt, leaves and other debris and foliage. It should be cleaned as part of routine maintenance. In between visits you should check and brush off debris and keep foliage at least one foot away to ensure ample airflow and the AC unit will not have to work as hard to cool your home.
Install A Smart or Programmable Thermostat
To prevent your system from overworking consider installing a programmable or a smart thermostat. Both these types of thermostats will result in your HVAC system utilizing less energy. An overworked system can lead to multiple repairs and shorten the lifespan of your system. Both these thermostats can adjust your homes temperature to give your HVAC system a much-needed break.
Get Repairs Done in a Timely Matter
Have you noticed your energy bills going up without change in use? Or does your home not seem as comfortable temperature wise as it once did? Have you noticed your system struggling to keep up with the set temperature. These might be signs that your HVAC system is in need of repairs. It is best not to put repairs off, the longer you wait for repairs the worse the issues are going to become. It is best to schedule AC repair or furnace repair at the first sign of an issue to help minimize wear and tear and reduce the likelihood of a serious costly repair.
Inspect Your Ductwork
Up to 30% of heated or cooled air can leak out of your ducting. Even more so if your ducting is older or damaged. This means that the air ends up in the attic instead of the living area of your home, making your system work harder than it should and decreasing its lifespan. Inspect your ductwork and call for repair if you see any holes or gaps or any other issues. Addressing these issues as soon as possible can help save you money and extend the life of your HVAC system.
Add or Upgrade Your Insulation
Insulation helps keep conditioned air in your home instead of it leaving out through your roof. Most homes do not have adequate insulation and having enough extends the life of your HVAC system because it will not have to work as hard to keep your home at optimal temperatures. The total amount and type of insulation you will need will vary on depending on where you live. Once you have sufficient insulation, check it at least once a year for any issues such as gaps, mold or any other issues.
Seal Any Leaks
One way to ensure your system is not overworking is by making sure your home is properly sealed. If your home is drafty, your conditioned air will escape and force your HVAC to work harder to keep your home at optimal temperatures. Pay particular attention to windows and doors. Caulk or weather strip any air leaks to help lower your energy costs and extend the life of your HVAC system.
Contact LA Construction, Heating and Air
Extending the life of your HVAC system essentially is keeping it from overworking. The tips mentioned above are steps you can implement to extend the life of your HVAC system and ensure it runs as efficiently as possible. Your system will have a much longer life if you properly care for it and do not neglect it to keep repairs down and unnecessary wear and tear. The easiest step you can take is to schedule regular maintenance. Give us a call today or contact us online to schedule HVAC maintenance, repair, or installation.
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