Following an HVAC maintenance timeline is the best thing you can do to extend the life of your home’s air conditioning and heating system, and keep your conditioning bills within reason. Avoiding a replacement and high energy costs saves money and eliminates the discomfort that comes with equipment that can’t keep your home comfortable during temperature extremes.
Average System Lifetime
Heat pumps have a normal lifespan of 16 years, air conditioners will last 10–15, and a gas furnace may give you 15–20 years of service. Routine maintenance performed by both you and an HVAC professional help keep these systems dependable and trouble-free.
Maintenance Timeline
As a homeowner, you should check the air filter monthly and change it when it’s dirty. Nothing drives up cooling costs faster than a dirty filter. Excessive dust also contributes to premature part failure whose replacement could be expensive.
The outdoor condenser needs an HVAC maintenance timeline, as well. Dust collects on the condensing coil and fins, and a buildup of vegetation around the unit blocks adequate airflow through the condenser. Both dust and debris increase the time it takes the condenser to remove the heat that the refrigerant collects from your home.
An HVAC professional should service the air conditioner or heat pump at least once during the cooling season, and in the case of a heat pump, before the heating season starts. A gas furnace needs professional cleaning and adjusting once a season.
When to Consider a Replacement
A heat pump or air conditioner will experience high use in the Yuma area, and when it starts to fail, it might make more sense to replace it rather than repair it. New systems offer much greater efficiency than older units, and the reduced operating costs will offset the cost of replacement.
Following the recommended HVAC maintenance timeline prolongs your system’s life, lowers energy costs and prevents breakdowns. If you’d like more information about your equipment’s condition, contact Hansberger Refrigeration and Electric Company, providing HVAC services for Yuma-area homeowners.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Yuma, Arizona about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about HVAC maintenance and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 928-723-3183.
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