Many homeowners find themselves replacing their HVAC system about every 15 years. Replacing an air conditioner or furnace is a huge expense that most homeowners dread. Unfortunately, it’s part of the cost of homeownership. Through the years, HVAC units go through normal wear and tear that causes them to slow down and eventually break down.    While all of this may be true, there are ways that you can add a few years to your HVAC system’s lifespan. When homeowners take great care of an HVAC system, they can expect it to last 20 years or more. This saves you time and money on replacements and keeps you comfortable for a long time. Continue reading for four ways to extend the life of your HVAC system.   If you are ready to schedule HVAC service, give our team at Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling and Heating a call at (972) 291-0740. 

1. Schedule Regular Maintenance

The best way to extend the life of your HVAC system is to schedule regular maintenance twice a year. During a maintenance visit, a technician will clean the system, tighten bolts, complete inspections and more. All of this will improve your system’s efficiency and reduce the risk of damage.    Think about it this way: we go to the dentist twice a year to get our teeth cleaned and checked for cavities, gum disease and other issues. If we only go to the dentist when something hurts, then we may end up having to pay more to fix an issue that could have been prevented.    Scheduling HVAC maintenance is similar to going to the dentist. When you get your HVAC system taken care of twice a year, then you don’t have to worry about the costs of AC replacement or major repairs for a long time. 

2. Change the Filter

When was the last time you changed your filter? Clogged filters are a main culprit of inefficient HVAC systems. When you let your filter get clogged with dust and debris, it can make the HVAC system work twice as hard to produce what you need. All of this heavy lifting can cause your HVAC system to get damaged. This damage and extra wear and tear can cause premature system failure.   Be sure to change all of your filters once a month to make sure that your air conditioner and heating system continues to work at optimal levels. You can purchase filters at any hardware store and large grocery chains. Give your technician a call if you need help installing your filter.

3. Use “Auto” Setting

Take a look at your thermostat and check your fan’s setting. Often in the summer, homeowners will turn their air conditioners to “on”, assuming that it will provide them with day-long comfort. This setting is specifically for your HVAC system’s fan, not the system itself.    So while your HVAC system is cycling on and off to maintain the temperature set on the thermostat, your fan will be constantly running if set to “on”. This not only causes your HVAC system to age faster but can also cause warm air to blow into your home when using your air conditioner and the other way around when you are using your furnace.    Keeping your fan set to “auto” is the most energy efficient option. This means that the fan will only turn on when the system is on. This keeps your HVAC system running smoothly and keeps you comfortable. 

4. Get Sufficient Insulation

Unless you built your own home, you may not know anything about your insulation. Having proper insulation is one of the best ways to extend the life of your HVAC system. Insulation traps the air inside your home, keeping it cool or warm for longer periods of time. When your home is properly insulated, your HVAC system won’t have to work as hard to maintain the temperature.   To learn more about your insulation, check your attic. Usually insulation in attics is exposed. If you don’t have any insulation in your attic then you should get that fixed. Because hot air rises, during the winter you want to make sure that the attic is keeping that hot air inside of the house. Be sure to upgrade your insulation before temperatures start to drop.

5. Check on Your Condenser

Your outdoor condenser is one of the most important parts of your HVAC system. It expels and takes air in from outside. Throughout the year, you should be sure to check on your condenser. There should be about two feet of clearance between your condenser and any landscaping, tools, equipment and other items. This will allow it to work efficiently and last a long time.    You should wipe the system down with a wet rag to keep it clean. Blowing debris away with condensed air is also a great way to keep the coils clean and clear. When you take care of your outdoor unit, you can expect your HVAC system to last even longer.

Reliable HVAC Repair Grand Prairie, TX

The best way to extend the life of your HVAC system is to get maintenance twice a year. Finding a trustworthy technician for your HVAC Grand Prairie, TX system is imperative to getting long-term use out of your unit. This is why so many homeowners choose Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling and Heating for their HVAC needs.   Our team is highly skilled, trained and ready to take on any challenge. We provide repairs, maintenance and replacements for a variety of heating, cooling and plumbing systems. With over 50 years in the industry, we have the knowledge and expertise to handle any problem.    At Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling and Heating, customer satisfaction is our highest priority. This is why we provide excellent customer service paired with superior workmanship. When you choose Dial One Johnson, you can feel confident that you are getting the best service possible.   If you are ready to schedule HVAC repair Grand Prairie, TX with Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling and Heating, give us a call at (972) 291-0740 or contact us online.