Ways You Can Help Your HVAC Equipment Last Longer

Your HVAC equipment has a major role in keeping your Springfield, VA home’s air healthy and comfortable. Since the unit has a lifespan of about 15 years and is costly to replace, you want it to last as long as possible. Fortunately, you can do a few things to extend its life.

Change the Air Filters Regularly

When the air filters are clogged and dirty, it’s harder for your HVAC system to keep air flowing consistently. This can shorten the life of the system over time. In general, you need to change the filters every 1-3 months. If you have pets, though, you may need to change them more often. Many modern systems keep track of the time and alert you when to change HVAC filters. However, you can change them sooner if necessary.

Keep All of Your HVAC Equipment Clean

Cleaning the equipment regularly is another good practice. This includes hoses, ducts, and the housing. Doing so removes damaging debris and prevents organic buildup that may contaminate some or all of the system.

It’s important to clean the outdoor condenser as well. Pollen, branches, leaves, and other debris block the airflow, so keeping it clean and clear helps prevent early failure.

If you clean the equipment, however, you need to be careful not to cause damage. Scheduling a professional HVAC service is always the best way to go. During an annual maintenance inspection and cleaning, the professional can also detect and repair problems before they get worse.

Invest in a Programmable Thermostat

The more that your HVAC system has to work to keep your property warm or cool, the shorter that its lifespan. To prevent it from working so hard, you can install a programmable thermostat. Setting it to turn off while you’re not at home will also save you money.

Are you in need of professional HVAC maintenance or repairs? Learn more about Commonwealth Cooling & Heating’s HVAC services, or call us for a free estimate at (703) 436-8028.