Your home’s heating and cooling system is essential for your family’s comfort in both winter and summer. This piece of machinery is also a considerable investment to repair or replace, which is why most homeowners cross their fingers and hope that their unit makes it through at least one more season. Fortunately, you can do more than wish that you HVAC unit lasts longer; you can take steps to extend its life.
The first thing you should do is make maintenance a priority. An HVAC professional can tune-up your unit, which not only helps it last longer, but can make it more efficient and much safer to operate. While a tune-up may have different names and consist of various tasks, it typically includes an inspection, lubrication of moving parts, checking refrigerant levels, condenser cleaning, clearing buildup out of the condensate drain tube, and checking the heat exchanger for cracks.
Of course, we know you’ve heard it before, but another easy way to help your system last longer is to change your air filters regularly. These simple little elements are the first line of defense between your system and the debris floating around in the air. Not only does this help to keep your air cleaner, but it also helps your unit work more efficiently and prevents overworking due to lack of airflow.
You can reduce wear and tear, and extend your system’s life, by giving it a break from use. For instance, installing a programmable thermostat will allow you to program your unit to work less when you’re away. Using ceiling fans to make your home comfy without having to lower the thermostat in the summer can also help. In the winter, make your home more airtight to block out cold drafts so that you don’t have to crank up the heat as high.
If you have questions about how to extend your unit’s life, it can pay to consult a trusted HVAC professional. They can give you advice specific to your unit and home, and even help with some measures – like scheduling maintenance or installing a new, more efficient thermostat.
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