Tips to Keep an HVAC System Alive for Years

On the average, an HVAC system can last around 15 years with proper cleaning and regular maintenance. However, what does “proper cleaning and regular maintenance” entail exactly? Let these few tips guide you on maintaining your HVAC equipment to make it last up to its maximum age:

Let’s Clear the Air

A working HVAC system is at its best when it provides adequate cooling or heating to the house. However, all of that will be for naught when the occupants do not breathe as well under normal conditions. Your house must undergo air quality testing to ensure the HVAC system is in optimal condition. Here are a number of warning signs that tell you to seek help from an HVAC contractor:

Common Gas Furnace Problems

When it comes to choosing an efficient and effective way to heat your home, you can’t go wrong with a gas furnace. While one of the more common types of durable furnaces, it may still succumb to usual problems that plague other kinds of heating systems – specifically its capacity to heat up a space. When this kind of problem occurs, it’s best to call for a professional HVAC repair service – but first, try to determine the possible cause of the problem to get a better idea.

Refrigerants: A Liquid-Gas Affair

The purpose of a refrigerant is to shift between gaseous and liquid states to absorb and release heat. In its liquid state, the refrigerant can absorb heat better; when it turns to gas, the refrigerant releases the heat into the atmosphere. To better explain the cycle, here's a comparison between two known refrigerants.

The new R-410A, slated to replace the R-22 as the prime refrigerant for future air conditioning units, has a thermal conductivity of 0.054 Btu/hr.-ft. under 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Under the same conditions, the R-22, still being used by older air conditioners, has a thermal conductivity of 0.0515 Btu/hr.-ft.