Ways to Extend the Life of an HVAC System
Whether you perform general research or go right to the owner’s manual, you won’t see a specific date for when your HVAC system needs replacing. You’ll likely see generic time frames, such as 10-15 years. Ten years is a decent lifespan, but you probably want to see the HVAC remain operational for the full 15 years, if not longer. If you wish to extend the life of your home’s HVAC unit, doing so might be possible, but expect to follow a few essential steps necessary for keeping the unit running.
Here are some things to keep in mind:
Don’t Overwork the System
Try not to burden the system too harshly. The more you use the air conditioner or the heating system, the more wear and tear you impose on the parts. Of course, there will be times during the year when running the system becomes unavoidable. Cold winters and hot summers can be unbearable to deal with, and your HVAC provides a solution. Do you need to keep the temperature at 72, though, when 65 could be more than enough? Run the temperatures at a comfortable but not excessive level. This way, the unit gets a necessary break.
Install a Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat could be a perfect solution to cutting down on excessive and unnecessary use. A smart thermostat allows you to program temperature settings in advance. While you are at work, for example, you could keep the winter temperature high enough to keep the pipes from freezing. The smart thermostat could raise the temperature several degrees in anticipation of your arrival time. You won’t need to raise the temperature during the times you aren’t there.
Be More Energy Efficient
Embrace better energy efficiency. Make sure the windows and doors stay closed. Why let any hot or cold air escape? Better yet, keep the air out of rooms that are not occupied. Perhaps an energy audit is necessary, as well, in addition to seeking recommendations for improving your home’s insulation. Yes, there are expenses associated with these steps. However, they could lead to reduced energy bills and an extended life for your HVAC system.
Change the Filter
Learning a little bit about basic HVAC care can go a long way. In particular, it wouldn’t hurt to find out how to change the filter. When the air filter in the HVAC unit clogs, the system runs far less efficiently than it should. The drain on the system could cause it to overwork, which may lead to an eventual shortening of the lifespan. Those unwilling to change the filter on their own could ask an HVAC technician to do so.
Look Into Routine Maintenance Plans
Signing up for a routine maintenance plan helps improves the odds that all necessary work on the HVAC gets done. An annual plan requires paying for set services in advance. A service technician then performs the necessary work at scheduled intervals. When arriving for the annual service, the technician gets the chance to inspect the system. If it turns out that a part requires replacing or other repair work is necessary, consider this good news. Had the inspection not been performed, the problem could have persisted. Worn-out parts can be a drag on the entire system, and they may potentially knock years off the unit’s life.
Our team is ready to help you with maintenance. Guaranteed Comfort Heating & Cooling can handle repair work on both heating and cooling systems in the Windsor area. Installation and other service requests are also available, as the company provides many different HVAC services.
Avoid Delaying Repairs
Avoid unnecessary delays on suggested repair work. Continuing to run damaged parts won’t contribute much to the health of the HVAC system. Spending money on repairs isn’t always welcome, but, sometimes, spending a little money now can prevent higher costs down the road. Maybe the work is still covered, at least in part, under warranty. Check on the coverage before making any decisions. Also, look into options for financing. Potential solutions exist for any of your money concerns.
If you want some assistance with keeping your HVAC system in top condition, consult the professionals. Our team is ready to help you with any repair or maintenance requests. We also work with heat pumps, tankless water heaters, and much more. Give Guaranteed Comfort Heating & Cooling in Windsor, ON, a call today!