HVAC systems are a blessing for those who can afford them. These units can keep the house both warm and cool when the weather turns extreme. As efficient and effective as they are, HVAC systems rely on basic maintenance from the homeowners and yearly maintenance from air conditioner repair services to ensure they work smoothly. But the problem is that many factors can significantly influence their performance. We will discuss what makes an HVAC system less efficient and how you can prevent that from happening.
Dirty Air Filters
According to the majority of homeowners, the job of air filters is only limited to filtering air. It may be true to some extent, but they underestimate the importance at the same time. Believe it or not, air filters tend to be minor components compared to the rest inside the unit but can become troublesome if not attended to.
The reason is that air filters are designed to stop airborne particles. With time, dealing with air, dust, and dirt particles, the filters tend to become clogged, which could burden the functioning of the unit. If the air filters happen to be clogged, the will need to exert more force to function and cool or heat the house. This can damage your HVAC unit.
You can easily avoid this by being a bit vigilant with inspections and cleaning. If you use HVAC throughout the year, inspect and clean the air filters every two weeks or once every month. Plus, you should also schedule professional HVAC maintenance.
And if the unit happens to be old, you might want to check the filters for cracks and damages. If there are some, you should replace them and opt for the exact replacements. This is because air filters may look alike but there are many types and sizes of air filters so choosing the right one is vital.
Dirty Coils
Evaporator and condenser coils are an equally important part of the HVAC system. Their job is to allow the flow of the refrigerant inside them. As these components are located in the outdoor unit and the air handling unit, they accumulate dirt, dust, and debris. This makes their job difficult.
With time, the temperature increases, and these coils overheat, eventually becoming permanently damaged. This is why experts suggest installing the outdoor unit away from plantations. This is because dead leaves, branches, and shrubs tend to end up inside the unit during strong winds.
Furthermore, HVAC coils tend to be expensive components as well. These will last years before needing a replacement but not if they aren’t maintained.
Improper HVAC Size
Another key factor that goes unnoticed is improper size. HVAC systems are available in various sizes. There are HVAC units made for both households and commercial buildings. Modern HVAC units tend to be power efficient and utilize as minimum electricity as possible to keep the environment comfortable.
But a common mistake is that people tend to choose the wrong size. An HVAC unit smaller than the area where it is installed will work extra hard to achieve the desired temperature. This will not only stress out the unit but also raise the electricity bills.
On the other hand, a unit bigger than the area will constantly short cycle because of reaching the set temperature quickly. The frequent short cycling will also cause relatively more utilization of power.
Therefore, before you go on the hunt for a ducted or ductless air conditioner Ronkonkoma, you should measure the dimensions of the area where it will be installed. This will give you a clear idea and help narrow down the options instead of wasting your time and effort going through each one.
Ignored Ductwork
Households that have HVAC systems installed are mostly centrally air-conditioned. This means the air is circulated in the entire house through the duct network. Even though the duct network is made of material that lasts years to come, but during the cold weather seasons, animals might take accommodation inside.
Birds, rats, and other reptiles make space for their offspring and can chew away all the material. As a result, the air will escape before it even reaches your house. This also results in the HVAC unit working harder than usual to achieve the temperature.
Therefore, if you observe that your HVAC unit is not as efficient as it was before, you should inspect the ductwork. While minor holes or damages can be fixed, major ones will require an expert’s attention.
Lack Of Maintenance
HVAC units like other household electronic appliances require maintenance. This maintenance is performed by an expert who goes deep inside the unit and inspects and thoroughly cleans the components. For some people, professional maintenance might just be an expense.
But the fact of the matter is that units maintained professionally tend to last longer than the ones without, according to several studies. This is due to the fact that a professional is able to detect and fix HVAC issues before they affect the unit. In simple words, you are paying to keep future problems at bay.
That said, you should think of professional maintenance as an investment. Plus, you should always opt for someone who is licensed and approved by the state to carry out maintenance. Do not be tempted to opt for someone who offers cheap quotes.
Handing over such tasks to an amateur will only make things worse. They can end up damaging a component that could be costly to fix.
How To Find The Right HVAC Expert?
When it comes to finding the right expert, you will need to put in a bit of research and effort. There may be a lot of options around you but not every option is going to be suitable. The best way to find an expert is by asking around your friends and family members for referrals.
Plus, you can also personally visit the experts and ask them to share their portfolios. Companies that provide or employ experts will be more than happy to share their skills and working techniques. However, such companies can be slightly on the expensive side.
But you should not hesitate to put up with the price as it will simply be an investment.
Can I Maintain the HVAC Unit Myself?
Yes, you should perform weekly inspections and clean the filters and other components to ensure the unit functions smoothly. But make sure you do not touch or access areas that could be sensitive or cause injuries. Always be on the lookout for unusual signs & symptoms and attend to them immediately.
Such minor factors go a long way in terms of ensuring things do not go south just when you need the HVAC system the most. And, make sure to follow the user manual as well. It will guide you on how to remove and reinstall the components the right way.
Conclusion
Taking care of your HVAC unit can improve its performance and efficiency. Part of the responsibility lies with you to keep the unit running properly by performing weekly inspections and maintenance like cleaning the filters. This doesn’t take long. Moreover, you should not ignore professional maintenance provided by HVAC repair services Stony Brook so that a team of experts can inspect all the components of the HVAC unit and fix problems that are affecting its efficiency.
