Your home’s HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) system runs ‘round the clock, 24/7, all year long. You can’t expect it to last forever, but you can expect your furnace to last for about several years, depending on the model, you may get 15-20 years out of your furnace and 10-15 years out of your air conditioner. It’s a big investment to replace your furnace or air conditioner, so when the time comes, be sure to choose the right AC unit that fits your budget and cooling needs. Opting for an energy-efficient HVAC system with a high SEER rating, with a minimum of 15 SEER required in the southern U.S., can help lower your energy bills significantly. We have five tips for homeowners to extend the life of your HVAC system and cooling system. For more details on how long you can expect your furnace to last, read our guide.
1. Schedule two HVAC tune-ups per year
Contact a home services company to give your furnace a tune-up in the fall and your air conditioner a tune-up in the spring. This preventative maintenance usually includes a thorough inspection, cleaning, lubrication, and any necessary adjustments. Regular annual tune ups improve system efficiency and extend equipment life. (Save $20 on a Tune Up)
2. Change the air filter regularly
Disposable fiberglass filters should be replaced every 30 days, but check your filter and furnace manual to see how often you should be replacing the filter. A dirty filter forces your HVAC system to work harder to circulate air, causing extra wear on the system and higher energy bills. Regularly changing your air filter not only extends your system’s lifespan but also helps lower your monthly energy bills.
3. Clean your ducts
Be sure to keep the return air vents clean and prevent the build-up of dust and debris. You might also want to have your ducts professionally cleaned so that your system delivers the cleanest air possible. Maintaining your ductwork is essential for system efficiency and improving indoor air quality throughout your house. Additionally, ductwork quality should be evaluated to identify leaks and ensure proper sizing and insulation for optimal HVAC efficiency.
4. Give the HVAC system a break sometimes
Does your HVAC system really need to be running almost 24/7? Can you give it a break when you’re on vacation? On a cool evening, could you open the windows and give the AC the night off? You’ll be saving energy and giving the system a break, which reduces wear and tear on compressors and other components.
5. Upgrade your insulation
The better your home is insulated, the less your HVAC system will need to run to maintain the temperature. The first place to check for sufficient insulation is your attic. Proper insulation also helps control humidity and temperature throughout the house, making your cooling system more effective during hot and cold seasons.
When to Replace Your HVAC System
Even if you follow these tips and take good care of your HVAC system, eventually it will need to be replaced. Homeowners in Des Moines should consider local climate factors, such as hot summers and high humidity, when deciding on a new cooling system. If you’re approaching the projected end of life for the unit, replacing it with a new HVAC system is a cost-effective choice because you will be saving money with the new, more energy-efficient replacement. Replacing a central AC unit that’s more than 10 years old could save you 20% – 40% on cooling costs. But if you want to prolong the system as long as possible, contract with a reliable home services company for your annual tune-ups and then ask the experienced HVAC technicians for their input on when to replace. They can help determine if furnace repair, heat pump services, or a full replacement is needed for your project. If you’re unsure, here are signs your furnace may need repair or even replacement. Be honest with them about the maintenance you’ve carried out on the unit, even if that means confessing that sometimes you didn’t replace the air filter for a season or two. Hopefully, you can build trust with the HVAC team to get the best advice on when to replace your furnace or air conditioner.
Summary
Take good care of your HVAC system and it may last longer than the average lifespan, but also know when to replace it before it becomes unreliable or so inefficient that it’s costly to keep running. Professional indoor air quality services and regular maintenance of your cooling system, compressors, and ductwork can extend system life and improve comfort in your house. Research federal, state, and local tax credits or rebates for installing energy-efficient HVAC equipment. If your system is already struggling, find out what to replace it with for optimal performance and efficiency. Don’t hesitate to request a quote or consultation for your next heating and air conditioning installation project or job, and remember that a professional installation by experienced technicians is key for the best results.
Common Issues That Can Shorten Your HVAC System’s Lifespan
While regular maintenance is key to keeping your HVAC system running efficiently, several common issues can dramatically reduce its lifespan and lead to unexpected air conditioning replacement or costly repairs. One of the biggest culprits is poor system efficiency, often caused by neglecting essential maintenance tasks like annual tune-ups or timely filter changes. When your air conditioner or heating system has to work harder due to clogged filters or dirty components, it not only drives up your energy bills but also puts unnecessary strain on the equipment, increasing the risk of breakdowns and expensive repairs.
Another major factor is improper installation. If your AC installation wasn’t handled by experienced HVAC technicians, you could be facing a host of problems, from reduced system efficiency to frequent malfunctions. Professional installation ensures your air conditioning or heating system is correctly sized and set up to meet your home’s unique cooling needs, which is especially important in central Iowa’s ever-changing climate. An incorrectly sized or poorly installed system can lead to uneven temperatures, higher energy costs, and a much shorter system lifespan.
It’s also important not to ignore warning signs from your HVAC system. Strange odors, unusual noises, or warm air blowing from your vents can all indicate underlying issues that, if left unchecked, can cause serious damage. Prompt air conditioning repair by qualified professionals can help fix these problems early, protecting your investment and maintaining high indoor air quality.
Outdated or old equipment is another common issue. Older air conditioners and heating systems are typically less energy efficient and more prone to frequent repairs. Upgrading to a new HVAC system with modern, energy-efficient technology can be a cost-effective solution, especially when you take advantage of financing options and labor warranties offered by reputable service providers. Not only will you enjoy lower energy bills, but you’ll also benefit from improved comfort and reliability.
In central Iowa, where heating and cooling systems work hard year-round, it’s crucial to choose services that offer annual tune-ups, experienced technicians, and comprehensive maintenance plans. Whether you’re a homeowner or a business owner, investing in regular checks and professional care can help you avoid premature system failure, extend the life of your equipment, and ensure your home stays comfortable no matter the season.
By staying proactive and addressing these common issues, you’ll save money on repairs and replacements while enjoying better air quality, greater system efficiency, and peace of mind knowing your HVAC system is running at its best. If you notice anything unusual or think your system isn’t running efficiently, don’t hesitate to contact a trusted HVAC team for a thorough inspection and expert advice tailored to your needs.
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Tags: Air Conditioning Service, Heating, HVAC, Tips, Tune Up
Posted in Air Conditioning, Heating | Comments Off on 5 Tips to Extend the Life of Your HVAC System (& 1 Tip on When to Replace It)
