Replacing your heating or cooling system could cost as much as a nice two-week vacation. While there are many benefits to installing a new system, such as energy savings, you’ll want to extend the life of your current one to get the most value for your money and to make sure you’re not forced to replace it before you’re ready. Here are five of the most important steps you should take.

Give it a Break

As with anything with moving parts, the more you use your heater or air conditioner, the faster it will wear out and need to be replaced. This doesn’t mean you need to go uncomfortable or really worry about it — a good system should still last at least 10 years — but you should give it a rest when possible. Will opening a window, turning on a fan, or adding a blanket get you comfortable? Why not give your HVAC system and your energy bill a break?

Protect it From Dirt

Dust, dirt, and other debris are your AC’s biggest enemies. When pulled into your system at high speed, they strike its parts and cause damage over time. Debris can also build up inside, slowing your air flow, hindering the movement of moving parts, and interfering with electrical connections. All of this leads to reduced efficiency, higher energy bills, more frequent repairs, and higher repair costs. Always be sure to use a fresh filter, and take care to make sure things like dusting inside or mowing the grass outside don’t send debris directly into your system.

Don’t Make it Work Harder Than Necessary

Although dirty air filters greatly reduce your system’s efficiency, dirt isn’t the only thing that can give it trouble.Things like leaky air ducts and drafty windows and doors can also make your air conditioner work longer and harder. Seal your home’s energy envelope to reduce your AC’s workload and the amount of wear and tear.

Don’t Ignore Signs of Trouble

Are you hearing strange noises, noticing a difference in the temperature of the air coming out of your system, or seeing an unexplained increase in your heating or cooling bills? Don’t wait to find the source of the problems. Many major repairs that make you think twice about whether you should replace your HVAC system started as a small problem that could have been fixed quickly and cheaply if caught early.

Schedule Regular Air Conditioning Maintenance

Does keeping up with everything sound like hard work? Schedule preventive maintenance in the fall and spring. During the visit, your system will be cleaned and adjusted to make sure it works at peak efficiency, and it’ll get checked for any signs of trouble that could shorten its system life.

Need help making sure your heating and air conditioning systems are maintained so they last? Contact us today.