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When you have an HVAC system in your house, your primary concern should be towards maintaining it. The heating and the cooling system (HVAC) needs to be taken care of properly, and even a small mistake can cause grave problems in the future. The usual problems that may occur in the near future include that of blocking an air vent, blocked air filters and more. Even when you think that it can be fixed, you may not be able to do so. If you consider that you are alone in such situations, you aren’t. Every year many homeowners commit the same mistake with their HVAC system.
These problems can prove to be a big problem down the road. It may as well lead to bigger problems in the future such as more electricity bills and lessen the life duration of the HVAC system. Homeowners usually do not focus on the aspects which can help them improve energy efficiency.
All these systems, heating and cooling need sufficient maintenance for both, older and newer homes. Licensed HVAC professionals can work on a regular basis to ensure that the system functions properly. Some of the prominent mistakes that the homeowners make with the HVAC system include the following:
Six HVAC Mistakes Homeowners Make
Skipping Maintenance
When summer or winter is arriving, it is your responsibility to get the HVAC system checked. Sometimes, not checking and maintaining the system can lead to the malfunctioning of the parts. This can further increase the pressure on the HVAC system thereby decreasing the energy efficiency of the house.
You should also work towards checking the duct of the system from professionals. They may work towards finding potential problems and would ensure that they deliver warm and cool air. Often, the homeowners schedule the inspection in two to three years. Well, this may not be of enough help. Moreover, if you have a pet in your house, you should prefer conducting the duct inspection from time to time. This will help to keep the environment clean ensuring better time for your comfort.
Inefficient thermostat setting
Irregular and incorrect thermostat setting is the key to higher electricity bills. Setting them the same throughout the year can prove to be extremely dangerous. Apart from that, it can also lead to uncomfortable conditions of living in the house. Even when you work towards setting the thermostat at proper temperature, it may take a long time to adjust with the system and housing conditions accordingly.
Sometimes you may set the thermostat at a constant temperature while you are away from home. However, the problem increases when there is fluctuation in temperature, and you cannot do anything to fix it. Even if you change the setting, the thermostat will take a lot of time to adapt. This will cause the thermostat to use a lot of energy. You may not be able to reach the type of comfort you have been looking for.
Cluttered condensers
As a homeowner, it is your responsibility to clean the dirty air condensers from time to time. This will prove to be fruitful for maintaining the efficiency of the system. Moreover, the indoor air quality and cleanliness of the house system is also ensured by using the clean air filters. The dirty air filters restrict the airflow.
Moreover, the dirty condensers are a major cause for dirty coils. The formation of dirt, debris, weed or shrubbery on the coils can also be one of the major causes for hinder airflow. These can, however, lead the system to freeze up. If you have a pet, you should prefer cleaning the condenser once each month or two months is fine if you do not own a pet.
Dirty air filters
The outdoor condensers are so designed that they help in improving air quality. The air filters help in releasing the excessive heat absorbed by the refrigerant. The removal of heated air from the house is only possible if the air inflow is proper in the house. The formation of dirt and debris on the air filters can prevent airflow thereby forcing the HVAC system to work harder in improving the system. You should prefer hiring some expert professional who can help in clearing the dirty air filters. Make sure to hire a reliable professional who can help you get rid of the dirty filters once in a month.
Closing supply vents
Closing vents are known to reduce the energy bill in the house. This is one of the wrongest perceptions that people have. However contrary to that, the closed or blocked vents put excessive pressure on the ducts which can lead to the accumulation of hot and dusty air. Also, unsealed ducts can cause a lot of problems. The unbalanced HVAC system is hard to maintain. The continuous fluctuations in temperature will call for the increased electricity bill. Apart from that, it will also shorten the life of the system, which will further be a bigger problem.
The wrong furnace size
This is one of the most common mistakes made by HVAC owners. They tend to choose the wrong furnace size and their capacity. It is better to check the system properly. Often people fall under the trap of bigger and better. The oversized HVAC systems can cause trouble in your home. Even if you can afford a bigger HVAC system in your house, you should prefer choosing the system based on the size of your house.
Another grave mistake that the people usually commit is not following the proper installation procedure. Even when you feel that you can easily do the installation, it is better to call for an expert. Make sure that you check the procedure thoroughly before hiring the HVAC system professional. Certain small mistakes in the installation procedure too can prove to be a problem in the future.
Make sure that you carry the inspection regularly for your system to ensure that there are no damages. Following all the required processes can help you stay relieved the next time you receive the utility bill.