If you’re worried about the cost of future HVAC repairs and replacements, there are a few proactive maintenance tips that can help. With the best maintenance and care, you can extend the life of HVAC systems, lower your energy costs, boost your HVAC performance, and avoid costly repairs. For extra help, you can always reach out to Fox Family and Air Conditioning for routine maintenance and repairs.
How Long Does an HVAC System Typically Last?
The average lifespan of an HVAC system depends on a few different factors, such as the installation quality, maintenance frequency, and regional climate. How frequently and intensely you use it will also impact the lifespan of the HVAC system.
Additionally, different types of HVAC systems have different lifespans.
- Central AC: 12 to 17 years
- Ductless Mini Splits: 10 to 20 years
- Furnaces: 15 to 20 years
- Heat Pumps: 10 to 15 years
Why Monthly Habits Matter
While your annual HVAC maintenance appointment is important, the activities you do each month have a big impact on how long your Sacramento HVAC system lasts. Small monthly HVAC tips can prevent small issues from escalating into costly repairs and major HVAC failures. These timely maintenance activities improve your day-to-day energy efficiency and performance. By performing monthly checks and maintenance tasks, you can reduce wear and extend the life of your HVAC system.
Monthly Habits To Extend HVAC System Life
To help Sacramento and Rancho Cordova residents learn how to extend HVAC life, we’ve compiled a list of the most important HVAC maintenance habits.
Replace or Clean Air Filters
Most HVAC manufacturers recommend changing filters every 30 to 90 days, especially if you are using your HVAC system more often than normal. At a minimum, your air filter should be changed every three months. Dirty air filters strain your HVAC system and decrease airflow, which leads to added wear. By changing or cleaning the filter regularly, you can boost the air quality in your home and prevent unexpected malfunctions.
Check and Clear Vents and Registers
To ensure proper airflow through your home, make sure all of your vents are open. There should be no obstructions in the way of the vents and registers.
Inspect the Thermostat
If you want to improve the life expectancy of the HVAC system, it helps to have a functioning thermostat. Check your thermostat to see if the HVAC system kicks on when you change the temperature. You should also replace the batteries as needed. To save money on power and reduce wear on your system, consider upgrading to a smart or programmable thermostat.
Watch for Unusual Noises or Odors
Throughout the month, pay attention to screeching sounds, musty odors, and rattling noises. These sounds and smells can indicate an underlying problem with your HVAC system, such as loose parts, mold growth, or ductwork problems. If you are uncertain if a sound or smell indicates an underlying issue, you can always reach out to one of our HVAC experts for help.
Keep the Outdoor Unit Clean
You don’t want to have leaves, branches, or debris impeding the unit’s airflow. As a part of your monthly HVAC tips, make sure there is at least 2 to 3 feet of empty space around your outdoor unit.
Monitor Energy Bills
Often, HVAC problems don’t happen without some prior warning, such as an unusual noise or poor airflow. By monitoring your energy bills, you can spot potential problems before they lead to a total HVAC failure. If a repair is needed, it will reduce your efficiency and lead to higher energy costs.
Additional Seasonal Tips
In addition to the previous HVAC maintenance habits, there are a few other best practices that can protect your HVAC system and increase its longevity
- Vacuum around your indoor units to remove dust and debris.
- Make sure your refrigerant lines are well insulated.
- Test your heating and cooling functions before each season begins to ensure they’re ready.
If you do notice any signs of a problem, you should always schedule your repairs before the heating or cooling season is underway. Besides being easier to schedule, off-season repairs are important because they ensure your system is fully prepared when you need it the most.
When To Call a Professional
While many preventative HVAC maintenance tasks can be done on your own, some maintenance and repair jobs should be left to the professionals. If you need help, Fox Family offers a preventative maintenance plan that saves you time and money. On top of providing convenient maintenance help, our membership plan features discounts on repairs and priority scheduling.
For assistance with the following maintenance-related tasks, give us a call.
- Annual HVAC tune-ups
- Duct inspection and sealing
- Problems with refrigerant, motors, or electrical components
- Any problem that you do not feel safe managing on your own
Signs Your System May Be Nearing the End
If the life of your HVAC system is drawing to an end, you’ll notice a few common signs. As soon as you notice any of the following symptoms, it’s a good idea to reach out to our licensed technicians for a professional HVAC replacement.
- Age: Once your unit’s age is past the normal lifespan, it’s time to start planning out your replacement options.
- Increasing Frequency of Repairs: As HVAC units reach the end of their lifespan, they’ll start breaking down more frequently.
- Loud Operation or Uneven Temperatures: Performance-related problems, noisy operation, and similar symptoms are all signs that the unit is no longer able to do its job.
- Rising Energy Bills: When an HVAC system isn’t working properly, it has to work longer to heat your home to the same level. As a result, your energy bills will start to creep up.
Extend the Lifespan of Your HVAC System
Through consistent monthly maintenance habits, you can extend the life of HVAC systems. At Fox Family Heating & Air Conditioning, we’ve helped countless Sacramento and Rancho Cordova residents with their HVAC systems. From routine maintenance appointments to timely repairs, we can ensure your HVAC unit is functioning at its best.
Reach out today to schedule your professional HVAC checkup in Sacramento and the surrounding areas.
