4 External Factors Affecting the Lifespan of Your HVAC Unit

Imagine coming home from work on a hot summer day to find your HVAC unit not functioning correctly. Frustrating, right? Many factors affect the lifespan of your HVAC unit, and luckily, with some forewarning, you can help extend the lifespan of your system. Below are four of the most common factors.

Location

The climate you live in as well as where you place your HVAC unit plays a role in its lifespan. If you live in a dry environment, dust, debris, and dirt tend to accumulate around the unit’s coils and filters more quickly. Periodically check for build up within the coils and change your air filters regularly. If your unit is located near landscaping, it is essential to keep the area around the unit clean for proper air circulation. Periodically check and remove any accumulation of leaves or weeds. If you have shrubs or bushes, cut them down to avoid any unnecessary overheating with your unit.

Humidity

As mentioned above, your location plays a critical role in the lifespan of your HVAC unit. If there is too much humidity or too little humidity during certain seasons, it affects how you feel the ambient temperature of your home. This could cause you to adjust the thermostat leading to high energy bills. Your HVAC systems already work hard to make your home comfortable. During the summer, you can use a dehumidifier to help control excess moisture from accumulating. During the winter, you can use a humidifier to help provide a comfortable level of heated moisture in the air.

Run Time

If your HVAC unit is running non-stop, there tends to be more wear and tear that leads to a shortened lifespan. Frequent cleanings, programmable thermostats, and routine maintenance help your system run more efficiently and keeps it from running around the clock. If it is scorching outside, your HVAC system will have to work harder to keep your home comfortable. You can help by closing your curtains, blinds, and shades to block the heat from radiating inside. You can also use fans to help circulate the cooled air more efficiently.

Lack of Maintenance

Over time components can wear, tear, or break, causing the HVAC unit to break down or even fail. Scheduling preventive maintenance with an HVAC professional is one of the best ways to extend the life of your air conditioner or furnace. An annual tune-up will check for any operating problems, replace filters, thoroughly inspect your system, and alert you of anything that may cause issues in the near future.

To learn more about our HVAC services or to schedule routine maintenance, call BluFlame today at (419) 472-2040.