Tips for Extending the Lifespan of Your Home’s Heating System
On average, a residential heating system will last between 15 and 20 years before it needs to be replaced. It’s possible for it to last longer than that, but it almost certainly won’t work as efficiently as it once did. And yet, there have been plenty of HVAC systems that show signs of trouble or stop working altogether after a little more than a decade. There are clearly things that will shorten the lifespan of a heating system, such as neglect or overwork. However, what about things that you can do to extend its lifespan? After all, new heating systems are expensive, so you’ll want to get as much use out of your current system as you can. Let’s take a look at some practical tips that will extend the lifespan of your home’s heating system.
1. Change The Filter Regularly
Your HVAC system has a filter that removes dust, pet dander, and other pollutants from the air as it moves through your home’s ducts. It gets quite dirty, especially during the fall and winter when you’ll be indoors more often than not. If it gets too dirty, it can impede airflow and force your HVAC system to work harder than it should.
HVAC filters last between one and nine months, depending on their type, but they should at least be checked once a month and either cleaned or replaced as needed.
2. Schedule Regular Maintenance
Like any complicated machinery that runs practically nonstop, your HVAC system requires regular heating maintenance to function properly. This includes changing the filter regularly, but it also includes things such as recalibrating your thermostat, testing the blower motor, testing controls, and other things that should be left to a professional HVAC contractor. We recommend scheduling a tune-up for your heating system once a year, preferably in the fall before the main heating season. Doing so will not only help your system work more efficiently, but it could also uncover issues that can be fixed before they turn into major repairs.
3. Clean Your Ducts and Vents
Your home’s air ducts should be thoroughly cleaned at least once every three to five years. This cleaning frequency will depend on factors such as the size of your household, whether you have pets, and whether you or anyone in your home has severe allergies. It’s also a task that should be left to professionals, so call an HVAC contractor if you know that it’s been more than five years since your ducts were last cleaned.
Even though you can’t give your ducts a thorough cleaning yourself, you can still clean your home’s air vents. They get clogged with dust and debris very easily, so wipe them down when you notice any dusty buildup.
4. Keep the Rest of Your Home Clean As Well
Keeping your air vents clear of dust will help you get the most out of your heating system, but so will cleaning the rest of your home. Keep your home clear of clutter, and make sure that your vents aren’t being blocked by furniture or anything else. Vacuum carpeted floors once a week to remove dust and other pollutants that would otherwise end up in your HVAC system’s filter. Not only will this improve your indoor air quality overall, but it maximizes the airflow throughout your home and makes things a little easier for your heating system.
5. Fix Minor Problems Before They Get Out of Hand
Even if you have a healthy HVAC system that does its job most of the time, minor issues will still arise now and then. Some of these issues will be easy to ignore for a while, but they will eventually cause bigger problems that will turn into costly repairs later on.
Keep an eye out for the following issues:
- Grinding, banging, or screeching sounds
- Poor airflow in your home
- Rising energy bills
- Uneven temperatures throughout your home
- Inaccurate thermostat readings
If you notice any of these signs or otherwise suspect that your heating system isn’t working properly, call an HVAC contractor for repairs, especially if it’s been a while since your last HVAC tune-up. It’s always easier to fix a minor problem before it gets out of hand.
Call Our Technicians for Assistance
If you’re looking for ways to get the most out of your heating system, JAMCO Heating & Air Conditioning will be happy to assist you. JAMCO Heating & Air Conditioning has been keeping families in South Jersey and Southeastern Pennsylvania comfortable with AC and heating services since 1986, and we are always available for repairs and maintenance. We can certainly help you extend the lifespan of your heating system, but we also provide heating and cooling installation, repair, and ductless mini-split system services.
To learn more about our HVAC services or to schedule service for your home, call JAMCO Heating & Air Conditioning in Deptford, NJ today.
