Extending the life of the HVAC system in your Ocala, Florida, home is likely one of your biggest concerns. And it should be, as this investment is one of the largest you’ll make for your home. Here are some tips on how to extend the lifespan of your HVAC system:
Schedule Preventive Maintenance
Scheduling annual or bi-annual maintenance is the best way to extend the life of your HVAC unit. Your service technician will clean, inspect and tune up your system.
The internal cleaning is as important as the external. It includes checking for any debris, moisture or shavings that shouldn’t be present. A full inspection will include your unit’s connections, wires and mechanisms. The tune-up portion of the maintenance includes a fresh filter, lubrication, condenser cleaning and check of refrigerant levels.
If you don’t properly maintain your HVAC system, it’s more likely to break down because of small issues that get larger. For example, you might have to replace the entire system if the engine burns out because of a clogged filter that prevented air from flowing into the unit.
Change the Air Filter Regularly
Your HVAC system can use either a 30-day filter or a 90-day filter. Whichever you choose, check it regularly and replace it as needed. There’s a variety of filters available that will block a considerable amount of debris, pollen and air-borne bacteria. Follow the replacement schedule advised for your filter. If you have pets, change your filter more often. As a result, you’ll prevent their fur and dander from impacting your IAQ.
Make Use of the Auto Setting
The fan in your HVAC unit will likely have an "auto" setting as well as an "on" setting. The "auto" option activates the fan only when the system begins actively heating or cooling the house. The "on" setting operates the fan constantly, burning more energy and causing more wear and tear on your system. Therefore, you should try to use the auto setting as much as possible to save money.
Take Care of the Condenser
The condenser portion of your HVAC unit sits outside of the house. As such, it can sustain damage because of severe weather and windblown debris. Check on it periodically and clear away vegetation and debris. Tree roots bushes planted too closely can also damage the unit. Monitor the landscaping and watch for the appropriate drainage as well as rust or other visible damage.
Check Your Home’s Insulation
Sufficient insulation will help extend the life of your HVAC system by reducing the need for it to run constantly. The attic is the most likely area to lose heat and air. Therefore, upgrading the insulation in this area will help to reduce the amount of heat and air produced by your HVAC unit. Insulating the basement and adding extra insulation into the walls will also help in this capacity.
Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats allow you to program the temperature in your home for set timeframes. You can set it for energy-saving or just enjoy having access from your phone or tablet. Adjusting the temperature based on hours of occupancy will reduce the use of your HVAC system. As a result, you’ll save on your utility bills and extend the life of your unit.
Use Alternative Methods of Heating and Cooling
To give your HVAC system a break, use your ceiling fans in hot weather and install reflective shades to prevent the heat from coming inside. Set the thermostat to a higher temperature and your system won’t work as hard to cool your home.
In cool weather, throw on a sweater and open the blinds. Let the sun help to heat your home. Set the thermostat to a lower temperature, wrap yourself in a blanket and add space heaters to cooler rooms to reduce the draw on your HVAC unit.
These tips will help you extend the lifespan of your HVAC system. If you’re looking for the right professionals to schedule routine maintenance with, give our experts at Sun Kool Air Conditioning, Inc. a call at (352) 330-1067. We can perform a full evaluation of your unit.
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