How to Extend the Life of your HVAC System

The HVAC system in your Surf City, North Carolina, home is one of the most valuable components within the space. If you’ve ever had to replace a heating and cooling system, you know it’s an expensive investment. Take steps to protect your HVAC system from damage and extend its lifespan in order to save money, reduce waste and protect your investment.

Schedule Regular Maintenance

When an HVAC manufacturer provides an estimated lifespan for a furnace, air conditioner, heat pump or other unit, it’s based on the idea that the owner will properly maintain it. No matter what type of heating and cooling system you have, routine maintenance is an absolute necessity.

Unfortunately, many property owners overlook this critical task, which can lead to more frequent breakdowns that require expensive repairs. Failure to maintain the system can also put more wear on the components. This can cause it to break down permanently and require a premature replacement.

Regular furnace maintenance should happen every year during the fall before the coldest season of the year starts up. Bring in an HVAC service technician during the spring months as well to perform a tune-up on the air conditioner. A maintenance service or tune-up usually includes a full inspection of the system to make sure it’s operating efficiently. Your service technician will also inspect the refrigerant level of the cooling system to make sure this chemical isn’t leaking.

Clean the Ducts

Unless you have a ductless HVAC system, regular duct cleaning is a necessary part of maintenance. As air circulates through your home, the particles of dust, dirt, pollen, dander and other debris will settle in the ducts. Your system’s air filter can trap some of the particles and keep them out. But anything that remains will start to build up and slow down the airflow. Over time, your ducts can get so clogged that the system has to work harder to move air, resulting in higher energy bills and poor efficiency.

Bring in an HVAC service technician at least once every few years to clean he ducts and keep the air moving freely. This service can also improve the quality of the air in your home, so it’s a win-win.

Change the Filter

As mentioned, the HVAC filter plays an important role in the overall efficiency of your system. Make sure you’re changing your filter at least every few months. For many people, remembering to change the filter is a challenge. Put a reminder in your phone or sign up for a monthly filter delivery to keep this task at the top of your to-do list.

Don’t Abuse the System

If it’s 100 degrees outside, setting your thermostat at 65 degrees is going to put a lot of extra pressure on your air conditioner. Be realistic about what the system can do, and don’t abuse it. By setting your desired temperature too low, the AC system will have to run nonstop, and even then, it probably won’t get down that low unless you have incredible insulation. Use a programmable thermostat to maintain a reasonable temperature, regardless of what the weather is like outside.

Keep Registers and Vents Clear

It’s a common misconception among homeowners that it’s a good idea to close the vents in rooms that aren’t occupied. When you installed your HVAC system, the contractor most likely assessed the layout of your home, looking at every room to determine placement and load value calculation.

By closing a vent, you’re potentially throwing off the entire flow of the HVAC system. This can cause the furnace or air conditioner to lose efficiency. The same goes for registers – leave them open and clear at all times for proper airflow.

Extend the life of your HVAC system by scheduling your routine maintenance service. Contact Gideon Heating & Air Conditioning today at (910) 447-2905 to book your appointment.

Image provided by Shutterstock

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