HVAC Lifespan

10 Steps That’ll Prolong Your HVAC Lifespan - Parkersburg, Clarksburg & Surrounding Areas

It’s no secret in the HVAC industry that regular maintenance will prolong the lifespan of your HVAC system. Having a licensed technician perform detailed HVAC maintenance will go a long way on your quest for extending your unit’s lifespan, saving you money and preserving efficiency with your existing unit. There is also a maintenance checklist that you can personally complete to amplify these results.

Here are 10 steps to the checklist:

1. Start With the Basics: Change Your Air Filter - Remember to change your air filter at least once every three months for best results. Better air filters can trap more particles, but stick to ones with a MERV rating of 5-12 for best results.
2. Check the Filter Monthly - Your home’s needs may require you to change the filter more frequently. If you have pets or a large household, check monthly for excess buildup on your filter.
3. Keep Outdoor Units Clear - There should be at least about two feet of clearance around your outdoor units.
4. Take Care of Intruding Yard Waste - During the spring, summer and fall, yard maintenance should be done weekly around your outdoor units. Take care when you are mowing the lawn that the grass clippings aren’t flug onto your unit.
5. Inspect Insulation On Refrigerant Lines - If the insulation around these lines looks old or damaged, it’s a good idea to call in a professional to come replace it.
6. Make Sure the Unit is Level - If your unit is not on firm or level ground, you may need professional assistance to help correct this for better performance.
7. Prevent Condensate Line Clogs - Once a year, pour a 50/50 bleach-water mixture down your condensate drain to stave off clogs. This helps kill mold and algae buildup.
8. Look After Your Furnace Humidifier - In the summer, shut off the water supply to the furnace humidifier. When it comes time to turn on the heat again, replace the wick filter to the humidifier, turn the water supply back on and set the humidistat to between 35 and 40%.
9. Keep Over 80% of Your Home’s Registers Open - Doing so will help avoid unnecessary strain on your HVAC unit.
10. Don’t Forget About Your CO Detector - A functioning CO detector will alert you to any furnace repairs that need attended to--and potentially save your life.