A good quality and correctly installed HVAC system that’s well maintained can last for 12-17 years. There are no guarantees, but if you want your heating and cooling system to work well until the upper end of that range, it’s important to be proactive. When you extend the useful life expectancy of your HVAC system, it can save you a great deal of money. In this article, we will look at six ways that you can extend the lifespan of your heating and cooling system.
1. Schedule Regular Maintenance
Sadly, many homeowners neglect their HVAC systems until something goes wrong and that is the wrong approach. A well maintained system will last longer, it will be less likely to fail and it will use less energy. A modern HVAC system is designed to be a low maintenance system, but regular maintenance is advisable prior to the start of each cooling and heating season.
The air conditioner and furnace should be inspected by a trained HVAC specialist and tuned up to increase the performance and energy efficiency. As an added bonus, this regular attention will reveal any minor issues before they can develop into larger problems. In any complex system, things tend to get worse over time, and ignoring smaller issues can lead to a more expensive repair bill later.
A comprehensive HVAC system inspection should include a check of the refrigerant levels, cleaning, clearing the condensate drain pipe and line, filter replacements, finding heat exchanger cracks, lubrication of moving parts, and more. This will make your entire HVAC system safer to use and less expensive to run throughout the year.
2. Change Your Filters Regularly
As we’ve seen, the HVAC technician will change your filters during their inspection and maintenance visit. But, what about the rest of the year? This is a simple task that you can do and it’s a good idea to change your filters regularly. Most people use fiberglass filters that last 30 days or you may be using the pleated filters that can last up to 3 months. In either case, it’s a great idea to check the filters every month to ensure that they are clean enough to ensure adequate airflow through the system.
Your heating and cooling equipment needs to “breathe” for optimal performance and energy efficiency. If the filters are dirty, they should be cleaned and replaced immediately even if it’s ahead of the schedule. When the air cannot circulate, the performance is diminished and the system can work hard to compensate. Overworked equipment consumes more energy and the extra strain can lead to failures and a repair bill.
3. Ensure You Have a Correctly Sized HVAC System
If you purchased a home and inherited an HVAC system, it may surprise you to learn that it’s not sized correctly. Many people believe that they should simply purchase the largest system that they can afford comfortably and install that in their homes. After all, bigger is always better right? Well, in this case, the answer is no. If the HVAC unit is too large or too small it will not perform efficiently.
If the system is too large, it will adjust the temperature too quickly, the cycle will not complete leading to frequent cycling causing extra wear and tear and moisture problems.
If the system is too small, it will work constantly to treat the air, which consumes more energy with poor performance in return.
The ideal HVAC system size is carefully matched to the home based on a number of factors, including home size, orientation, airflow patterns, the number of windows, and many more. These factors are included in a complex load calculation which should be carried out by an HVAC technician.
4. Don’t Overwork the HVAC System
The best way to use your HVAC system is to adjust the indoor temperature to a realistic and yet comfortable level. If the external temperature is 100º, it’s unreasonable to expect your system to bring the temperature indoors down to 68º. Your HVAC system would work all day and it can never reach the temperature that you set on the thermostat. It’s a great idea to install a programmable thermostat and set it to achievable and reasonable temperatures. This will reduce the wear and tear on your system and lower your energy bills without compromising on your indoor comfort.
5. Switch to the “Auto” Fan Setting
Most HVAC systems have two main fan settings that can be accessed via the thermostat. Most people stick with the “On” setting exclusively, and this can be a mistake because the fan is being instructed to run constantly. Alternatively, the “Auto” fan setting only operates when the system calls for heating or cooling which saves energy. Another option is to install an HVAC system with a dual-speed fan that can run at a slower speed between the heating or cooling cycles.
Although you may not want to run the fan with the “On” setting, there are few benefits to consider. Running the fan constantly will trap more airborne dust and contaminants in the filter which improves the indoor air quality (IAQ). But, this will cause the system to work harder which increases the chance of a failure and will shorten the useful lifespan. The air filters will clog more frequently and they must be changed more often to prevent damage. The final choice is yours, but for most users, the “Auto” fan setting is likely to make the most sense.
6. Consider Passive Upgrades
If you draw the blinds when the sun is high and hotter, you can cool a room naturally and reduce the workload for your air conditioner. Another example of a passive upgrade would be adding more insulation to keep the home warmer in winter and cooler in summer. Finally, clean the area around your external unit and keep it clear of debris. This will make it easier for the system to vent warmth that’s been removed from your indoor air in the warmer summer months.
If you want to schedule some essential HVAC maintenance, contact your local certified HVAC specialist today.