If you live in South Carolina, be sure to take care of your home’s HVAC system. Although most units are rated to last for around 12 to 15 years, a lack of maintenance can cause premature failure. Here’s how to extend the life of your heated and cooling system.
Regularly Replace the Air Filter
Make it a point to replace your unit’s air filter at the recommended time. While basic fiberglass filters typically need to be replaced every 30 days, upgraded pleated filters can last for three months. When the filter becomes dirty, your unit is forced to work much harder than it should. Over time, this ultimately leads to accelerated wear and tear. It’s only a matter of time before your HVAC system begins to experience performance issues. 
Schedule HVAC System Tune-Ups
If you want your HVAC system to withstand the test of time, be sure to get regular tune-ups. This is a critical aspect of routine maintenance. Most experts recommend getting one tune-up during the spring and another during the fall. When performing a tune-up, technicians carefully inspect the unit for potential problems. By catching issues early, you’ll be less likely to encounter trouble in the long run. Expect the technicians also to clean the system and adequately lubricate all the moving parts.
Upgrade Your Insulation
To lessen the load placed upon the HVAC system, consider upgrading your home’s insulation. This is a quick and easy way to extend the life of your unit. You may need to add more insulation into wall cavities, which helps prevent heat loss during the winter. Also, make sure there’s sufficient insulation in your attic. The HVAC system won’t need to expend as much energy to heat and cool your home.
Turn On Your Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans don’t just enhance your home’s interior decor. They can also be used to improve comfort. When the ceiling fans are on, your HVAC system doesn’t need to run constantly. During the summer, switch your ceiling fans to rotate counterclockwise. This creates a downdraft, which makes you feel cooler. As winter approaches, allow the ceiling fans to spin in the opposite direction. Warm air trapped near the ceiling is then circulated throughout your home.
Have Your Ducts Cleaned
It’s a good idea to have your air ducts cleaned every other year. Over time, a surprising amount of dust and debris can collect inside the ducts. Heavy accumulation can make it more difficult for air to pass through. More strain will be placed upon your heated and cooling system.
Install a Smart Thermostat
Continuously running your unit on full blast is destined to shorten its lifespan. A smart thermostat will prove to be an excellent investment. It can seamlessly adjust your home’s temperature for different times of the day. When no one is home, the smart thermostat can automatically reduce your system’s workload.