9 Ways To Increase Your HVAC’s Lifespan

The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is undeniably essential for a home’s comfort. It continuously regulates temperature and humidity to ensure a comfortable and healthy indoor environment. A well-maintained HVAC system can deliver comfort and contribute to energy efficiency. It can also equate to fewer replacement costs over the years, making the HVAC unit an investment. Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure that your HVAC system operates efficiently and lasts for its expected lifespan. However, extending the lifespan of an HVAC system can pose some challenges. It requires deliberate and consistent efforts directed toward its maintenance and optimal operation. This article will discuss the nine key strategies that can help prolong your HVAC’s lifespan. Read on to learn more.   

Regular Maintenance 

Scheduled preventive maintenance is the first line of defense in increasing the lifespan of an HVAC system. This involves cleaning or replacing filters, lubricating moving parts, inspecting belts for wear and tension, and cleaning the condenser and evaporator coils.  

Trained HVAC technicians can identify potential problems early on, thereby mitigating the risk of costly repairs in the future. If your system needs urgent repairs, they can also do the job for you. They’re specialists in air conditioner repair, so they know what to do when your HVAC encounters any problem.  

Keep Your System Clean 

Debris, dust, and dirt are among the greatest threats to your HVAC system. Dirty filters restrict airflow, which forces the system to work harder than necessary. Consequently, it may shorten its lifespan due to breakdowns and other problems. Because of this, it’s essential to clean your system and keep the external parts, such as the outdoor unit and vents, free from debris to avoid obstructing air intake.  

On the other hand, if other issues need to be addressed quickly, you can call a professional for assistance. Their expertise and skills can help restore your HVAC system to optimal performance. 

However, choosing the right professional can be challenging. Hence, it’s best to check out online hiring tips to find a dedicated HVAC contractor Tulsa or any other location that suits your needs. 

Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat  

The introduction of smart thermostats has significantly improved HVAC system control. These devices learn your home’s thermal characteristics and comfort preferences by adjusting the HVAC system’s operation to maximize efficiency. Over time, a smart thermostat reduces the strain on the system, ultimately enhancing its longevity. 

Therefore, if you plan to upgrade your thermostat, it’s best to keep some essential considerations in mind. For instance, it’s necessary to choose a thermostat that’s compatible with your HVAC system. Read the instructions carefully before installing the new one, and hire a professional if you’re uncomfortable installing a new thermostat yourself.  

Ensure Proper Installation  

Proper installation is paramount to the lifespan of an HVAC system. A poorly installed unit can result in significant efficiency losses and increase the risk of breakdowns. However, when your system is properly installed, you can ensure comfort throughout your house, make your dwelling more energy-efficient, reduce noise, and improve indoor air quality.  

Therefore, you should always hire a licensed and experienced professional to install your HVAC system, ensuring it operates efficiently from the start. They’ll make sure it’s installed in a clean, dry, well-ventilated area, properly connected to the electrical system, and balanced to ensure proper airflow throughout your home. 

Maintain Correct Refrigerant Levels  

Low refrigerant levels can cause the HVAC system to overheat and work inefficiently, leading to premature wear and tear. When this happens, your system’s service lifespan is likely to decrease.  

To prevent this situation, you should regularly check the refrigerant levels and top up, when necessary, to help keep the system operating efficiently. You can call an HVAC professional to help you with the topping-up process. They’ll use a refrigerant pressure gauge to measure the pressure of the refrigerant in your system based on your unit’s model, outdoor temperature, and home’s size. 

However, correct refrigerant levels aren’t the only way to enhance your system’s energy efficiency. To ensure a well-functioning HVAC system while keeping your costs down, you can check the following out to learn more information.  

Insulate the Building Properly  

Insufficient insulation allows heat to escape during winter and enter during summer, which forces the HVAC system to work harder. Thus, it’s important to ensure that your house is well-insulated to minimize the load on your HVAC system and promote a longer lifespan. 

Regularly Replace Filters 

Replacing filters is a simple but crucial task. A clean filter allows your HVAC to breathe easier, reducing strain on the motor. It’s recommended to replace filters every three months or even more frequently if you have pets or high levels of dust in your environment. 

Use Ceiling Fans  

Ceiling fans can help distribute air evenly around the room, which minimizes the need for the HVAC system to work continuously. In summer, fans create a cool breeze, reducing your home’s cooling requirements. In winter, reversing the fan pushes warm air downwards, reducing heating needs. This reduced workload can contribute to a longer lifespan for your HVAC unit. 

Install Window Treatments  

Window treatments such as blinds, shades, and drapes can help control the heat that enters or leaves a building. They can reduce solar heat gain during summer and heat loss during winter. So, install window treatments in your house to help lessen the workload of the HVAC system and extend its lifespan. 

Conclusion 

An HVAC system is an essential component of any home. It plays a significant role in ensuring the comfort and health of the occupants. Therefore, giving it the attention, it deserves is necessary to prolong its lifespan. By keeping the information mentioned above in mind, you can maintain the longevity of your HVAC and ensure it functions optimally throughout its expected lifespan.  

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