6 Ways to Extend the Lifespan of Your HVAC System

Your HVAC system works tirelessly to keep your home comfortable year-round. To do its job well, it needs proper care and maintenance. If you leave problems unaddressed, they run the risk of becoming more serious further down the road. This can drive up repair and maintenance costs significantly. In addition, an HVAC system that isn't well maintained typically has a shorter life span than a system that is properly attended to.

While heating and cooling maintenance might seem like a hassle, it doesn't need to be a constant source of stress. Breaking down your unit's maintenance needs into small, manageable steps can help make the process seem less overwhelming.

Below, we’re sharing six ways to extend the lifespan of your HVAC system:

Each task makes all the difference long-term– even if you only tackle one at a time. Let’s get into it!

Your HVAC filter plays a crucial role in trapping harmful contaminants and maintaining healthy indoor air quality. If your filter isn't cleaned or replaced regularly, it will become clogged with dirt, dust and debris. It's important to keep an eye on your air filter to determine when it needs to be changed or cleaned out (ductless systems typically have air filters that are cleaned, while forced air systems are simply replaced).

Not only does a clogged filter harm the air quality in your home, but it also forces your HVAC system to work harder than necessary to heat or cool your space. This can shorten the lifespan of your system and lead to a spike in your energy bills.

To learn more about how to change your air filter, check out our blog,“Where Is My AC Filter Located and How Do I Change It?”

Every homeowner should regularly inspect their heating and air system for problems. However, to further strengthen your HVAC system, be sure to schedule professional service as well. During HVAC tune-ups, a trained technician will thoroughly inspect, clean, and optimize your system for maximum efficiency and performance. They will also take steps to safeguard your unit from future problems by identifying potential repairs or replacement parts.

It's recommended to schedule at least two tune-ups a year: once in the spring and once in the fall. Being proactive about maintaining your HVAC system can help keep costly problems at bay. In addition, regular tune-ups play a key role in keeping your home safe, improving your air quality and extending the life span of your system.

You might be tempted to dismiss minor issues that affect your heating and cooling system. However, this strategy will only lead to more complicated problems later on down the road. Not only do HVAC issues become costlier as time goes on, but they can also negatively affect the performance of your unit. Your HVAC system is a closely intertwined network of parts that work together to keep the entire system running smoothly. If something goes wrong in one area of your unit, it can create a domino effect of problems that infect the entire system. The best way to keep your heater and air conditioner healthy is to address repairs as quickly as possible.

To extend the lifespan of your AC system, be sure to maintain valid warranties as well. In some cases, homeowners may accidentally void their warranties. This can happen for numerous reasons. For example, they might neglect to schedule HVAC maintenance on a routine basis. Another common mistake is using after-market replacement parts. All of these errors can end up leading to major repair costs that may be too high to fix by paying out-of-pocket. As a result, homeowners may have to deal with an entire system replacement that takes place much sooner than necessary.

Many homeowners aren't aware of this, but the way they use their thermostats can put unnecessary strain on their HVAC system. For example, setting your thermostat too low during the summer months may shorten the lifespan of your heat and air system. As a general rule, avoid setting your thermostat any more than 20 degrees below the outdoor temperature. This can help prevent your air conditioner from having to work overtime to cool down your home.

If your home isn't properly insulated, precious energy can end up escaping through doors and windows. To compensate for the lost heat and air, your HVAC system will work harder than usual to reach the correct temperature. This will put significant strain on your AC parts, which can lead to damage over time. Long-term damage can reduce the overall lifespan of your heating and cooling system.

Leaky air ducts can also cause conditioned air to escape to the attic and crawl spaces, causing similar consequences. In addition to insulating your home, having your air ducts sealed will also help you extend the system lifespan– not to mention reduce your energy bills!

Need an AC repair? Annual tune-up? Or honest advice about how to care for your heating and cooling system? Get in touch with George Brazil today. We're happy to provide each of our customers with top-tier service and a professional, friendly attitude. Our highly experienced team offers exceptional HVAC maintenance, duct-sealing, thermostat installations, and much more.

Since 1955, we've been meeting the HVAC needs of homeowners in the Phoenix-Metro area. Feel free to reach out to Arizona's preferred heating and cooling contractor today by calling us at (602) 842-0009 or by clicking the button below.