The global market for HVAC systems is worth $240.8 billion each year, and this figure is rising. As the world’s weather gets more extreme and utility prices rise, we are spending more to stay comfortable in our homes. But do you know how important good repairs are to the efficiency of your system?
The right maintenance can lower energy costs and the frequency of repairs. Read on as we give the most common HVAC repair mistakes for you to avoid.
1. Buying Wrong Size Filters
One of the easiest regular HVAC maintenance jobs you can do yourself is to replace the air filters. This prevents dirt and dust from making their way into your HVAC unit. If you don’t replace them, less air gets through and the air that does can be dirty and contaminated.
Getting the wrong sized air filter can let too much or too little air through. This may mean these contaminants get in too easily, or not enough air will get inside at all. When you have extra contaminants, they can pool inside your unit and ducts, requiring cleaning.
The tricky part is that air filters can fit, but still not be the correct size. Your HVAC system will work overtime to compensate, increasing your energy costs and resulting in more replacement parts. A trained engineer will be able to advise you on the exact size filters you need.
2. Forgetting to Clean the Coils
The coils are one of the most vital parts of any residential HVAC system. Each unit has two of these, one being the condenser and one being the evaporator. They are responsible for taking the moisture and heat from your home and releasing them via your outdoor HVAC unit.
When the condenser gets coated in dirt, it gets harder for it to remove heat. This means your system works overtime to keep your house cool. The result is less energy efficiency and parts wearing down quicker.
Cleaning them is a delicate process. Don’t just hose them down, as you could damage the part. They need to be carefully disassembled and cleaned using specific chemicals that an HVAC technician will have.
3. Repairing With Duct Tape
Duct tape can be a great solution for many things, but not fixing your HVAC system. It is not designed for the fluctuating temperatures that HVAC systems operate with. This means the adhesive can harden and then weaken quickly.
Ideally, you want to use a specific HVAC sealant or caulk. Caulks also come in numerous different types, so you want a silicon-based one for HVAC repairs. Never try to fix any refrigerant leaks with duct tape, as it is a dangerous chemical that requires a longer-term solution.
4. Adding Refrigerant
Refrigerant is the fluid that transfers heat to the outside of the home. Without it, you won’t find your AC cooling. However, it is not a chemical that gets used during the process, so if it runs low, it can only be because of two problems.
The first is that it never had enough inside in the first place. The second is that you have a leak somewhere, reducing your levels. Different systems have different refrigerant needs, so you should never try to do this yourself.
Common signs of a lack of refrigerant are an inability to cool the area properly. The system may temporarily overheat, firing in short bursts. Finally, you may see deposits of ice on the inside or outside of the system.
5. Ignoring the Thermostat
The thermostat should be the first place to check when you have heating and cooling problems. As it is in charge of your HVAC functions, problems can mean it sends the wrong signals to the system.
A poor thermostat installation can also go unnoticed and can result in many different issues. Poorly installed electrical supplies can blow your circuit breaker. This can damage your thermostat and HVAC system.
Choosing the right thermostat can also save you a lot of money. There are digital and mechanical options to consider. Digitial ones may need the batteries replacing if you find they don’t respond how you wish.
The best option is the smart thermostat. You can set this from your mobile device, regulating the temperature of your home wherever you are. This is great for turning the system on and off when you are not home, reducing energy usage.
6. Ignoring Strange Noises
One of the most common HVAC issues is strange noises coming from the system. However, many people choose to ignore these. This is not a good idea, as they are usually a warning something is about to break down.
The scraping sound indicates that the bearing has issues. As the metal rubs on metal, the motor is likely to break down. Simply lubricating or replacing the bearings can resolve the situation.
Pops and clicks can also show you have a problem with the motor. These should only happen for the first few seconds when it turns on. After this, you could need a replacement.
7. Choosing a Repair Expert Based on Price
Like most services, price does not always equate to quality. Cheaper parts and replacement may mean repairs need doing quicker. Low-cost labor may result in inexperienced engineers who take more time and make mistakes.
One way to keep costs down is to schedule regular maintenance by the best company you can find. This will mean parts last longer, so you won’t need bigger last-minute repair jobs.
Avoiding HVAC Repair Mistakes
Part of avoiding HVAC repair mistakes is to know which you can do yourself and which need a specialist. Once you know the size, filters can be easily replaced on your own. However, other repairs need experience and special tools.
Williams Service should be your first stop for residential HVAC. We can help with everything from fitting to maintenance. Contact us here to discuss your next service.