We keep up with all the exterior needs of our home. The lawn gets mowed, the house gets pressure washed, we spend time landscaping. But what about interior parts? Like something as important as your heating and cooling system? As one of the most expensive things to replace as a homeowner, you want to do everything possible to maintain and prolong your HVAC’s lifespan.
The average lifespan of an HVAC unit is 10-15 years when properly maintained, but it’s not unheard of for these units to last longer when well taken care of. Taking care of your unit can also reduce emergency calls and help your system remain energy efficient, saving you money. Here are a few tips we have to extend your HVAC’s lifespan.
Change your filter frequently.
This might sound obvious, but many people forget. The average one inch filter should be changed every 30-90 days. The dirtier your filter gets, the harder your system has to work. If you have pets your filter can get especially dirty. This can be taxing on the fan and the entire system. To find the perfect filter for you, speak with an Allegiance technician.
Schedule two tune ups a year.
Making the time for tune ups every season can be the perfect way to ensure your system is inspected and cleaned up. Your furnace and AC should be maintained on a regular basis. If you’re a member of our HVAC service club you get these two tune ups for free and more.
Increase the temperature of your thermostat in the summer and reduce the temperature in the winter.
By keeping your house a few degrees warmer in the summer and a few degrees cooler in the winter, your HVAC unit doesn’t have to work as hard. The less it has to work the longer it can last. Plus it’ll save you money. Each degree over 72 in the summer can save you about 3% of your cooling cost.
Have your condenser unit cleaned.
Most units have an outdoor condenser unit. This unit works by having a fan on top to help disperse heat during hot summer days. Because it’s outside, the condensing coil can get clogged up with dirt, debris, pollen and other items. Having this cleaned out annually can help your HVAC function to its full potential. For our tune up appointments we always clean out the condenser unit. This is also included if you’re a service club member.
Having a well functioning HVAC system is a top priority for most homeowners. And anyone that’s had to purchase a unit knows just how expensive they are. By keeping your system well maintained you can extend its lifespan and save yourself some serious money.
