6 Ways to Increase the Lifespan of Your HVAC System

The heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system (HVAC) system of your home is essential for your everyday comfort. For most homeowners, the HVAC system runs throughout the day and night to ensure a suitable indoor environment.

If any component of the system breaks down, it can lead to hassles and untimely repairs. Imagine your furnace stops functioning in the middle of a December night. You can either scramble to look for an HVAC technician or endure chilly temperatures until the morning to have the problems resolved.

A great way to avoid this is by ensuring timely maintenance of your HVAC system. Maintenance can help you avoid costly malfunctions by up to 95% and also saves you up to 30% in energy costs. You can also take measures on your own to ensure that your HVAC is in good state which in turn can significantly improve its lifespan.

Following are some easy ways in which you can prevent breakdowns and improve the lifespan of your HVAC system.

Ensure Timely Maintenance

Timely maintenance is the lifeline of an HVAC system. Maintenance involves inspection and cleaning of the HVAC components. Typically, you should ensure maintenance twice every year, once in the summer and once in the winters. The main components that need routine maintenance include the air conditioner and the furnace. Maintenance also ensures the efficiency of your HVAC system, trimming down the energy costs.

If you are in Greenville, it is important to find the right HVAC contractors in Greenville, SC for your system’s maintenance. The right contractor will perform a thorough inspection of every component to make sure it is functioning properly. Regular maintenance can help increase the lifespan of your HVAC system.

Clean the Ducts

The ducts are an important component of your HVAC system. They carry the conditioned air from the outdoor unit to the indoor unit. Over time, various forms of debris accumulate in the ducts. This prevents the smooth passage of air. At the same time, it forces your HVAC system to exert more energy to sustain the same temperature. You can easily avoid this by performing duct cleaning, at least once a year. This can be done by using a simple cloth or a vacuum cleaner if that is available.

Clean the Outdoor Unit

The outdoor unit, as the name suggests, is the part of your HVAC system that is stationed outside. It is typically installed in the backyard. Being outdoors, this unit is more prone to dust and other forms of debris. When dust or debris accumulates in the outdoor unit, it isn’t able to work effectively and can’t transfer heat well. You can resolve the problem by performing a routine inspection. If there is debris on the unit, use a simple brush or wash it off with a low-pressure hose.

Replace Air Filter Regularly

The air filter in your HVAC system processes the air through your home. This is why it can quickly become clogged with dirt and dust. Different HVAC systems use different types of filters. Some have fiberglass filters which must be replaced every month. Others feature a pleated design and can last up to 3 months. Ultimately, you are responsible for inspecting the air filters and replacing them on time. This is critically important because a dirty air filter will not clean the air properly and the HVAC system will exert more.

Use Insulation

Insulating your home properly prevents conditioned or hot air from escaping. This, in turn, allows your HVAC system to exert less and maintain a desirable temperature more easily. When done right, insulation can help you save up to 20% in heating and cooling costs annually. You may also insulate the ductwork of your HVAC system.

Use a Smart Thermostat

Smart thermostats make it possible for you to micro-manage your HVAC’s settings. You can, for instance, program the thermostat to use a different setting when you are away from home. This has several benefits. It helps you bring down energy costs. It also saves your HVAC from functioning needlessly, in turn extending its life.

Hiring Reliable HVAC Contractors to Increase the Lifespan of Your HVAC System

You can use the simple tips above to extend the life of your HVAC system. However, it is still recommended that you hire a technician to perform up to two tune ups every year. Here at General Air, we are regarded as one of the most reliable HVAC professionals in Greenville, SC. Our technicians are professional, experienced and well-equipped with the latest tools. Contact us today to schedule an annual HVAC maintenance or consult our technicians for any other HVAC-related issue.