
Your HVAC unit runs all year round, day and night. But unfortunately, at that pace, it can’t last longer. The average lifespan of air conditioners ranges between 12 and 15 years. If you have lived in your home for a long time, replacing your HVAC is inevitable.
Replacing an HVAC is a costly home maintenance task you will face as a homeowner. So it is best to delay that replacement and ensure your system lasts longer.
Unfortunately, making your system last long isn’t as easy as most homeowners think. You will have to consider the following ways to ensure your system lasts longer:
Table of Contents
Change the Air Purifier Regularly
Although your technician is likely to check air purifiers in your unit during a biannual checkup, this is something that you can handle.
Like some homeowners, you are using the best air purifier for wildfire smoke. And in that case, it will be best to check the air purifier regularly.
If your air purifier is dirty, your HVAC unit will work extra hard to circulate air in your home properly. This can be problematic, especially for the fan and the entire system as a whole.
Invest in a Smart Thermostat
Installing a smart and good thermostat is among the most effective ways to improve the lifespan of your HVAC and save cash. Smart thermostats differ greatly from programmable thermostats in various ways, and the key differences make them more helpful when it comes to extending the lifespan of your unit.
A smart thermostat is simple to control and program from anywhere using a tablet or smartphone. Some models even learn your unit’s schedule and habits so as to save money on energy changes without the need for programming.
Plus, extending the lifespan of your unit with a smart smartphone will enable you to save more than 13% on heating and cooling costs.
Inspect the Ductwork
Around 32% of cooled or heated air often leaks out of an average duct. That means the air will end up in the attic or crawlspace rather than in the living room of your house. This, in turn, makes your HVAC work extra hard, shortening its lifespan.
So it is important to inspect the ductwork of your system every year. Open a register and then look into it with a flashlight. Your ductwork must be cleaned if there are cobwebs, pest droppings, or dust.
Schedule Regular Maintenance
If you haven’t scheduled HVAC maintenance yet, it is high time you do so. Regular tune-ups of your HVAC are vital for ensuring that your HVAC runs smoothly while allowing you to identify minor problems before they worsen. Tune-ups may also help your HVAC last longer because it ensures it doesn’t overwork more than necessary.
The Bottom Line!
A correctly installed and good quality HVAC unit, which is properly maintained, may last up to 15 years. There is no guarantee of this, but if you want your unit to work efficiently, it will be best to always be proactive with regular maintenance, regular change of air purifiers, and inspection of ductwork.