An HVAC system helps to keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer. HVAC systems can last for many years, provided that you maintain them properly. Here are a few tips to help you take better care of your HVAC system and increase its lifespan.
Get the Proper HVAC System Size
When getting a new HVAC unit, don't assume that you need to get the same size as the previous unit. Instead, talk to an HVAC professional to take measurements of your home and analyze your heating and cooling requirements. The professional will then determine the size of the HVAC system that you require.
You might also have made significant changes to your home in the last few years. At the same time, new technology options might make a smaller HVAC unit more efficient. If you choose an oversized unit, it will cool your home quickly and waste energy unnecessarily. On the other hand, an undersized HVAC unit will have to work extra hard to cool or warm your home. This will increase the rate of wear and tear and reduce the HVAC unit's lifespan.
Schedule Preventive Maintenance
Hire a service technician to clean, inspect, and repair your HVAC system regularly. The maintenance can happen at least once a year and will keep the HVAC components in the best working conditions. A service technician can also remove debris and moisture that may be present on the external surface of the HVAC unit.
Here are other things that preventive maintenance includes
- Inspection of the HVAC mechanisms, wires, and connections
- Lubricating moving parts to prevent friction that can increase wear and tear
- Cleaning the condenser
- Checking the level of refrigerant
Failure to schedule preventive maintenance will allow small problems to become larger. Eventually, you will spend a lot of money to maintain your HVAC system.
Fix Air Flow Problems
Blocked air registers, poor ductwork design, and cracks and holes in the ductwork can interfere with the proper flow of air from the HVAC unit. Poor airflow forces the unit to use more energy and work longer to produce enough warm or cold air for your home. Fixing airflow problems can reduce the stress on the HVAC system and boost its durability.
Use Energy-Saving Thermostat Settings
Another strategy to decrease the stress on your HVAC unit is to invest in a smart thermostat. Smart thermostats have remote control options that allow you to manage the HVAC settings while on vacation or at work. Some smart thermostats can even detect when you are not at home and switch off the HVAC unit. Other thermostats can learn your temperature preferences and automatically set the HVAC settings.
Upgrade Your Insulation
HVAC units will have a longer lifespan if they don't work overly hard. When you insulate your home, you help maintain optimal temperatures in the house. This reduces the number of times that the HVAC system has to run to keep you comfortable. Common ways to insulate your home include adding more insulation to the outer walls and sealing the vents.
Regularly Change Air Filters
If you schedule regular HVAC maintenance, the HVAC contractor will check and change your air filters. However, if your HVAC unit uses fiberglass filters, the inspection should happen every month. If you don't change the filters on time, they will become dirty and clog your system. This will make it more difficult for the HVAC unit to generate enough air, increasing the rate of tear and wear.
If your HVAC unit has broken down, Chrismon Heating & Cooling can help you choose a better system. Our company educates consumers on how to find and buy the best heating and cooling systems without breaking the bank. Contact us today for more information.