Heating and air conditioning units make us feel nice and comfy. No matter what the temperature is outside, whether it’s too hot or too cold, HVAC units help us relax inside our homes. So, as owners of HVAC systems, we want to keep our heating and air conditioning units in good working condition. To do that correctly typically involves regular maintenance and occasional repairs. There are times when we make mistakes, though, some of those being very common.
Making mistakes with the maintenance of HVAC systems will typically reduce those systems’ performance and efficiency. We all make mistakes, but how we handle them is crucial. You first need to know what is going wrong to correct these mistakes. To help you out, here are the common HVAC mistakes owners make. After learning about these, you should know what to avoid while effectively dealing with your HVAC units.
Old HVAC Units
Like all other mechanical systems, the performance of HVAC units reduces with time. But if you maintain your HVAC system properly, it does tend to work well longer. People often ignore this fact. Moreover, older HVAC systems are not equipped with modern technology. Their construction and optimal efficiency become obsolete over time. Because of this, some homeowners trade an older system for a newer one rather than dumping good money into costly repairs and system upgrades. Also, you should know that HVAC installation mistakes can cost you dearly.
Playing With The HVAC Settings
Many people constantly change the settings of their HVAC systems. They fiddle with the controls and settings of their HVAC systems, day in and day out. But they don’t realize that this can harm their units’ overall performance and efficiency. You should set your HVAC systems to a particular setting that will work for all temperatures.
The settings should remain stable. This way, the HVAC unit will adapt to your comfort level. You can also adopt other measures to control the temperature of your home. For instance, in winter, you can add another layer of clothing or use a blanket to keep yourself warm instead of changing the settings of your heating unit. This is one of the common mistakes HVAC owners make.
Continuously Running Your HVAC Systems
Some people continuously run their HVAC units. Some homeowners leave their air conditioning and heating units on when they go out so that they can find their homes at the preferred temperature when they return home. When it is very hot or cold, this approach to maintaining a constant, comfortable temperature may take a toll on your HVAC system.
It also uses a lot more energy, resulting in substantial electricity bills. Instead of this approach, you might find a tolerable temperature and maintain that until you return home. Or you can opt for a programmable HVAC system with time-specific temperature control options. Such units allow you to pre-program the settings and govern how your unit operates when you are not at home so that you can feel comfortable without constantly running your HVAC unit when you arrive home. This is one of the common mistakes many owners make.
If you are looking for 24 emergency HVAC services, look nowhere than dbrothers.com.
Choosing The Wrong Temperature For The Time Of Year
Keeping only one particular setting of your HVAC system throughout the year is also not good. Seasonal high temperatures or low temperatures can put excessive stress on the system. Keeping your home around 72 degrees Fahrenheit may be desirable, but it may not be ideal year-round from the point of view of maintaining your HVAC system.
Suppose you are unsure of the temperature that is safest to maintain for your particular system at various times of the year. In that case, you should ask the company or technician maintaining your system for that advice. This is one of the common mistakes the owners make.
Forgetting The V In HVAC
Yes, many people forget about the crucial V in HVAC. The V stands for ventilation. People often overlook the IAQ (Indoor Air Quality) of their homes. Kitchens and bathrooms are the most common places in a house that may be poorly ventilated. Depending on your region’s climate, your house may suffer from high humidity and ventilation issues.
Such homes require mechanical systems to deal with excess humidity. Excess humidity can cause your system to work much harder than is ideal for its expected operational life. And improper ventilation, even without extra moisture in the air, can seriously affect the system’s performance. Ensure that your units incorporate adequate ventilation with the three essential pressures– positive, negative, and balanced pressure.
All These Systems Are Not Created Equal
Every house has a different structure and architecture. Modern homes tend to be much larger than ones from the past. The systems have also changed. But it would help if you never assumed that the HVAC system in your home is the exact match to your home size and other unique factors. You may want to speak with a professional if you never find a comfortable balance between the indoor temperature and the electric bill. Make sure that your unit or units are appropriately sized. And don’t skimp on costs at this point. Going with the best service and sales outlet in your area is wise.
Bottom Line
Owning a home can be daunting when you really start to recognize all the details involved in maintaining it. But even when you don’t know much about the house or its systems, you can permanently save yourself future problems by having a trusted professional to advise and do the actual work needed to maintain things around the house.
For the HVAC, there is no substitute for a great company or individual contractor with a good reputation in your area. Ask your friends or family if you aren’t sure which company to choose.
