Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is one of the most critical appliances in your home. It runs year-round, providing cooling and heating to keep your home as comfortable as possible. Plus, it helps maintain the proper humidity levels while filtering indoor air.
However, like any other element in your home, your HVAC system has a lifespan. The air conditioner can last 12 to 15 years, while your furnace can last up to 20 years. On the other hand, the furnace, AC repair, and replacement costs can be quite expensive. Hence, you probably want to maximize or even extend the lifespan of your HVAC system for a few more years.
The good news is that you can help extend its lifespan with proper maintenance, allowing you to replace the system far less in your lifetime. This article shares expert tips and advice to get as much life out of your HVAC as possible.
- Schedule Professional Maintenance And Tune-Up
In general, HVAC systems aren’t high maintenance. However, you shouldn’t forget about routine maintenance. Scheduling regular professional maintenance can go a long way in extending the lifespan of your HVAC unit.
An expert technician can help inspect, clean, and tune up your system. They can help clean debris and all parts of your HVAC system. Also, they can provide a full inspection of your unit, including its wires, connections, and mechanisms, to ensure that they work efficiently.
A tune-up ensures proper lubrication of all moving parts, replacing filters, and checking refrigerant levels. In addition, the best technicians can help spot potential issues in your HVAC unit and resolve them, preventing a more extensive and costlier problem.
Ideally, preventive maintenance should be done twice a year. It’s best to schedule an AC service in spring and a furnace checkup in early fall or late summer. This way, your HVAC system will be optimized for efficiency before switching systems.
That said, this schedule will depend on your location. For instance, if you live in Texas where it’s generally hot, you’re more likely to focus on maintaining your AC. If you’re looking for the best Terrell, TX AC Repair and maintenance experts, consider consulting Infinity Texas Air. To learn more about them, you can check out their YouTube account at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClU9weqAKJOIhztW2miLbeg.
- Change The Filter
This is one of the simpler ways to help extend the lifespan of your HVAC system, and yet most homeowners tend to forget. While changing the filter is included in your regular professional HVAC maintenance, this task is really up to you.
Generally, most HVAC systems use a 3-month pleated filter or 30-day fiberglass filter. It’s best to check these filters regularly—at least once a month—and replace them if they’re filthy, even if it’s ahead of schedule.
Dirty filters can reduce the performance of your HVAC system. Built-up dust and dirt can block the system and prevent it from working efficiently. Furthermore, this blockage will reduce airflow and overwork the fan, decreasing its lifespan if left unchecked.
- Upgrade Your Home’s Insulation
Poor insulation in your home can push your HVAC system to work harder. An HVAC system that works harder in keeping comfortable indoor temperatures means reduced lifespan and higher energy bills. So, if you want to help your HVAC system, upgrading your home’s insulation would be better.
The most important place to insulate is your attic. Warm air can penetrate your roofing system without sufficient attic insulation, making it difficult for your HVAC system to regulate indoor temperatures.
Additionally, insulating your basement and adding insulation into wall cavities is worthwhile. If you don’t know how to locate and evaluate weak spots, you can consult a professional energy expert to audit your home.
- Set Fan To Automatic
The fan is a critical part of your HVAC system, especially in maintaining indoor temperature. However, it shouldn’t be running all the time. While a constantly running fan can help remove more dust and debris from the air, leaving it ‘on’ can significantly reduce your HVAC system’s lifespan.
Alternatively, you can consider using the ‘auto’ fan setting. The automatic fan control setting enables it to run while actively heating or cooling your home. This saves the system from unnecessary stress that can add up over time.
Takeaway
There’s no denying that replacing your HVAC system is one of the costliest endeavors of homeownership. However, by following the above tips, you can keep your HVAC in good working condition for years.
Sure, you’re only delaying the inevitable. However, if you can get a few years out of your HVAC, it can help save you the cost and headache from the inconvenience of a malfunctioning system.