Most Homeowners Don’t Know They’re Making These Common HVAC Mistakes
The new year is a time for people to turn over a new leaf, make changes, resolve to break bad habits and build better ones. Likewise, the new year is a good time to review home maintenance practices, to recognize areas for improvement, and to set smart goals for better energy efficiency and appliance performance. One specific area to focus on should be the home’s HVAC system.
Many homeowners don’t even realize they’re making some common HVAC maintenance mistakes. But after recognizing those mistakes, especially the ones outlined here, they can resolve to better care for their heating and air system.
Using the Wrong Air Filter
The air filter in an HVAC system is usually rectangular, with a cardboard frame. The filter is typically made of spun fiberglass or pleated paper. Air filters are designed to trap and retain pollutants, dirt, dust, and other debris, but will clog up they aren't replaced often.
Bad habit: Using the wrong air filter will force the air handler to work much harder to distribute air throughout the home. An overworked furnace is more likely to break down frequently. A dirty, clogged air filter also taxes the system. Both a clogged filter and the wrong type of filter can lead to poor indoor air quality, aggravating allergies, asthma, and other illnesses.
Good habit: This new year, resolve to use the correct air filter. Check the manual that came with the furnace to be certain. Look for a high-quality air filter with a high MERV number (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value). Filters with higher MERV ratings filter out more pollutants and often last longer. Set a goal to change the filter as often as recommended on the label.
Don’t Forget Maintenance
Routine maintenance is important for an HVAC appliance to last long and perform at maximum efficiency. When regularly maintained, residential furnaces can last up to 20 years or more.
Bad habit: Disregarding routine maintenance, thinking the furnace and air conditioner are fine. This is a mistake because the HVAC system will not perform well if parts are not lubricated, not properly aligned, clogged with dirt and debris, or broken. In the long run, ignoring maintenance will cost more money through repairs and replacement.
Good habit: Create a resolution to schedule routine HVAC maintenance at the start of each season. In the spring, get a tune-up for the air conditioner, including having the condenser coils cleaned and the refrigerant topped off. This will guarantee refreshing, cool air all summer long. In the late summer or early fall, hire a professional to tune up the furnace.
Regular HVAC maintenance will lower utility bills and catch any minor problems before they become major breakdowns.
Always Trust a Pro With Repairs
There are a lot of helpful tutorials on the internet these days to help homeowners with everyday repairs. But when it comes to HVAC repairs and maintenance, sometimes it’s best to leave it to the professionals. HVAC technicians attend training classes and complete rigorous apprenticeships to become certified.
Bad habit: Attempting to DIY HVAC maintenance and repairs. There are many factors in a residential HVAC system that homeowners may not be familiar with. In attempting to maintain or repair their furnace or air conditioner themselves, homeowners may encounter a dangerous substance or situation (such as refrigerant or leaking carbon monoxide). Or they may inadvertently break the appliance in a way that is expensive to repair.
Good habit: It’s okay to search online for answers to HVAC problems, but when it comes to opening up the appliance, moving or replacing parts, and cleaning it, it’s best to call in a professional. The fee for a visit from a certified HVAC technician could be minimal compared to the cost of repairing or replacing the unit after a botched DIY.
Trust Chris Wilson Plumbing & Heating Repairs Inc
For help with keeping New Year’s HVAC resolutions, trust Chris Wilson Plumbing & Heating Repairs Inc. In business since 1999, their technicians are highly trained and experienced with a range of AC services, including HVAC maintenance in Monterey, CA. Contact them for HVAC service today!
