The requested URL /vbb/showthread.php?275072-Package-Unit-Life-Spans was not found on this server.With the constantly rising cost of energy, we all try to save energy in any way we can. Since heating and cooling make up about 50% of our energy bills. The United States Department of Energy reports that changing your HVAC filter can improve the efficiency of your HVAC equipment by 5% to 15%. Imagine that savings in dollars: Say your average utility bills total $200 a month – that could mean a savings of $10-$30 a month and up to $360 a year! Most people will change their filters at the start of a new season, when they know the equipment is going to be working its hardest. Some people, on the other hand, change it once a month – just to be on the safe side. What are the factors that determine how often the air filter should be changed? Keeping all the above factors in mind, your filters should basically be changed when they are dirty. While this may seem like generic advice, it all depends on the living condition in your home, the type of filters used, and how often and how hard your HVAC equipment is used.

In unusually hot summers or cold winters, the filters are going to need checking more often. A good rule of thumb is check them once a month. With the many advances in technology, homeowners have a lot more choices in energy-efficient equipment and accessories. Even something as simple as air filters come in many varieties. Here are the some of the types of air filters you may be able to use for your HVAC equipment. The ComfortGuard Monitoring Service can help keep your HVAC equipment at optimal efficiency alerting you precisely when your filter needs to be replaced based on equipment performance and even reminding you what size of filter your equipment requires. Travel Rewards Credit Cards Cash Back Credit Cards 0% Balance Transfer Credit Cards Ain't it the truth that appliances have a funny way of breaking at the worst possible times? Your refrigerator stops running as soon as you fill it with a couple weeks' worth of groceries, or your central air conditioning bites the big one during a heat wave in July.

All is not always lost, however. In many cases, the appliance can be fixed. For a couple hundred bucks you might be able to squeeze a few extra years out of it. Alas, nothing lasts forever – and knowing the life expectancy of home appliances gives you an idea of when you should start saving for a replacement. Let's break down a few of the big ones. See also: How to Save Money on Appliances Any Time of the Year Your refrigerator might be the most expensive appliance in your kitchen. You can spend under $1,000 for a refrigerator on the low end, or up to several thousands of dollars if you get a fancy model with all the bells and whistles. See also: Make Your Fridge Last (Almost) Forever with These 8 Tips If you paid a pretty penny for your fridge, naturally you'll want to squeeze as much life out of this appliance as possible. Typically, refrigerators have a lifespan up to 15 years, according to Angie's List, a consumer rating service. Start looking for a replacement if your model is nearing (or already passed) the 15-year mark.

This way, you avoid the refrigerator dying unexpectedly. high wall ac unitAnd since refrigerators use a lot of energy, buying a more energy efficient model can save you money over time.fast air handling unit See also: Best 5 Refrigeratorsused central ac unit for sale To test the efficiency of your fridge, put a thermometer inside and close the door for about five minutes. If the temperature inside the fridge is higher than 45 degrees after five minutes, the fridge could be on its last leg. Don't wait until your stove burners or oven stops working to think about buying a new stove. On average, you can get between 10 and 15 years out of a range/oven. Common problems with this appliance involve igniter failure and problems with the control board or bake element.

If you have running sink water and dish soap, replacing your dishwasher might not be an urgent need. On the other hand, you probably can't imagine going a day without a dishwasher if you absolutely hate washing dishes by hand. (Like I do; totally makes me gag.) See also: Make Your Dishwasher Last (Almost) Forever With These 6 Tricks To avoid any surprises, expect to replace your dishwasher every eight to 10 years. The good news, however, is that dishwashers are relatively inexpensive. You can find models starting around $400. Start shopping around if you hear loud, banging noise coming from the dishwasher, or if the dishwasher no longer cleans your dishes despite maintenance. Don't discount, though, that you may be able to fix some issues yourself — like I did when my dishwasher wouldn't spray water — when I looked up a DIY tutorial on YouTube. Huge time and money saver. (See also: Best 5 Dishwashers) With your packed schedule, you don't have time to plan weekly visits to the laundromat.

It's time-consuming and inconvenient, and it's a good idea to replace your washer or dryer before it stops working. See also: Best 5 Washing Machines and 5 Best Dryers According to Angie's List, both appliances have an average lifespan of eight to 12 years. You can extend the life of your dryer by regularly cleaning your lint trap. Additionally, clean your washer and dryer hoses, heating element, and dryer ducts at least once a year. Properly maintaining your dryer not only extends its life, it also reduces the chance of a dryer fire. This can happen when lint accumulates on the heating element or in the ducts. You should be able to get about seven to 10 years out of a hot water heater. To get the most use, drain about a quarter of water from the tank every three months. This little trick helps remove sediment from the tank, which forms from minerals in the water. Removing sediment allows water in the tank to heat up faster, making the tank more efficient. Your air-conditioning and heating system is responsible for maintaining a comfortable temperature inside your home.