Common HVAC Mistakes Homeowners Should Stop Making
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, also known as HVAC, is a life saver for most of us. It keeps us comfortable during the most uncomfortable seasons of the year. And just like any part of the house, HVAC needs some proper care too, however, it is often taken for granted by most of us. We forget that when we do not exercise proper care and maintenance, it could lead to more serious damage and bigger costs. We listed below some of the most common mistakes that homeowners make, and let’s see if we are part of this guilty crowd.
MISTAKE #1: NOT CLEANING OR CHANGING THE AIR FILTERS
As homeowners, we also have to do our fair share of simple cleaning of our HVAC system. The most basic of which are the air filters. These get dirty frequently and easily because they capture dust, dirt, pollen, and other particles in the air so that the HVAC system will emit a fresher air for you and your family to breathe. Most of the time, we think that the HVAC system has not been working well, but actually, it’s just the air filter that needs some cleaning or a quick change to put it back in great working condition. You may do this on your own, and there is no need to call a professional to do it.
MISTAKE #2: NOT CLOSING DOORS/WINDOWS WHILE A/C IS RUNNING
Well, it is common sense that we should close the doors or windows once we turn on our A/C, however, there may be times that these matters are overlooked. When doors and windows aren’t closed, the A/C will keep working to achieve the right temperature and recon the air, so your compressor works doubly hard, and your electricity bill shoots up too.
MISTAKE #3: FORGETTING ROUTINE TUNE-UPS
Since your HVAC system is the busiest in the house, it needs to be thoroughly cleaned and checked from time to time. Normally, professionals would suggest a routine check every 3-6 months to maintain the health and condition of your unit. Some people think that this is too extra, but when your system is properly maintained, it lasts a long time and saves you a lot of money in the process.
MISTAKE #5: IGNORING LEAKS AND CHANGES IN COMFORT
Oh yes, HVAC may have leaks too. And once you notice this, don’t ignore it. Call for a professional to address this problem so it won’t lead to more breakage. Also, a lot of us may be guilty of ignoring the changes in comfort that our HVAC gives. Our A/C might not be too cold anymore, or the heater not too hot despite thermostat adjustments, even after changing or cleaning the filters. This is a sign that your HVAC system needs to be checked for underlying problems.
MISTAKE #6: TRYING TO FIX THE PROBLEM BY YOURSELF
Unless you do this for a living, it is best to just call a local plumbing and heating company for help. Sometimes we feel that YouTube can help us do the job but remember, you don’t have the right tools, skills and proper knowledge to really get it done. If you start dissecting and conducting heater repair nashville tn on your own you may risk forfeiting your warranty, or worse, destroy or break more parts and create bigger problems. Instead of trying to save some money, you’ll end up spending more.
These are just some of the most common mistakes that we as homeowners must avoid. We must always remember that our comfort rests on our HVAC system, and we don’t want to short-change on that.