Keeping your Crystal River, Florida, home’s HVAC system working efficiently helps you save you time and money. You won’t have to deal with high energy bills or inconvenient, expensive breakdowns if you take the right steps. Most heaters and air conditioners last from 10 to 15 years, but you can keep your system working longer with some easy preventive measures. Extend the life of your HVAC system by maintaining it regularly, adding insulation, taking care of your ductwork, and using a programmable thermostat.
Maintaining Your HVAC System
You should have your heater and air conditioner checked by a professional at least once per year. That way, you find and repair minor problems before they become more expensive or cause your HVAC system to fail. Also, change your system’s air filter at least every three months and check it once per month to see if it needs changing. A dirty filter blocks your system’s airflow, forcing your heater or air conditioner to use more power and work harder. It also increases wear on many essential parts and lets dirt, dust, mold, and other contaminants into your HVAC system and the rest of your home.
Also, keep grass clippings, leaves, twigs, branches, and other debris away from your HVAC system’s outdoor unit. Check your unit once per month and wash or sweep the trash away with a garden hose or a broom. Don’t use a pressure washer since it could damage your evaporator coil. You can protect your unit with an awning or fence, but be sure to leave enough room around it for air to flow freely.
Taking Care of Your Ductwork
You should inspect your ductwork once per year by opening one of your HVAC system’s air registers and looking for dirt, dust, and other contaminants with a flashlight. If you see cobwebs, mold, mildew, dust, or droppings from pests, you should have your ducts cleaned by a professional as soon as possible. That way, foreign material and debris won’t disrupt your system’s air flow or lead to bad smells or health problems.
If you notice scurrying sounds or your utility bills start rising, you could have pests in your ductwork, a leak, or another problem. You should check the visible parts of the ductwork in your basement or attic for holes, leaks, or gaps and have any damage repaired as soon as possible to save energy and extend your HVAC system’s life.
Adding Insulation
Insulation keeps conditioned air inside your home so your HVAC system won’t have to work as hard. Add it to your attic or basement and use weather-stripping or caulk around windows and doors. Check your insulation and weather-stripping at least once per year for gaps from pests, mold, and other problems. Extra insulation also helps you keep pollen and other allergens out of your home. You can also add storm windows and thick curtains to stay warm in winter and cool in summer.
Using a Programmable Thermostat
You can set a programmable thermostat to turn your heater or air conditioner down when you go to sleep or work, and then turn it back up before you wake up or come home. That way, you won’t have to use energy to heat or cool an empty home. Since your HVAC system won’t need to run as often, it lasts longer.
Many programmable thermostats come with touch screens and a variety of settings. On some models, you can set a different schedule for every day of the week, while others have one setting for weekdays and another for weekends. Lots of them also have Wi-Fi, so you can make last-minute changes to your settings through your smartphone or computer. You can even find models that monitor your home’s humidity and indoor air quality and remind you to change your air filter.
Senica Air Conditioning, Inc. has more than 20 years of HVAC experience, and we can help you install, maintain, and repair equipment to help you extend your HVAC system’s life. Call us at 866-881-5935 for excellent service from our experts.
