Tips to Extend the Life of Your HVAC System

HVAC systems are designed to last for several years. But without proper care and maintenance, you may find that you need to replace it sooner rather than later. Furnaces and air conditioning units can be costly to replace. You certainly don’t want to do that every few years.

There are certain things you can do to extend the life of your HVAC system. Here are some of them.

Have a professional seasonal checkup

An annual checkup by a qualified HVAC technician should be a part of your strategy. This will not only extend the life of your equipment, it also helps you save money on energy bills. During the checkup, technicians also repair minor problems and prevent them from turning into more serious problems.

Replace filters regularly

You’ve probably heard this advice again and again, but it bears repeating. A clogged filter restricts the airflow, causing the system to work harder. This can overheat your furnace and shorten the life of the equipment.

Every 3 months is the usual time frame, but it is recommended to change your filters every month, especially during the winter or summer since it is being used more frequently. With this simple step, system components will not only be protected, your indoor air quality will also improve.

Give it a break

The more your system runs, the more susceptible it is to wear and tear. Since you’re probably using your heating system round-the-clock this winter, you might want to lower the temperature setting before leaving the house to give your system a much needed break.

Keep the outdoor unit clean

If your HVAC system comes with an outdoor unit, be sure to keep it clean. Leaves, grass clippings, twigs and other debris may accumulate on the outdoor condenser unit. Remove debris and hose off the outdoor condenser coil every now and then.