Trying to get comfortable in a home that is too hot or cold is nearly impossible. A functional HVAC unit keeps your home cool when the temperatures outside are sweltering. A residential HVAC unit is designed to last for around 15 to 20 years, according to JAK Services.
If you are like most homeowners, finding a way to extend the life of your existing HVAC unit is probably a top concern. Accomplishing this goal means you will be able to avoid the cost and aggravation of replacing your HVAC unit before its time. Here are some things you can do to extend the life of your residential HVAC unit.
Inspect the Outdoor Portion of Your HVAC Unit
Consumers around the world spend over $240 billion a year on new HVAC units. Most residential HVAC units have an inside and outside portion. The real workhorse of your HVAC unit is the outside portion. As time goes by, debris like leaves, sticks and pine straw can get caught in the grates of your unit. If this debris is allowed to remain in these grates, it will make it work harder to pull in air from the outside.
If any portion of your unit has to work harder than usual, it is only a matter of time before it fails. This is why you need to inspect and clean the outside portion of your unit regularly. As you inspect your outdoor HVAC unit, be sure to check for water or refrigerant leaks. If you discover these problems, then contacting an HVAC technician to repair them is a must. With their help, you can get these leaks fixed before they cause extensive damage to your unit.
Change Your Air Filters Regularly
As the outside portion of your HVAC unit pulls in air from outdoors, pollen, dirt and other allergens will enter your home. It is the job of the indoor air filter to remove these pollutants before they get into the indoor air supply. This paper filter will start to clog over time and will need to be changed. Most experts recommend changing your indoor HVAC air filter once every two months.
Failing to change your air filter can lead to a drastic reduction in airflow over time. This means your unit will have to work much harder to keep the inside of your home at a comfortable temperature. Consistently overworking your HVAC unit will result in it wearing out prematurely. This is why you need to make changing your air filter on a regular basis a priority.
Hire Professionals To Perform Routine Maintenance
The average residential HVAC unit has a multitude of different parts. Each of these parts has to work flawlessly for your home to remain at the right temperature. Before spring and fall, you need to contact a trusted HVAC professional to perform preventative maintenance. During the maintenance procedure, an HVAC technician will inspect every part of your unit.
They will use specially designed gauges to check refrigerant levels to ensure there are no leaks. The technician will also inspect your ducts and vents to see if they need to be cleaned or repaired. By investing in this professional maintenance, you can keep your HVAC unit running properly for years to come.
As you can see, there are a number of things you can do to extend the life of your residential HVAC unit. Allowing an experienced HVAC technician to help you with this maintenance is a great way to ensure it is done correctly and efficiently for long-term results.
