An HVAC system is a big investment for the average homeowner. If you’re like most, you want to do everything you can to ensure you get the most use out of your system. Fortunately, there are many things that you can do to extend the overall life span of your HVAC units to get more bang for your buck.
Keep Up With Filter Changes
Your HVAC filter is great for removing unwanted airborne contaminants from your home and boosting your overall indoor air quality level. However, when the filter reaches the end of its life, it becomes much harder for your HVAC system to circulate air throughout your ducting. This puts a large strain on your system and can lead to premature wear and tear of its components. You should make it a habit to assess the state of your HVAC filter every month and have a fresh filter ready for when you need to replace a dirty one.
Annual Maintenance Service
By far, one of the best ways to help extend the overall life span of your heating and cooling systems is to get annual maintenance service. This service goes much more in-depth than simple filter changes. It involves lubricating moving parts, checking refrigerant levels, examining system components, and so much more. When each component of your HVAC system receives the care that it needs, it’s going to last much longer than if it didn’t.
Invest in a Programmable Thermostat
Another great way to extend the use of your comfort devices is to simply invest in a programmable or smart thermostat. These thermostats allow you to program in temperature settings for different times of the day and days of the week. This allows for more optimal energy usage, which goes a long way in reducing wear and tear on your HVAC.
Regular Ductwork Services
Your ductwork plays a big role in the overall efficiency and health of your HVAC appliances. Over time, debris like dust and pet dander can build up inside your ductwork. This can restrict the airflow through your ductwork and make your HVAC system overwork to adequately deliver hot or cold air to your home. Furthermore, when your ductwork develops leaks due to natural expansion and contraction, your air conditioner and furnace have to continually combat air loss. Investing in regular duct cleaning and duct sealing services is a great way to ensure that your HVAC system doesn’t overwork.
Beef Up Your Insulation
Insulation in your home is going to play a big role in the overall efficiency of your HVAC system throughout the year. At the bare minimum, the insulation in your exterior walls and ceiling should meet the minimum R-value established for Sioux Falls. Investing in a higher R-value insulation can go a long way in boosting the efficiency of your system. The more efficient your AC or heating unit is, the less often it will have to run, and the longer it will last overall.
Supplement With Ceiling Fans
Another simple way to help extend the overall longevity of your HVAC is to supplement it with ceiling fans. In the summertime, you want to have these fans spinning in a counterclockwise direction to force air down onto you. In the wintertime, these fans should be spinning in a clockwise direction to recirculate air from the top of the room back down to the floor. By supplementing with ceiling fans, you’ll find that you’re more comfortable in your home without having to change the temperature on your thermostat.
Fix Issues When They Happen
One of the worst things you can do for the overall longevity of your heating and cooling system is to run it when you know there is a problem. This leads to more damage to your system and is ultimately costlier to fix. You want to make it a priority to have any problems with your units assessed by an HVAC technician in a timely fashion. This not only includes problems like your system not starting or not producing adequate air but also if it makes a weird noise or emits an odd smell.
Reliable HVAC Maintenance Service
Waterbury Heating & Cooling, Inc. offers reliable HVAC maintenance service for Sioux Falls, SD and the surrounding areas. Our technicians can assist with all your air conditioning, heating, ductless mini-split, plumbing, geothermal, electrical, air duct cleaning, humidity control, and indoor air quality needs. Talk with our friendly staff today to schedule your initial consultation.
