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Just keep the filters clean and keep the weeds down around the outside unit so that it has good unobstructed air flow. That will go along way towards extending the life of the system.
I’m not a huge fan of ore-paid services, but I’m also a DIY type of person. As others have said, keep the filters fresh, and rinse the fins down every year.
But, if we’re talking about a split system where the compressor is outside and the furnace is inside, which likely means the hvac A coil is inside too - MAKE SURE the install guys flush and rinse out the coolant lines that run from the A coil to the compressor. Chances are you’re R-22 coolant now (discontinued) and they’ll be installing a different type of coolant with the new system. If they don’t get the R22 flushed out of the lines, it’ll stress the compressor and likely shorten its life.
In terms of maintenace on a split system - I would definitely have the A coil properly rinsed down too every couple of years. That makes a huge improvement of airflow, reduced compressor stress, and overall general air quality. I’d have a UV light installed right above the A coil too, which will not only sanitize the air flow in the home, but prevent the mold/mildew from forming on the A coil (stinky sock syndrome). I run two Honeywell UV lights in my systems like that (I have two systems), and I will never not have UV lights in my home HVAC again. They’re a must-have component for my home.
But, if we’re talking about a split system where the compressor is outside and the furnace is inside, which likely means the hvac A coil is inside too - MAKE SURE the install guys flush and rinse out the coolant lines that run from the A coil to the compressor. Chances are you’re R-22 coolant now (discontinued) and they’ll be installing a different type of coolant with the new system. If they don’t get the R22 flushed out of the lines, it’ll stress the compressor and likely shorten its life.
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No need to "flush" R-22. Any licensed technician is required to collect refrigerant from any system being discharged, using a collection machine. It is not permitted to discharge it to the atmosphere.
I’m not a huge fan of ore-paid services, but I’m also a DIY type of person. As others have said, keep the filters fresh, and rinse the fins down every year.
But, if we’re talking about a split system where the compressor is outside and the furnace is inside, which likely means the hvac A coil is inside too - MAKE SURE the install guys flush and rinse out the coolant lines that run from the A coil to the compressor. Chances are you’re R-22 coolant now (discontinued) and they’ll be installing a different type of coolant with the new system. If they don’t get the R22 flushed out of the lines, it’ll stress the compressor and likely shorten its life.
In terms of maintenace on a split system - I would definitely have the A coil properly rinsed down too every couple of years. That makes a huge improvement of airflow, reduced compressor stress, and overall general air quality. I’d have a UV light installed right above the A coil too, which will not only sanitize the air flow in the home, but prevent the mold/mildew from forming on the A coil (stinky sock syndrome). I run two Honeywell UV lights in my systems like that (I have two systems), and I will never not have UV lights in my home HVAC again. They’re a must-have component for my home.
Some A coils are easier to access than others. Ours is in a closet unit and the A coil is between the attic and ceiling. We bought our whole system (including ductwork) a few years ago and have a service contract with the company that installed it. When I saw them accessing the A coil I was glad to not do it myself. If the company worker falls through the ceiling, the company pays to make the repairs and the hospital insurance if the worker is injured. I’m not as young as I use to be, joints snap and pop, and I have a bad shoulder from my military days. In my previous home I could easily access the condenser and A coil and I always kept them clean.
Some A coils are easier to access than others. Ours is in a closet unit and the A coil is between the attic and ceiling. We bought our whole system (including ductwork) a few years ago and have a service contract with the company that installed it. When I saw them accessing the A coil I was glad to not do it myself. If the company worker falls through the ceiling, the company pays to make the repairs and the hospital insurance if the worker is injured. I’m not as young as I use to be, joints snap and pop, and I have a bad shoulder from my military days. In my previous home I could easily access the condenser and A coil and I always kept them clean.
Yet, mine is in an attic crawlspace. It’s worth paying a professional to crawl
Up there and replace filters while they are up there. It also tends to be sweltering hot or freezing cold up there.
Yet, mine is in an attic crawlspace. It’s worth paying a professional to crawl
Up there and replace filters while they are up there. It also tends to be sweltering hot or freezing cold up there.
Former coworker was roughly the same age as myself but was an avid weight lifter. He was in great shape and felt he could do anything himself. He decided to make repairs to his roof by himself. Ended up falling offf and breaking his leg in a compound fracture (bone sticking out the skin). He wasn’t the same physically since then.
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