At least 91 percent of American households have HVAC systems. The need to save on energy costs makes many homeowners install HVAC units.
Lack of regular HVAC maintenance decline's the system's performance. The unit's lifespan will also shorten.
Repairing your residential HVAC system will boost your home's energy efficiency. Your indoor air quality will also improve, preventing possible health issues.
Repairing HVAC units requires knowing what not to do. Here are common HVAC repair mistakes and how to avoid them.
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1. Doing Repairs on Your Own
Repairing HVAC systems is not as simple as it sounds. Lack of the necessary skills and expertise can expose you to safety risks like electrocution.
Repairing your indoor or outdoor HVAC unit on your own will waste your time. You are also likely to make mistakes, causing more damage to your system.
Hiring a professional HVAC contractor like Dallas Air Conditioner Repair is the only way to avoid the mistake. Go for an expert, especially when your HVAC unit can't function.
Take time to conduct proper homework first. Get recommendations about several HVAC contractors in your area before settling on one.
The contractor's online reviews will also enlighten you about their services. Avoid HVAC repair companies with a trend of negative reviews from past customers.
The HVAC contractor you hire should be experienced, like those at Area Sheet Metal Heating and Cooling, for example. Check the number of years the contractor has been in the HVAC repair and maintenance business.
2. Overlooking Your HVAC's Repair
Any HVAC system developing problems will have some warning signs. Ignoring the signs will result in a faster deterioration of the system.
Overlooking the signs will also force you to incur more repair costs later. Avoid the mistake by first understanding common glaring signs of a damaged HVAC system.
The first sign of a damaged HVAC unit is strange sounds. A damaged HVAC motor or fan produces whirring sounds.
The other common sign to pay attention to is the system not turning on. Failure of your HVAC to turn on is a sign of an AC line clogged. Clogged AC lines also cause;
- Spikes in indoor humidity levels
- Musty/moldy odors
- Flooding around the outdoor condenser unit
- Overflowing drip pans
Such signs will also make your home more uncomfortable. Contact a professional HVAC contractor after noticing any of the discussed signs.
3. Choosing Wrong-Sized Air Filters
Air filters are crucial for the smooth performance of HVAC systems. Unfortunately, wrong-sized air filters cause dust, debris, and dirt to block the motors and fans. As a result, the system's ability to eliminate such contaminants from your indoor place declines.
Building up of dust and dirt on the HVAC also damages other system's internal components. Today, there are many air filters on the market.
You need to do thorough research to find the right-sized air filters for your system. You can also consult an HVAC contractor to help you find the right air filters.
The size of your HVAC system will also determine the size of air filters you choose. Check your HVAC manual to know the right size of its air filters.
Different air filters also have sizes displayed on their surfaces. So, confirm before choosing one for your air conditioning system.
4. Not Checking Thermostats
HVAC thermostats control indoor air temperatures. So, a damaged thermostat will cause energy inefficiency in your home. As a result, you will have to dig deeper into your pockets to cater to high monthly utility bills.
Several things will help you know that your AC thermostat has a problem. First, check if the thermostat screen is blank or not. A blank screen is a sign that your thermostat lacks enough power.
A damaged thermostat also causes spikes in room temperatures. Check the thermostat when repairing your HVAC system.
Improper thermostat installation will damage the circuit breaker. Damaged circuit breakers cause electrocution and other safety risks. So, hire a professional HVAC contractor to avoid such hazards.
5. Not Turning Off Your HVAC
Failing to turn off your HVAC during repair poses several risks. For one, you can easily suffer electric shocks, sustaining serious injuries.
Excessive damage will also happen to other internal components of your system. As a result, you'll have to spend more cash on a new HVAC system.
Check out if your HVAC unit is running before starting any repair work. Then, disconnect the system from any power supply.
Turning off your HVAC system will also make your repair work more efficient and convenient.
6. Not Cleaning Ducts and Coils
HVAC ducts and coils accumulate dust, dirt, dander, and other contaminants. So, cleaning them shouldn't be an option when repairing your HVAC system.
Cleaning your HVAC ducts and evaporator coils has several advantages. For one, you will enjoy a safe indoor environment.
Your HVAC system will also perform much better. There'll also be better temperature regulation and prevention of moisture buildup in your home.
DIY HVAC duct and coil cleaning is also not the best idea. An HVAC repair contractor has the necessary tools to perform the task. Additionally, a repair expert will do the work faster and more accurately.
7. Not Replacing Old Air Filters
Replacing your HVAC system's air filters during repair has several benefits. First, you will get rid of all the accumulated dirt, dust, dander, and debris.
You will also avoid possible health concerns. For example, allergies and breathing complications.
Clogged air filters make air conditioners overwork to improve indoor air quality. As a result, more energy gets consumed, spiking utility bills.
Replacing your system's air filters will boost your system's operation/functioning. Changing an HVAC system's air filters also requires expertise.
Hiring an expert is necessary to save time and money. A professional HVAC repair expert will also install new air filters accurately.
Avoid Common HVAC Repair Mistakes
DIY HVAC repair is complex, time-consuming, and dangerous. Hiring an expert is the best way to avoid all common HVAC repair mistakes.
Choose an experienced, reputable, insured, and affordable HVAC repair contractor.
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