Your HVAC system tends to run day and night all throughout the year. With such frequent use, it won’t manage to last forever. On average, an air-conditioner has a lifespan of somewhere between 12 to 15 years while furnaces can last for nearly 20 years. If you’re staying in one home for a prolonged period, it’s inevitable that you will need to replace your HVAC system at least once.

An HVAC system replacement is not going to be cheap which is why you should get in touch with a professional air conditioning service in Dallas, TX. Replacing a broken-down HVAC system will take time, which is why you should have a plan in place to replace the HVAC system before it breaks down. That is why we are going to touch upon the best ways you can extend the life of your HVAC system and avoid replacing the system for several years.

Extending the Lifespan of Your HVAC System

If you take good care of your HVAC system, it will keep operating at optimum levels. Most air conditioners and furnaces can last for several years beyond their lifespan but there may be other costs associated with a long system life. Even a system that is well-cared for will suffer from reduced energy efficiency as it starts to age.

This will have an impact on your utility bills which will start to creep up gradually. Individual parts of the HVAC system will also break down at some point. This means spending on emergency repairs as your system reaches the end of its life.

HVAC technology is always improving. So, even if your system offers you with several years of service, it won’t manage to compare with the efficiency of a new HVAC system. That’s the reason why you should always consider acquiring professional air conditioning service in Dallas, TX to reap the benefits. If you’re looking to extend the life of your HVAC system, here are the six ways you can go about it:

1.   Regularly Change the Filter

Your HVAC technician should be checking the filters during your yearly annual checkups but homeowners should keep an eye on the filter as well. A lot of homeowners use disposable 3-month pleated filters or 30-day fiberglass filters which should be regularly checked. You should think about replacing them if they’re dirty even if it’s not yet time to get them changed.

Dirty air filters mean that the HVAC system will need to work twice as hard to circulate air in the home. This will not only impact the fan but the entire HVAC system will suffer to efficiently cool your home since airflow will be compromised. This is the reason why you have the filters changed regularly by an air conditioning service in Dallas, TX.

2.   Schedule Two Tune Ups per Year

HVAC systems aren’t high maintenance but this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t practice routine maintenance. Your furnace and air conditioner should be tuned, inspected, and cleaned every year by a professional air conditioning service in Dallas, TX. It’s advised to schedule furnace service in late summer and air conditioner service in spring so that your HVAC system works efficiently. This will also allow you to deal with a serious problem before the time comes to switch your systems.

A tune-up will involve lubricating all moving parts, a thorough inspection, checking refrigerant levels, condenser cleaning and checking the heat exchanger for cracks. In the tune-up, filters will be replaced and the buildup will be cleared out of the condensate drain tube. Professionals will also carry out other tasks that are designed to make your HVAC system longer-lasting, safer, and more efficient.

3.   Check up on Your Condenser

The condenser of your air conditioner is built to withstand the elements since it is situated outside the home. However, it can sustain damage from debris or hail from severe storms. You should, therefore, check on the condition of your condenser after a major storm to search for signs of damage. Also, clean up any weeds or leaves that have accumulated around the condenser. If there is vegetation growing next to the condenser unit, it must be cleared to make room for it to breathe.

4.   Get a Smart Thermostat

One of the best ways to extend the life of your HVAC system is to invest in smart thermostats which are the latest in thermostat technology. They can be controlled from anywhere using your tablet or smartphone and are easy to program as well.

The newer models can also learn the schedule of your HVAC system which allows them to make energy-saving adjustments with no programming required. With greater ease for managing your thermostat settings, there will less pressure put upon your HVAC system and help prolong its service life.

5.   Upgrade Your Insulation

Your HVAC system will last longer if it’s used less often. To ensure that your home is well-cooled during the summer, the best solution available to you is going to be insulation. The attic is the first place you should check for upgrading your insulation. The type and amount of insulation you may require depends on your region. This is why you should check out the insulation climate map of the Environment Protection Agency for insulation upgrades.

You should think about adding more insulation in the wall cavities and insulating your basement if you don’t have enough insulation in your home. The best way to evaluate and locate insulation weak spots in your home is to schedule a professional energy audit from an air conditioning service in Dallas, TX.

6.   Use the “Auto” Fan Setting

There are two fan settings in most HVAC systems. The ‘auto’ setting will instruct the fan to only run when the system is cooling or heating actively while the ‘on’ setting instructs it to constantly run. Most systems come with dual-speed fans that provide a more energy-efficient setting for the cooling and heating cycles. There are several advantages for using the ‘on’ setting since it traps more dust, making breathing easier in homes where people have allergies or respiratory conditions.

However, the system will be forced to work harder and result in reduced efficiency, cutting its service life down. It will also clog up the filters faster. If you don’t get them changed regularly, you will be putting a lot of strain on your system.

If you’re looking for a reliable air conditioning service in Dallas, TX you should get in touch with K&S Heating and Air by calling them at 972-271-9319 or visiting their website today.