You want to get the most out of your heating system, right? Whether you have a furnace, boiler, heat pump, or something else entirely, they certainly aren’t cheap.
How can I maximize the lifespan of my HVAC system?
Many of our customers in Monmouth and Ocean County often ask the question too late. They’re facing expensive repairs and wish they could go back in time to do things differently. While the best time to take care of your heating system begins at from the moment it’s turned on for the first time, here are a couple of things you can do to keep your system running properly.
Top 5 Ways to Keep Your Heating System Going
#5: Regularly Change Filters
Six months? A year? Every month? Unfortunately, there is no set amount of time that you’ll need to change out your HVAC filters. There are many factors that can make it difficult to determine how often filters need to be changed including the type of filters you use, if you have any pets in your home, and even where your home is located.
Replacing filters allows your system to breathe easy, providing proper airflow. When ducts are constricted, it often leads to other components of your heating system working overtime.
#4: Water Treatment
For our friends who use boilers to heat their home, water treatment like filtration or softeners will remove harmful chemicals and minerals that can corrode pipes. Any kind of boiler gets very hot, which expedites the issues seen with impure water.
By removing contaminants from the water, you are effectively limiting any chance of issues that will lead to repairs.
#3: Ventilation
Any natural gas-powered heating unit (furnace or boiler) requires some sort of ventilation to expel harmful fumes outside your home. These flue pipes will often run out of your roof or the side of your home, and need to remain open to work properly. Ensure items like patio furniture or bushes are not blocking the way for this air to escape.
Alongside exhaust, your unit will pull combustible air from within your home to produce heat. That’s why you might have slatted doors on utility closets for furnaces, boilers, or water heaters. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have enough air to operate correctly.
Our third way is extra important, because it isn’t just hurting your unit, it can also be dangerous to the inhabitants of the home if certain criteria is not met!
#2: Smart Thermostats
Retiring an older, outdated thermostat comes with a number of perks, including the ability to monitor your system when you aren’t home using WiFi. As your thermostat is the “brains” of the operation, sending signals to multiple pieces of equipment to ensure the desired outcome, newer thermostats also provide an increase in efficiency.
When your unit is able to run more efficiently, it doesn’t have to work as hard to reach your ideal temperature. That means an extended lifespan along with utility bill savings and better comfort!
#1: Maintenance
If you’re new here, you may not have heard us talk about the importance of maintenance. If you’ve been around for a while, you have both heard us mention it and understand its importance. Imagine a regular maintenance visit for your heating system is like a car’s oil change.
Not only are we thoroughly going through the system, our professional technicians do a full check-up on your unit to find any areas of concern you may be able to tackle before it becomes a bigger issue!
It Isn’t Always Easy…
…but the best way to care for your HVAC system is over time. There are no shortcuts to avoid properly caring for your units. Care for them, and they’ll keep you comfortable for years to come.
Rostron Premium Home Services serves Monmouth County and Ocean County, New Jersey. We are ready to help our neighbors get their systems prepared for the upcoming winter season!
