Extend the Life of Your HVAC System in the Northwest
An HVAC system is one of the most significant investments you will make in your Pacific Northwest home, so it makes sense to make it last as long as possible.
The good news is that extending the life of your HVAC system is easy with a little proactive care. You can undertake some HVAC maintenance on your own, leaving the more complicated steps for a certified technician.
Carrier Northwest can connect you with trusted HVAC professionals in your area through our online directory of local Carrier dealers in Oregon, Washington, and Montana. Carrier dealers are equipped to handle everything from routine maintenance to complex repairs, ensuring your system works reliably for years.
Click our link to select a Carrier dealer through our Carrier Northwest directory. By combining professional expertise and preventative maintenance, you can safeguard your investment in heating and cooling your home.
Regular HVAC Maintenance
Maintenance is the most crucial step you can take for your HVAC system. Think of it like a regular oil change for your car. A professional tune-up, ideally in the spring for your cooling system and the fall for your heating system, enables a technician to identify minor issues before they become major, costly problems.
During a tune-up, a certified technician will perform a comprehensive check of your system, which includes:
- Inspecting and cleaning coils for optimal heat transfer
- Checking refrigerant levels and electrical connections
- Lubricating moving parts to reduce wear and tear
- Inspecting the heat exchanger for cracks, which is a critical safety check
These routine checks ensure your system runs at peak efficiency, preventing unnecessary stress on components and significantly extending its lifespan.
Change Your Air Filter
Filter replacement is a simple yet crucial task that every homeowner can do. A dirty air filter is the primary cause of HVAC system inefficiency and failure. A filter clogged with dirt and debris forces your system to work harder to pull in air, which can strain the motor and other components.
How often you change your filter depends on whether you own pets or have allergies and how often you dust and clean your home. Follow your manufacturer’s recommendations on how frequently you should replace the air filter. High-efficiency filters may last six months to a year before needing replacement, while filters with lower efficiency should be swapped out more frequently.
Check your air filter every month to ensure it is clean and capable of keeping your HVAC unit and indoor air clean.
Let Your HVAC Unit Breathe
Your outdoor condenser unit works best when it has good airflow. Over time, leaves, grass clippings, weeds, and other debris can accumulate around the unit, restricting air circulation. Poor airflow forces your system to work harder to dissipate heat, reducing efficiency and increasing wear.
Make it a habit to regularly clear away any vegetation or clutter within at least two feet of your outdoor unit. Gently rinse the unit with a garden hose to remove dirt and debris from the condenser coils. Always turn the power off before rinsing.
Optimize Your Thermostat Settings
Avoid drastic temperature changes when you set your thermostat. Choosing a high temperature when heating or a very low temperature when cooling stresses your HVAC system, forcing it to work longer to achieve the thermostat setting, increasing wear and lessening its lifespan. Change settings gradually.
Dialing it back when you are out of the house or sleeping can help save energy and unit wear. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) says you can save up to 10 percent annually on heating and cooling by turning your thermostat back by 7° to 10° Fahrenheit for eight hours a day.
Consider installing a programmable or smart thermostat. These devices allow you to set a schedule that automatically adjusts temperatures when you are away or asleep, ensuring your system works smarter, not harder.
A Carrier dealer can install a programmable or smart thermostat to help maintain temperatures more consistently and provide better humidity control. This will improve your overall comfort while extending the life of your system.
Pay Attention to Your HVAC System
Your HVAC system often gives you clues when something is wrong. Here are a few red flags:
- Unusual noises like grinding, rattling, or hissing
- Musty odors or the smell of burning plastic or wires
- Turning on and off frequently
- Not heating or cooling as it used to
Addressing these issues promptly can prevent them from causing a major breakdown.
Know When to Upgrade
No matter how well you maintain your system, all HVAC units have a finite lifespan, typically 15-20 years.
As your system ages, its efficiency declines. You can expect more frequent repairs and lackluster performance. Eventually, the cost of keeping an old system running outweighs the investment in a new, high-efficiency unit.
When that time comes, a new Carrier unit will be more reliable and efficient than your aging system. It will also offer advanced features, providing you with superior comfort and long-term savings.
Find a Local Carrier Dealer Today!
At Carrier Northwest, we make it easy to find a licensed and certified Carrier dealer in Montana, Oregon, and Washington. Our directory connects you with expert technicians who can set up a preventative maintenance plan to keep your system in top shape and help extend its lifespan. Find a Dealer today!