With cold winters and warm summers, residents of Decatur, Illinois, rely on their home HVAC systems year-round to stay comfortable. Depending on climate, HVAC model, and maintenance, HVAC systems typically last around 10 to 15 years. Many homeowners don’t try to minimize HVAC wear and tear, resulting in higher bills, lower performance, and shorter HVAC lifespan.
Never Undervalue Your Air Filters
Air filters remove particulate matter from your home’s air. Like many things, you might not think about air filters until they stop working. This lackadaisical behavior subjects your HVAC system to unnecessary wear and tear. In essence, air filters pack substrate between thin mesh layers to capture dust.
As the tiny gaps in air filters fill up, your HVAC system works harder to push air through them. In addition to increasing energy consumption, this increased workload shortens your system’s life. Change your air filters no less than every three months. You should also strive to use high-quality air filters.
Don’t Close Vents
Closing vents can save energy. Right? This practice doesn’t actually save energy. Rather, it forces your HVAC system to exert more energy, shrinking its lifespan. Even if you’re not interested in heating or cooling certain parts of your home, allowing your HVAC system to operate normally is superior to closing vents.
Keep Debris Away From Your HVAC Unit
Your HVAC system’s outdoor unit, also known as the condenser unit, is the muscle behind your home’s heating and cooling. Although these units are designed to withstand the elements, exposure to debris leads to wear and tear.
One long-term option is to build a protective wall around the condenser unit. Make sure this wall is at least three feet away on all sides from the equipment. For a short-term fix, rake leaves and remove other debris from the area around your HVAC unit.
Still not clear about best practices for minimizing wear and tear on your HVAC system? Let us, Jesse Heating & Air Conditioning, help you. Based in Decatur, Illinois, we offer a full line of heating, cooling, and insulation services, as well as HVAC maintenance to keep your home’s HVAC system in tip-top condition. Contact us today to get started!
