What Is the Lifespan of an HVAC System?

At long last, spring has arrived! As the weather starts to warm up, you may find yourself in need of a cool down. You head over to your handy thermostat to turn it down but instead of a refreshing breeze, you’re hit with a gust of warm air. It’s your worst fear – the HVAC system is malfunctioning.

An HVAC system can give you decades of comfort – up to 25 years – with proper maintenance and care. It’s such a critical part of a home’s ecosystem, but it’s not uncommon for homeowners to forget about it until there is a problem.

Don’t neglect your HVAC system…schedule regular service appointments with the Petitt Heating & Cooling crew. If you need repairs, we can handle that, as well! Call us today or get in touch online now.

What Can Affect the Lifespan of an HVAC System?

Several factors can influence the lifespan of your HVAC system, but some of the most significant ones include:

• Regular maintenance. A good maintenance routine is the biggest component in keeping your HVAC system running smoothly. Maintenance can refer to both simple tasks (like changing air filters regularly) and professional check-ups to ensure that all components are functioning properly. Neglected maintenance can lead to wear and tear and a reduction in efficiency. A good rule of thumb is to have your HVAC system serviced twice a year – once in the fall and once in spring.
• Age of the system. Even with great care, your HVAC system is going to fail at some point. If you move into a new home with an HVAC system that is up there in age, you shouldn’t expect it to last too long. 
• The installation process. An improperly installed HVAC will be more prone to problems. You may experience early wear and tear, airflow issues, and refrigerant leaks. When you’re looking for a professional to handle installation, take the time to vet them to ensure that you’re getting quality service. 
• Your location. The climate you live in can play a part in your HVAC system’s longevity. Extreme temperatures – both hot and cold – put extra stress on the system.  If you live in an area with humidity, you may notice recurrent problems with moisture buildup and corrosion. Environments with high levels of dust or dirt can lead to clogged filters and coils.
• The workload. The more you use your HVAC system, the harder it has to work. This can wear out the parts faster and shorten their lifespan. Having the right size system for your house is important too. A system that’s too small will have to run constantly to keep up, which can lead to breakdowns.

• Schedule regular maintenance. This is the big one. Make sure you book those yearly appointments to have your HVAC system serviced. 
• Change the air filters. A clogged air filter restricts airflow and puts additional strain on your system. Read the instruction manual provided by the manufacturer to see how often you should change the filter. The standard recommendation is a change after one to three months, but you may have to switch out filters more often if you have a pet or live in a dusty area.
• Clean the outdoor unit. Keep the outdoor unit clear of leaves, dirt, and overgrown plants to ensure proper airflow around the unit for peak efficiency.
• Leave the thermostat alone. Avoid making frequent temperature changes with your thermostat, and don’t set the temperature too high or too low. Setting your thermostat to a comfortable temperature – and keeping it consistent – will help your system function better. 
• Seal and insulate ductwork. Good insulation helps maintain consistent temperatures in your home which reduces the workload on your HVAC system. Consider upgrading your insulation or sealing air leaks around windows and doors.

theWarning Signs That Your HVAC System Is on It’s Last Leg

Your HVAC system has put up a valiant fight over the years, but the time has come and you suspect it may be on its way out. How can you be sure? Look for the following signs:

• It’s no longer efficient. The temperatures have spiked and no matter how long you run the air conditioning or how much you tinker with the settings, your home isn’t cooling off. There are two possible reasons: your HVAC system needs some attention from a qualified professional or it’s about to fail. Schedule an appointment with us for an inspection to get to the bottom of it.
• It’s making odd noises. Your HVAC system shouldn’t make any loud or unusual noises. If you suddenly start to hear rattling, grinding, screeching, or banging sounds, it may be an indication of an internal issue.
• There is an unusual smell. A burning odor or a sweet smell coming from the vents could point to electrical problems or refrigerant leaks. 
• You’re spending more money on energy bills. You shouldn’t see an uptick in energy costs if you’re not using your HVAC system more often or the energy company hasn’t informed you of an increase in rates.
• You need to call the Petitt crew more often. While we always enjoy visiting our clients, your HVAC system shouldn’t need constant repairs. If you find that you’re calling us more often than usual, it might be time for a replacement. 

When Your HVAC System Slows Down, Call on us

If it’s time for your HVAC inspection or your system is on the fritz, reach out to Petitt Heating & Cooling today. With over a decade of experience, we’re Hendersonville and beyond’s one-stop shop for quality HVAC services – call us now or schedule an appointment online.