Heating and Air: How You Can Extend Your HVAC Lifespan

If you've ever had to pay for a new heating and air conditioning system, you're well aware of the fact that it can take a sizable bite out of your checking account. An HVAC system isn't meant to last forever, but if it's well taken care of, it can last for more than a decade. If it isn't, it may give out much sooner. Even if it doesn't give out entirely, it will probably be in need of much more repair and it won't be operating at maximum efficiency. This leads to higher energy bills and less comfort in the home. Taking care of your system doesn't need to be difficult. Here are some tips that can help.

Clean The Condenser

You know that ugly box that sits outside your home, humming nonstop during the summer? That's your condenser, and it is a central component of your heating and air system. Keeping it clean and unobstructed can greatly extend your system's lifespan. It is only natural to consider covering the condenser up with some natural scenery. After all, it is something of an eyesore. Resist that temptation. Leaves, branches, and shrubbery can get into the condenser and take away much of its efficiency.

Help Out

Don't make your heating and air system do all the work. Plant some trees around your house and let them block the elements. Make sure your home is well insulated so you aren't wasting your energy trying to heat and cool the atmosphere around the house. It's a futile effort, anyway. Look into installing some ceiling fans. If you use fans in conjunction with your HVAC, you'll find you can cool down your house much more quickly while spending much less money. The more pressure you can take off the system, the longer it will last.

Change Your Filter

Dirt and dust gets trapped quickly in your heating and air filter. Make sure you change it out on a regular basis, as a clogged filter will severely limit your system's efficiency. This is the first thing you should check if you feel that you aren't getting the type of airflow from your vents that you're used to. This filter should be changed at least once every couple of months. If it is opaque with dust at this time, consider changing it even more often than that. When your system has to work to pull air from the atmosphere, straining against a wall of dirt, it is only going to break down sooner than otherwise.