5 Effective Ways That Add More Life to Your HVAC Unit

Did you know that heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units can last up to 25 years? Such a long shelf life means investing in an HVAC unit is among the best ways to enjoy value for money. However, remember that this is a machine like any other, and it is prone to wear and tear. As a prudent homeowner, you should do all you can to help the system remain functional for the longest time possible.

1. Have a Professional Check the System Twice a Year

Though these are not usually high-maintenance systems, they need proper maintenance that keeps them going. Therefore, you should examine and clean the unit at least twice annually. Spring offers a suitable time to have professionals service the air conditioner, whereas early fall or late summer is an appropriate time for furnace servicing. Doing so ensures that the system is always ready to meet all your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning needs.

Maintenance involves refrigerant refilling, crack inspection, and filter replacement. It also involves cleaning the drainage tubes and lubricating moving parts.

2. Set the Fan on Automatic Mode

The fan in most HVAC units today have two settings: auto and on. The former is the most appropriate setting because it makes the fun run solely when need arises, whereas the latter option makes the fun run nonstop. Note that some HVAC models come with dual speed fans that improve energy efficiency.

However, the on setting is advantageous for people with allergies or respiratory conditions. That is because this mode traps more dust, thus improving air quality in your living space. Trapping more dust makes it crucial to change the air filters regularly if the system is to last longer.

3. Replace the Filter Regularly

Though changing the air filter is part of regular annual maintenance, you should check on it as well. You will mostly find disposable pleated filters or fiberglass filters in most residential HVAC units today. Regardless of the type of filter in your HVAC unit, change it whenever it becomes dirty. 

Keep in mind that the system will strain as the filter becomes dirtier. Though dirty filters mostly affect the fan, they can make the entire system less efficient.

4. Increase Your Insulation

A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit that does not run often is bound to last long. The better the insulation your home has, the less your HVAC system will run. That is because insulation ensures that the treated air never leaves your living space. 

Remember that the level of insulation varies from one area to another. Check your location's climate insulation map before upgrading your insulation. With that said, the attic is among the insulation places to focus on. Wall cavities and the basement are additional areas that might need insulation. An HVAC expert can assist you to do an energy audit that will pinpoint poorly insulated areas. If you super insulate your home it may be a good idea to consult an HVAC expert because you will effectively reduce the heating and cooling load on your house and your current system may not be properly sized. An oversized system creates just as many problems as an undersized system. 

5. Install a Smart Thermostat

Many devices run on smart technology nowadays, HVAC systems included. Installing a smart thermostat allows you to control the system using a tablet or smartphone remotely. Some of them are so smart that they can study your HVAC behaviors and make changes that minimize power consumption. As a result, you will use the HVAC unit less often and thus increase its lifespan. 

Using the above tips will help your HVAC system last longer. At Central York Corporation, we derive satisfaction from helping our clients solve all their heating and cooling issues. Contact us today, and see why we are the best in Richmond, VA, and its environs. We look forward to helping you with your HVAC needs.