Florida’s warm and humid weather is placing year-round stress on your HVAC system, causing it to operate overtime to cool your home. In order to prevent premature failure and expensive repairs, taking proactive steps to lengthen the life of your HVAC system is essential. Here’s how you can prevent your system from wearing out while performing at its peak level year-round.
1. Have Regular Professional Maintenance
Regular maintenance is crucial to ensuring your HVAC system is in the best shape possible. With Florida’s intense heat, your system labors heavily, and that can result in wear and tear. Having regular maintenance performed by a professional HVAC technician can allow for problems to be caught early on and prevent them from escalating into costly issues.
Maintenance Includes:
- Cleaning coils and filters
- Checking refrigerant levels
- Inspecting and lubricating moving parts
- Checking system efficiency
Periodic maintenance not only prolongs the life of your system but also ensures it functions optimally, with less energy being consumed.
2. Replace Air Filters Periodically
Dirty or plugged air filters limit airflow and make your system work harder, resulting in greater wear and tear. In Florida, where allergens and dust tend to build up, it’s particularly vital to replace your filters every 1-3 months. Clean reusable filters extensively to avoid clogging.
3. Maintain Outdoor Units Clean and Clear
The outdoor unit, or condenser, is what releases heat from within your home. If it’s dirty, filled with debris, or covered in overgrown vegetation, it can make your system overheat or run inefficiently. Clear the area around the outdoor unit and have at least 2 feet of clearance on all sides for good airflow.
4. Install a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat enables you to control the temperature of your home more effectively, keeping your HVAC system from overloading. Program it to change temperatures when you’re out or sleeping to conserve energy and alleviate the pressure on your system. Maintaining the thermostat correctly aids your HVAC system in holding an optimal temperature without extra stress.
5. Seal Leaks and Insulate Your Home
Leaky ducts and low insulation can decrease the efficiency of your HVAC system. Leaks in the air allow cool air to escape and hot air to invade, making your system work extra hard. Have your ducts sealed and check your house’s insulation, especially in the attic, to keep your home warm or cool and lower the load on your HVAC system.
6. Replace with a High-Efficiency HVAC System
Older HVACs are more likely to break down and be inefficient. If your system is older than 10 years or needs repairs too often, replace it with a newer, high-efficiency model. New units are made to use less energy, deliver better cooling, and need repair less often, stretching the overall life of your HVAC.
7. Regulate and Adjust Humidity Levels
Florida’s high humidity can strain your HVAC system, making it work harder to cool your home. Consider installing a whole-house dehumidifier or ensuring that your system’s humidity levels are properly managed. Maintaining optimal humidity levels not only enhances comfort but also helps your system operate efficiently and prevents moisture buildup, which can lead to mold growth.
In Conclusion
The Florida weather is harsh on HVAC systems, but by performing regular maintenance, paying close attention to system parts, and using wise energy-saving practices, you can lengthen the life of your HVAC unit. By doing so, you’ll not only lengthen the lifespan of your system but also maintain your home as cool and energy-efficient throughout the year.
For professional HVAC maintenance and services, Value Air and Heat is here to keep your system running at its best. Call us today to book a service!
This post was written by a professional at Value Air and Heat – JustinTime Air and Heat. Value Air and Heat – JustinTime Air and Heat has been serving St. Petersburg and the Tampa Bay area for 18 years, providing top-notch HVAC services. We specialize in both residential and commercial AC installation, repair, and maintenance, ensuring your home or business stays comfortable year-round. Our team is committed to delivering high-quality solutions at the best price guaranteed. Whether you’re in need of a new AC system or a quick repair, trust us to handle all your HVAC needs with professionalism and efficiency. Click here now to learn more!
