The HVAC system in your Easton, Pennsylvania, home is one of the largest investments you will make. It faithfully keeps your family cool in the summer and warm throughout the cold winter months. Because the HVAC system is a vital part of keeping your family comfortable, it is important that you keep it running efficiently throughout its life span. Let’s look at five factors that can affect the longevity of your HVAC system.
HVAC Size
When it comes to HVAC systems, one size does not fit all. A properly sized system will help to ensure that your home stays comfortable without putting a strain on it. If it is too large for your living space, it will continuously cycle on and off without ever achieving the desired or set temperature. Every time the motor fires back up to begin the cycle, it puts a strain on it, reducing the life span of the HVAC system.
On the other hand, if the system is too small, it will run constantly trying to keep up with the load of keeping your home comfortable. Having the system running all the time not only wastes energy and costs you extra money on your energy bills, but it also shortens the life span of the system.
Your Home’s Insulation
The insulation in your home helps to keep cold or hot air entering from the outside. It also functions to keep treated air from your HVAC system inside your home. If the attic has insufficient insulation or an improper rating, air from inside leaks out, and air from the outside leaks in. Either of these scenarios means that your HVAC system has to work hard to control the temperature in your home. Overworking the system leads to a reduction in its life span.
Humidity Levels
During the summer months when humidity levels are high, your home may feel moist and muggy, leaving you feeling sticky. When the air conditioner is working harder and harder to help pull that excess moisture from the air, it puts a strain on it which reduces its life expectancy. Adding products, such as a dehumidifier that pulls moisture from the air, can help take some of the strain off of the air conditioner helping it run efficiently for years.
Proper Installation
If you find that your system is not effectively keeping your home’s temperature at a comfortable level, your energy bills are rising, or that it is running poorly, there is a possibility that it was installed improperly. Installation of the system requires a professional HVAC contractor who has the special tools and training to make sure every part of the system works together seamlessly. The life expectancy of the system diminishes with improper installation.
Regular HVAC Maintenance
One of the biggest factors in extending the life span of your HVAC system is to have regular maintenance. As a homeowner, you can change the air filters once a month and make sure the outside unit is free from any dirt and debris, but most tasks are best left to us as professional HVAC contractors.
During our maintenance visit, we can spot any issues and fix them before they become a problem. We also repair or replace parts before they put a strain on the system. During the spring, we make sure the air conditioner is working properly, and during the fall, we make sure the furnace is functioning safely and correctly.
A well-maintained HVAC system will last for an estimated life span of 15 to 20 years. One of the best ways to have peace of mind that you will have regular and timely servicing is by signing up for our maintenance plan. We will maintain your system in the spring and fall and send you a reminder to schedule your appointments.
Fall is a great time to have your HVAC system and furnace maintained. Give our friendly team at Sullivan Oil & Propane a call today to schedule an appointment. We are happy to speak with you at (610) 810-3992.
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