The hot summer months can make your air conditioning system work overtime as it maintains the comfortable indoor temperature you enjoy. Overuse of an HVAC system this time of year is not uncommon. In conjunction with the higher energy bills our customers pay, summer is when we field the most calls to service completely failed HVAC systems. By being proactive, keeping up with routine maintenance, and making necessary upgrades, you can avoid excessive wear and tear on your air conditioning system so it can do its job for years to come.

Here are 5 strategies that you can easily manage to make sure your HVAC unit is working to its fullest potential.

Schedule System Inspection Twice A Year

The key to extending the life of your HVAC system is making sure it’s in tip-top shape. This means bringing in a professional twice a year to give it a once-over and perform regular maintenance which includes coil cleaning, changing of air filters, and checking for things that could lead to future problems. If your system is in its best condition it won’t have to work as hard which will lead to a longer lifespan of the unit.

Replace Air Filters Regularly

Although you are having regular inspections, it’s still necessary to check your air filters regularly. The filter can easily become clogged with dust, dirt, and debris which will reduce efficiency and put unnecessary stress on the unit. For optimal efficacy, we recommend changing the filter once a month for 1 inch filters, every 2 months for 2 inch filters, every 6 months for 4 inch filters and every 6-9 months for 5 inch filters. It’s also very important to make sure the outdoor condenser is kept free of grass clippings, leaves, branches, and wildlife nests so the air can flow freely.

Improve The Insulation And Sealing Of The Air Ducts

It’s estimated that 40 percent of households have inadequate insulation or poorly sealed ductwork. When this is the case, the conditioned air never makes it into the home which puts a big strain on the system, decreases its lifespan, and increases energy costs. An HVAC professional can properly insulate and seal your air ducts so you can eliminate these issues and get the most out of your A/C.

Install A Programmable Thermostat

We’ve discussed the benefits of a programmable thermostat before but it’s important to mention again that a programmable thermostat is one of the best, easiest, and cost-efficient ways to keep your HVAC system running as efficiently as possible. There’s no need to keep the house super cold when you are away or sleeping, and by simply programming your thermostat the need to constantly remember to make temperature adjustments is a thing of the past. Program it once and move on knowing that your system is optimized.

Upgrade To A New System

If your HVAC system is more than 10 years old, it may be time to replace it. Older units are not only less energy efficient but once they hit a certain age; major components will begin to deteriorate causing the unit to run less efficiently. Also, upgrading your 10-15-year-old system could potentially save you up to 25% in cooling costs so the initial expense pays you back relatively quickly.

An inspection is the best place to start when considering the lifespan of your HVAC system. Texas Ace Heating & Air, serving the Dallas-Fort Worth, area and is here to help. Give us a call at 817-240-6701 or contact us to schedule an inspection today. Don’t wait for your A/C to stop working to make changes.