Your home's HVAC system plays a huge role when it comes to keeping you comfortable. This is why you need to ensure that you do everything you can to maintain it. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a properly maintained HVAC system can last years, up to 15 years specifically, depending on the manufacturer. Apart from working with an air conditioning service regularly, here's how you can maintain your HVAC system to increase its lifespan.

Change Your Filters

It's very important to replace the filters in your HVAC system from time to time. These filters keep your system clean, and they take out large particles from your indoor air. It's recommended to change your filters every three months. If you're in an area that has lots of dust and pollen, you may want to change them monthly. You should also increase the frequency if you have pets in your home and when it's allergy season. When replacing your filters, try to go for the ones rated MERV 7-11. Anything more than that will reduce airflow, and that can put a lot of strain on your system.

Clean the Condensing Unit

The majority of HVAC systems come with a condensing unit. This usually sits outside and has a fan on top, which helps to disperse heat in the summer. The condensing unit's metal fins will frequently get clogged up with pollen, dirt, and grime. Once every season, you should take time to spray your outdoor condensing unit with some water. When you do this, you must avoid using pressurized water at all costs. This can damage the unit permanently. You can also ask an air conditioning service to do it for you during regular maintenance.

Visually Inspect Your Outdoor Unit

You also want to ensure that there's nothing too close to your outdoor unit. This is why you need to take time to remove overgrown vegetation so it doesn't interfere with your outdoor unit's airflow. You should also consider trimming bushes close by so the unit can have enough clearance. At least two feet on all sides should be alright. You should also keep an eye on trees and bushes that give off too much pollen. This includes any cottonwood trees, which are notorious for clogging condensing units.

These are some simple HVAC maintenance tasks that you can do to ensure your system runs at peak performance. Are you looking for an air conditioning service to help with your HVAC maintenance tasks? Get in touch with us at PIPCO Air Conditioning and Heating Company, Inc. today. We would love to hear from you.