Residential HVAC Maintenance is absolutely vital for your home. Without it, your heating and air conditioning systems will break down. This can be disruptive, and expensive, and will even cause your home to fall out of the warranty period.
There are many errors that people make when performing their HVAC maintenance. If you want to keep your house in tip-top shape, avoiding them is important.
So what are they? Here are the top seven errors in residential HVAC maintenance that people make, along with how to avoid them.
Not Scheduling Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance helps keep the system running smoothly and can help prevent major issues in the future. Skipping the HVAC maintenance routine can create a plethora of problems. There will be decreased energy efficiency, shortened system lifespan, and the need for increased repairs.
Regular HVAC inspections should include checking and cleaning the filters, fans, coils, and condensers, checking the compressor and blower motor, and making any necessary repairs. Committing to regular maintenance checks can extend the life of your HVAC system and can save you money in the long run.
To avoid this common error, we suggest scheduling regular maintenance checks according to the manufacturer’s recommendations or at least once a year. This will help ensure the system is running in peak condition and maximize energy efficiency.
Neglecting Air Filters (Residential HVAC Maintenance)
While air filters may seem minor, they can have a major impact on the performance of your heating and cooling system. Air filters help to remove dust and debris from the air, improving indoor air quality. Not replacing the filter often enough can cause dust to build up in the system, restrict airflow, and reduce system efficiency.
To avoid this issue, ensure the filter is replaced at least every three months. Check more often if you have pets or allergies. Additionally, be sure to select the appropriate filter size, as a filter that is too large or too small can reduce airflow and also cause problems.
Letting Mold Build Up
Letting mold build-up can lead to serious health consequences if not addressed and avoided. Mold not only adversely affects air quality, but can damage the HVAC system itself.
The best way to avoid and prevent mold build-up is to perform regular maintenance checks on the HVAC system. This includes checking for signs of mold around, checking air filters, ensuring proper circulation, and repairing condensation sensors. All of these components work together to keep mold away.
In addition, ensure that there is proper ventilation and eliminate any excess moisture and humidity in the home. If there are areas where mold is likely to build, specifically inspect those areas and ensure that moisture is minimized and mold is eradicated as soon as possible. Lastly, use an antimicrobial spray and dehumidifier to help control and prevent mold growth.
Ignoring Strange Noises
Unusual sounds coming from your HVAC system can be a sign of an underlying problem in need of attention. If you hear any odd clicking, humming, buzzing, or rattling sounds coming from your unit, it’s best to call a professional for a tune-up as soon as possible. The noise could be a sign of a defective motor, a clogged condensate drain line, or a motor that needs lubrication.
Failing to contact a professional soon enough can cause further damage and even disrupt the functionality of your system. To prevent any further issues, it’s crucial to have regular maintenance checks to make sure there are no strange noises and that everything is running properly. Doing so will save you time, money, and the potential risk of being without an HVAC system.
Not Cleaning the Air Vents (Residential HVAC Maintenance)
The air vents are an important part of an HVAC system that is often overlooked when it comes to maintenance. Not cleaning the air vents should be avoided at all costs.
When left uncleaned, the vents can become clogged with dust, dirt, and other particles. This can reduce the efficiency of the system, cause it to run more than necessary, and increase energy bills.
To avoid this costly mistake, vents need to be regularly inspected and cleaned properly. Proper sealing and insulation of the vents should also be done to ensure performance, energy efficiency, and most importantly, safety.
Not Replacing the Air Filter
The failure to replace air filters regularly can be costly and even lead to equipment failure. To avoid this oversight, it is recommended to replace the air filter at least once every three months.
It is important to note the type of filter you are using and understand its longevity. Some applications may require more frequent filter replacements, such as if you keep a pet in the home.
Regular inspection and replacement of the air filter will keep your HVAC system efficient and reduce the chances of component failure due to clogging. Additionally, regularly replacing the air filter will help improve the air quality in your home by helping to capture airborne particles, dust, and other airborne contaminants.
Not Hiring Professionals When Needed
Homeowners can often try to save money by attempting to repair or maintain their heating and cooling systems on their own. This often leads to even more expensive repairs, or even more expensive equipment replacement in the long run.
It is best to know when to call in a professional. Even if the issue can be solved without a professional involved, seeking a technician’s advice is still recommended. A technician can help find other potential problems and make sure the system is working properly.
Professionals can help in properly diagnosing and repairing HVAC damage that homeowners are not equipped to tackle. They can also help in cleaning HVAC units and other preventative maintenance to keep your HVAC system running at peak efficiency.
The benefits of professional HVAC service include saving time and HVAC maintenance costs. They will also keep your HVAC system running at its best.
Start Avoiding These Errors in Residential HVAC Maintenance Today
HVAC maintenance is an essential part of homeowner upkeep. By avoiding these common errors in residential HVAC Maintenance and following proper protocols, you can rest assured that your system is working efficiently and safely.
Make sure to contact a local, trusted HVAC professional for help if you have any uncertainty about the maintenance process. You don’t want to risk the health and safety of your family!
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