A Guide to Increasing the Life of Your Home Heating and Cooling System

No one likes to waste money or incur extra costs that come with a faulty air conditioning system. Buying the system is costly, and you may not wish to go back to your pocket to get a new one when the old one is damaged. To avoid spending much on your system, you may need to consider increasing your air conditioner’s lifespan. 

Your system won’t last for long because its life span is about 12 to 15 years. But since you use it regularly, it may even have a shorter lifespan if not taken care of. And if you stay in your home for many years, you will have to find means to increase its life span. It is an expensive task, but a good running system will serve your needs for as long as mentioned at the HVAC New Albany website.

If you would like some more years with your system, you ought to be kind to it. Some systems go beyond the expected lifespan because of the proper care. As it ages, it will have reduced energy efficiency, which may cause a rise in your utility bills. Even though a longer life span comes at an extra cost, it is worth it.

While there are many other ways, here are the top-recommended four to give your system a longer lifespan. 

1. Schedule a Yearly Maintenance

Having regular maintenance of your air conditioning system is one of the major ways to prolong its lifespan. Think about your car which needs changing the oil after a while, that also applies to your air conditioner. If there is no maintenance to your system, you may incur even more costs when it completely wears off.

Scheduled maintenance will ward off potential problems before it turns into major repairs. The main issues will be identified in the system, such as damaged or worn-out components. There will also be a test of the efficiency of the system to give guidance on desirable maintenance. Your technician will help you fix out the issues before they become more serious. The assessment and support of the system include:

• Changing the air filter 
• Keeping clean the discharge channel and air ducts
• Lubricating all the appropriate parts
• Flush the drain line to get rid of gunk and prevent water leaks
• Checking refrigeration levels
• Checking the heat exchanger for cracks

Apart from extending the life span of your air conditioning system, scheduled maintenance will also conserve energy. There will also be reduced risk of costly repairs, complete malfunction, and a boost in the system. 

2. Change the Filter 

When your air filter is clogged with dirt, dust, dander, and debris, it gets hard for air to pass through. It means your system can’t perform its job well and will struggle to reach your desired temperatures. As the system tries to achieve the maximum set temperatures, components tend to wear off and weaken the system.

When you change your air filter every month, it may not encounter such problems. It also lowers energy consumption and keeps the whole system is perfect condition, which prolongs its lifespan. Below are simple steps to guide you in taking care of your air filter.

• Handle it with care- Your filter is important machinery, and it plays a significant role in your air conditioner. Ensure that you keep off dust and pet dander from your air filter to avoid clogging. 
• Fresh- Don’t let your air filter handle the heavy workloads for long. Change it often, at most every thirty days. You may need to change it in less than thirty days if you have pets in your home. 
• Snug- Ensure your air filter fits appropriately with the system. Placing the inappropriate size can cause a bent or become loose, opening a quick channel for dust into the filtration system. The entire filter may end up being sucked into the heater and cause a breakdown. 
• Go for durability- A durable filter will give efficiency to your air conditioner. You may need to consider less expensive but durable. You don’t have to break your bank to buy a costly one.

3. Don’t Overwork The System

You need to set reasonable temperatures when using the system. For instance, when the days is 100-degrees of the weather, don’t set the system to 70 degrees. It will struggle to reach the temperature unsuccessfully all day long. 

If your system has two fans, you may need to use the auto and on options. The “auto” will instruct your air conditioner to run only when the system is heating or cooling actively. And the “on” will keep it always running, trap more dust, and create fresh air all through. Systems with dual speed fans are even more economical as they run slower between heating and cooling cycles.

In the latest technology, there are programmable thermostats that you can control using your smartphone. Some models can schedule the running of the system, helping you save energy without various settings and changing temperatures.

4. Frequent Checks on Your Condenser

Make scheduled checks on your condenser, which is placed outside your house. It may get damaged due to storms and windblown debris. You need to assess it often, especially after heavy downfall, heavy winds, or a major hurricane. You will look out for any signs of damage as you clear away accumulations of leaves of weeds around the condenser as it needs to have room to breathe. 

5. Repairing Issues Immediately 

Once you notice any damaged part of your air conditioner, you need to repair it immediately. Such signs of damages are strange noises, odor, and poor air circulation, among others. Delay may lead to more severe issues that can damage the entire system, causing you to spend more money. You may need the help of a professional to assess the problems. If you do it yourself, it can cause more damages. 

Keep Your Air Conditioner in Good Shape

It would be best if you kept the air conditioner safe to serve you for long. Don’t ignore any sign of damage. As small the problem may be, it can turn to a bigger issue within a short time. Taking advantage of the steps above will make your system have a prolonged life.