Your HVAC system plays a vital role in keeping your home comfortable throughout the year. Its lifespan is anywhere between 10–25 years. This is based on your climate and what type of heating and cooling system you have. But your HVAC system may last less time if it has been overworked by insufficient insulation and unwanted airflow. However, like any other mechanical system, it requires regular maintenance to operate at its best. Neglecting your HVAC unit can lead to poor performance, increased energy bills, and costly repairs. Therefore, follow these ways to extend the life of your HVAC system and delay replacement for years to come.
Change the filter regularly
Air filters are an essential component of your residential or commercial HVAC systems. They help to remove dust, dirt, and other particles from the air. Dirty and clogged air filters can cause the system to work harder to circulate air through your home. It also leads to increased energy bills and lowers overall working efficiency.
Your HVAC technician should check your filters during your twice annually. Most homeowners use disposable 30-day fibreglass filters or 3-month pleated filters. These filters should be checked regularly. Changing the removable filter in each of your HVAC units every season is crucial. It helps to prevent pollen and other particles that can keep allergies from getting into your home. If the filters are clogged with dirt and debris, they should be replaced, even if it’s ahead of schedule.
Use the Auto Setting
Most HVAC systems have two settings “an auto” setting as well as an “on” setting. The “auto” option instructs the HVAC to activate the fan only when the system begins actively heating or cooling the house. The “on” setting operates the fan constantly.
There are benefits to using the “on” setting. It helps trap more dust and helps make it easier to breathe. But the major disadvantage is that it forces the system to work much harder, causes more wear and tear, and reduces the system’s life. It also leads the filters to clog up faster. This also causes the system to burn more energy. Therefore, try to use the auto setting as much as possible to save money.
Upgrade HVAC insulation.
A thermally insulated HVAC system helps to reduce the amount of heat loss and heat gain through the ducts. It also reduces the risk of condensation of moisture onto your pipes. Thermal insulation offers protection, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability to your home and your ducts/piping.
The best way to locate and evaluate your insulation is to schedule an appointment with a professional HVAC company. They will assess the effectiveness of your HVC insulation and locate any leakages, cracks, or weak points. If your HVAC system is effectively insulated, it will consume less energy and save you money on your energy bills. Therefore, upgrading the insulation will help is one of the important ways to extend the life of an HVAC system
Use Alternative Methods of Heating and Cooling
To give your HVAC system a break, use your ceiling fans in hot weather. Also, cover your windows with reflective shades to prevent the heat from coming inside. Fans can provide alternate or supplemental means and aid a big deal in keeping your house cool. This keeps you from relying solely on your air conditioner. A fan can cool you down by an average of 6 to 7 degrees Fahrenheit.
Similarly, try to install Solar screens or mesh-like window screens. Solar screens can block a significant amount of heat from warming up your property. Moreover, installing window shades and window films is also an effective alternate means of keeping your indoor environment cool.
Get a smart thermostat.
A smart thermostat is a Wi-Fi-enabled device that automatically adjusts the heating and cooling temperature settings of your HVAC for optimal performance. They save you energy and money by automatically adjusting your home’s temperature based on your schedule, availability, and outside temperature. Smart thermostats are easy to program and control from anywhere using your smartphone or tablet.
Adjusting the temperature based on hours of availability will reduce the use of your HVAC system. As a result, you’ll save on your utility bills and extend the life of your unit.
Check your HVAC condenser
An AC condenser is the outdoor portion of an air conditioner that either releases or collects heat, depending on the time of the year. The condenser can be damaged by hail or windblown debris from severe storms. Once in a while, and especially after every major storm, look over your condenser for any signs of damage. Make sure to clear away any accumulation of leaves or weeds on or around the condenser. Cut down any plants or vegetation growing right next to the unit as your condenser needs room to breathe, too.
Keep Your HVAC system well-maintained
When trying to find ways to extend the life of an HVAC system, it is important to keep your system well-maintained. This is to keep your systems running at the peak of efficiency and save money on HVAC. If you neglect to maintain your equipment, this ignorance could be responsible for a spike in your cooling costs. Maintaining your systems include:
- Replacing your air filters regularly.
- Check the evaporator and condenser coils. Make sure they are not blocked by twigs, rocks, or dirt.
- Checking any floor and ceiling registers. They should be free from dust, dirt, and other clogging materials.
If any of these pieces of equipment are being blocked by dirt, it could result in your system needing to work harder to keep your house cool. This resultantly will result in higher energy bills for you.
Schedule HVAC system Maintenance Twice a Year
Scheduling annual or bi-annual maintenance, inspection, or cleaning of your commercial building HVAC system is the best way to extend the life of your HVAC unit. Tune-ups typically include a thorough inspection and lubrication of all moving parts and condenser cleaning, Moreover, it also includes clearing buildup from the condensate drain tube, checking refrigerant levels, checking the coils, and replacing filters. Checking the heat exchanger for cracks, and other tasks are also involved that make your system safer, more efficient, and longer-lasting. Moreover, how often the should hvac system be serviced depends upon the condition, usage, and life span.
Although you can follow most of the above-mentioned ways to extend the life of an HVAC system, there are certain tasks that only a professional HVAC company can perform. Our Los Angeles HVAC service providers will perform annual or bi-annual maintenance on your HVAC. Our team ensures that your equipment remains long-lasting, and doesn’t malfunction now and then.
