It is too easy to take for granted the things we rely on for daily comfort. Your HVAC system is one of the key components to keeping your home comfortable and safe through each season. So, do you take care of your HVAC system as well as it takes care of you? If not, you can start now! The experts at Morrow Mechanical are here to share with you our tips to increase the lifespan of your HVAC system.
Change Your Air Filters
We recommend that you change your air filters every 4-6 weeks for the best air quality. If you have a reusable air filter, such as an electrostatic filter, you should clean it once a month.
Avoid Closing Interior Doors and Blocking Air Vents
Keeping interior doors open as much as possible will improve air circulation throughout your home and allow your HVAC system to work effortlessly. Always keep your vents clear and free of obstructions to help your HVAC system induce air properly and freely.
Inspect and Clean Your Condenser Regularly
Somewhere along the outside of your home is your AC condenser. Regularly inspect your condenser for signs of elemental damage, and clear away any debris such as leaves or weeds that may accumulate on or around the unit. Cut away vegetation that is growing around your condenser to help keep it free of obstructions.
Use the “Auto” Fan Setting
Your HVAC system most likely has 2 fan settings: “auto” and “on.” While the “on” setting instructs the fan to run constantly, the “auto” fan setting instructs the fan to run only when the system is actively heating or cooling. Although the “on” setting can help improve the air quality in your home by trapping more dust, it forces your HVAC system to work much harder, shaving more time off its life.
Regularly Inspect Your Outdoor Drainage Pipe –
Your HVAC unit has a PVC pipe that leads outside and serves as a drainage outlet. To avoid expensive repairs to this outlet you can regularly inspect the drainage pipe for any blockages or debris. This is especially important during winter months in case of ice or snow deposits.
Upgrade Your Insulation –
This is a wise investment and sure-fire way to help increase the lifespan of your HVAC system. Insulation lessens the struggle to keep your treated air inside your home. Your attic is one of the most important places you should check for adequate insulation. If you think you need to step up your insulation game throughout your home, the best way to locate your weakly insulated spots is to schedule a professional energy audit.
Install a Smart Thermostat –
Smart thermostats are one of the greatest technological investments you can make for your HVAC system. They are easy to program and allow you to control your thermostat settings from anywhere using your smartphone or tablet. Some models can even make energy-saving adjustments to your settings for you by simply learning your HVAC habits.
Use Ceiling Fans During Hot Weather Months –
You can give your system a break by using your ceiling fans during hot weather months and pushing your AC temperature a bit higher.
Invest in Reflective Shades –
Reflective shades work well to block out unwanted heat from the sun during hot weather months. This can also allow you to give your AC system a break without losing cool air in your home.
Keep Shades Open During Cool Weather Months –
Let free heat from the sun pour into your home so you can set your thermostat a bit lower.
Schedule a Professional Load Calculation –
If your HVAC system is too small, it will not be able to maintain a comfortable temperature setting and will run constantly as it tries to heat or cool your home. Conversely, a system that is too big for your home will reach the desired temperature setting too fast, making the system turn on and off constantly. This can result in moisture issues and additional wear on your HVAC system.
Schedule Annual Checkups –
Just like your car, your HVAC system requires routine maintenance to continue running efficiently. Your AC and furnace should be inspected, cleaned, and tuned up every year by a professional. We recommend 2 annual checkups:
- Your AC Service – should be scheduled in the spring
- Your Furnace Service – should be scheduled in late summer or early fall.
Pro Tip: Scheduling these checkups ahead of the changing season will allow you to make sure your system is optimized for efficiency the first day you need it. If a serious problem is detected during one of these checkups, you can address it before you need to switch systems.
Now that you know our tips to increase the lifespan of your HVAC system, you can prepare your system for anything. Start this season off right – contact the pros at Morrow Mechanical and allow us to whip your HVAC system into fighting shape for the Spring and Summer season!
