Investment in an HVAC system is not trivial; most homeowners want to get as many years out of their home’s system as possible. Fortunately, we can recommend a handful of simple tips that can extend the lifespan of your HVAC unit.
Change the Filters
Many of the best tips for maintaining a heating system or air conditioner involve addressing the little things now to prevent major issues later. That starts with the filters. Regularly changing the filters will help the system breathe, extending its service life considerably. If the system doesn’t use extra electricity to push air through the house, the components suffer less wear and tear. Likewise, the burners in many heating systems will run better if they’re getting the cleanest air possible.
We normally recommend changing the air filters in an HVAC once every three months. If the filters look especially filthy after three months, you need to add more frequent changes to the schedule. This will not only extend the system’s service life but also make it more efficient. Likewise, there will be a noticeable improvement in indoor air quality.
Also, make sure that you know where all the filters are in the system. Some systems include filters for both inputs and outputs, and the heating and AC components may have separate filters. If you’re unsure, have one of our HVAC technicians identify all of the filter locations so you can be as thorough as possible. We can tell you which type of filter to use, too. Using the wrong filter could strain the system, so you want to be sure before you replace it.
Arrange an Annual Checkup
Just like visiting your doctor and dentist for a regular checkup, your home’s HVAC needs an annual checkup. Even if everything seems to be running smoothly, a checkup will help you avoid potential problems.
During the checkup, our HVAC technicians can perform basic maintenance, such as lubricating moving parts. We can also test how well the system is performing, including checking the current airflow and the accuracy of the thermostat versus the HVAC’s output. The same goes for checking the AC unit’s coils to see if they’re clean. We can also check the drainage components for the AC and any attached dehumidifiers to clear possible blockages. Similarly, we can check the burners in the heating system to verify that those are also clear.
Protect Outdoor Components
Many HVACs have exterior components, especially for the AC system. You want to do everything you can to keep these components safe. For example, there shouldn’t be any nearby bushes or trees that could drop foliage, fruit, nuts, or other items into the components. The force of some of these objects can damage the unit. Likewise, collected biomass can inhibit the system’s performance, leading to long-run cycles that shorten the HVAC’s life.
Use HVAC Zones
Isolating little-used parts of the house is another way to extend the system’s service time. A zoned system allows you to target specific rooms with heating and cooling. For example, your home might have a craft room that you rarely use. You can set the room up as a separate zone with a combination of fans, dampers, controls, and sensors. Even if you don’t want to invest in a controlled zonal system, closing the registers in unused rooms can make a difference. With the HVAC heating and cooling less air, it will also run less often and for shorter periods.
Keep a Record
Recording the history of the HVAC’s maintenance and repairs will give you a better sense of how often problems occur. A log can also tell you how long it has been since the system received any attention. Track every detail, down to the filter changes. Also, note any unusual occurrences. If the furnace struggled to come on one day, simply note the date and time. This will help your HVAC company diagnose and fix issues, extending the life of the unit.
Heatwave Heating & Cooling is the HVAC contractor trusted by residents of Amherst, NY, and the surrounding areas. Our company maintains an A+ rating with the BBB, and we offer assistance with installing, repairing, upgrading, and maintaining many types of heating and cooling systems. Our technicians can work on boilers, furnaces, AC units, heat pumps, and ductless systems.
Contact Heatwave Heating & Cooling today to learn more about extending the lifespan of your HVAC system.
