Extend the lifespan of your heating and cooling system with these essential maintenance tips, helping you save on energy costs and avoid costly repairs.

The heating and cooling system is a huge part of your home and can dictate how comfortable your life is. If the equipment is working efficiently, you will have a happy home with the right amount of cool or warm air flowing inside the rooms. It is expensive to replace the system which is why you should do everything to enhance its lifespan. There are ways you can ensure your home’s HVAC system lasts longer without burning a hole in your wallet. Let’s take a look at them.

Consider routine maintenance for the HVAC

One of the most important things you can do to improve the life of your HVAC is to get regular maintenance checks. No matter when you bought the system or how efficiently it is working, there could be an underlying issue that could cause more trouble in the long run. If you do not address these issues on time, you could end up spending a lot of money on the replacement of the system in the next few years. Have an expert HVAC services professional come a couple of times a year to check the system. This will ensure that problems are caught early on and handled before they get severe. It will also ensure that the system lasts as long as possible. 

Replace the old air filters

You need to replace the old filters regularly if you want to keep the HVAC system working well. Clogged or old filters will have an impact on the airflow and make the system work harder. This can lead to increased wear and tear on the system. Hence, remember to check the filter each month and replace it when you deem fit. 

Ensure the outdoor unit’s inspection

The condenser or outdoor unit of the system is the real workhorse and when the weather is rough, there could be stones and debris inside the unit. This can cause damage and leakage to the pipes. Hence, you must make it a point to visually check the unit for any damages after a storm or before summer sets in. Also, watch out for the weeds and shrubs growing around the unit as they can cause the outlet vents to block and decrease the system's efficiency. 

Use energy-efficient window coverings

Besides taking care of the HVAC system, you can improve its lifespan by using energy-efficient window coverings. You might want to consider thermal curtains or Roman shades to keep the hot air in during colder months and the cool air in summer. This will also reduce the strain on the HVAC system. 

Watch out for strange smells or noises.

Whenever you notice any strange smell or sound coming from the HVAC, you need to call the professional. It could be sounds like grinding or banging and the smell of smoke or dust. Such signs mean a bigger problem and it should be addressed before it increases. 

Use the auto mode

Most air conditioners come with an auto mode today, and this setting ensures that the fan only operates as per the requirements instead of running at a constant speed, irrespective of the outside temperature. If the fan is on a high setting, it will run at a maximum even after reaching the desired temperature. This could lead to wasteful use of the AC and the fan, leading to high energy bills. Hence, use the auto mode on the system to ensure that the fan runs as per the requirement and reduces the load on the system. 

Do not block any of the air vents

Blocking or closing any of the air vents in your home will reduce the efficiency of the HVAC system and require it to work harder. You must keep the vents open and unobstructed to ensure the best performance. 

Do not shut off the system completely

Whenever you leave the home, do not turn the HVAC system off completely. Instead, simply adjust the thermostat to save energy and money. This will also help keep the home comfortable during extreme weather. When you shut the system completely, it will require more energy and need to run longer to restore the home to the right temperature.  

By taking small but significant steps, you will be able to ensure that your HVAC system works efficiently throughout the year. It will improve the home’s energy efficiency, keep the environment cool, and enjoy a longer lifespan. If you avoid doing the basics like getting regular maintenance, you will see that the system’s lifespan decreases significantly and you will have to spend on replacement early on. Most systems can last about 10 to 15 years and some can even go up to 30 years before a replacement. A replacement will burn a hole in your wallet and you need to be prepared for it well in advance. Taking care of your HVAC system will ensure you make the most of it.

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