5 Common Mistakes Homeowners Make With Their HVAC System
When living in Southern California, the HVAC system is one of the most important features of the home. It keeps the people and pets more comfortable during the extreme summer months as well as the chilly desert winters. While HVAC systems aren’t the most complex, they rely on multiple pieces working together at the same time. It’s important to understand the different components of an HVAC system, and how they can easily be misused or improperly installed. With this article, the pro’s at Grizzly HERS Testing will highlight some of the more common HVAC mistakes homeowners make.
- Failing To Clean or Replace The Filters
- Installing The Wrong Equipment
- Improper Maintenance
- Not Repairing Duct Leaks
- D.I.Y. Repairs and Maintenance
Failing To Clean or Replace The Filters
When living in California it is pretty much impossible to avoid dust and dirt. It is literally everywhere! The HVAC’s air filter is what keeps all this debris from reaching the internal components of the system. Failing to regularly clean or replace the filter can not only lead to an increased load on the HVAC system, but it can also allow those harmful dust and dirt particles to circulate through the home. It is always best to follow the manufacturer’s recommended filter replacement schedule.
Installing The Wrong Equipment
Having an HVAC unit that is too small or large for the home can lead to wasted energy, increased monthly bills, and an inefficient system. If the unit is too small for the home it will work overtime to heat or cool the area and lead to equipment failure. On the other hand, a system that is too large for the living space will waste energy. This is because the air in the home does not cool faster with a larger unit.
Improper Maintenance
Neglecting the routine maintenance of your HVAC system can lead to expensive repairs down the road. Similarly, DIY maintenance can as well. To ensure the system is being properly maintained it is almost always best to hire a trusted contractor for maintenance. Another benefit of having a trained professional to perform maintenance is the identification of early issues. This can help to avoid costly repairs or replacement.
Failing To Repair Duct Leaks
Waiting too long to repair a duct leak in your HVAC system can lead to higher energy bills, unnecessary wear and tear, and uncomfortable or uneven temperatures in the home. While it is unlikely for a duct leak to damage the home’s structure, it can create negative pressure and allow dirty and allergens to flow through the living spaces. The only way to know for certain if a system has a duct leak is with a Duct Leakage Test.
DIY Maintenance and Repair
While always tempting to save a few bucks on home repairs, the HVAC system is one place to never cut corners. Technology and training in the fields related to home energy efficiency have come leaps and bounds in the past 20 years. HERS Raters, Energy Consultants, and HVAC Contractors of today have all the tools, experience, and training to ensure your system is operating exactly the way it was designed to.
