Nearly everyone knows that maintaining equipment is important for long life. We change the oil in our cars faithfully and even wash them every now and then. Also, we keep the dryer vent lint free, but for some reason we often neglect the HVAC system in our homes. The HVAC units in most households can cost several thousand dollars. So, it would stand to reason we would like these pieces of equipment to last as long as possible. By simply having your system checked once a year and keeping the filters clean you can greatly improve the lifespan of your HVAC system.
Having your HVAC system checked out once a year by a licensed technician is something which is often overlooked by many people. It is a good idea to have both the heating and cooling systems checked out at least one month before they will be put into service. This will allow for the technician to find any small problems and repair them before they can cause any major harm to the system. Also, a licensed technician will be able to clean important items such as the coils on the cooling system to help the unit run more efficiently. These coils need to be cleaned each year to remove any buildup.
Keeping the filters changed in your HVAC system can greatly improve the life of your units. Dirty filters will cause strain on the system by not allowing proper airflow. Dirty filters can also cause breathing problems in the home due to recirculating bad air. Try to change your filters at least once a month during the winter and summer. In mild temperatures, such as Spring and Fall, when the unit is not in use very often you may not need to change them as frequently. The filters should be inspected once a month, however, to make certain they are not in need of changing.