5 Common HVAC Maintenance Mistakes to Avoid for Homeowners
Air conditioners are under attack! Roughly 75% of American homes have air conditioners in them. Yet some air conditioners break down after a few years of use.
One reason is HVAC maintenance mistakes. Many people think they are maintaining their units well, only for the units to break down. Before you start fixing your unit, you should understand what common mistakes are.
What are the most common problems with HVAC units? What do unusual odors or sounds mean? When should you call HVAC companies for help?
Answer these questions and you can keep your HVAC unit running for years to come. Here are five common mistakes you can start avoiding today.
1. Not Making a Regular HVAC Maintenance Schedule
A residential HVAC system requires constant vigilance. You should call an HVAC company and ask an employee to inspect your unit twice a year. At least one appointment should occur before the summer so you can fix problems before your HVAC unit undergoes a lot of stress.
You should also take note of when you replace your air filter and other parts. After a year, you should swap these parts out so you avoid damaging your unit.
2. Leaving a Clogged Air Filter in Place
Your air filter purifies the air that runs through your HVAC unit. The filter can catch dirt, hair, mold, and other debris, improving the quality of your air.
Your filter can get clogged within a few months. If you notice pollen or hair floating in the air, you should go and check your filter. If it is clogged, replace it with a new one from the same company.
3. Letting Mold Grow
Mold can grow in any environment that is dark and humid. Many HVAC units have parts that are both.
Even if the rest of your home is dry and clean, mold can grow inside your vents. If you notice strange HVAC smells, you should check your unit for signs of mold. Call a mold remediation company so you can remove the spores and prevent them from spreading throughout your house.
4. Ignoring Strange Sounds
It is okay if your unit produces a soft humming sound. But banging, groaning, and other loud sounds are never okay. You should immediately turn off your unit and call professionals for support.
5. Cluttering Your Outdoor HVAC Unit
The space around your outdoor unit should be clear so air can circulate through it. Dirt, leaves, and debris can get sucked into your unit and damage it. You should walk around your outdoor unit and clean the area every month or so, and you should remove any debris like sticks right away.
You can clean an outdoor HVAC unit by following a few steps. You should open the unit and vacuum the condenser coils and blades. If you notice any dirt or grime on them, you can use a wet rag to scrub them.
Avoiding HVAC Maintenance Mistakes
HVAC maintenance mistakes are a big deal. You must commit to fixing your unit, but you should order an inspection every six months or so. You should swap out air filters on a regular basis.
Foul odors mean that mold is growing in your unit while loud sounds can mean parts are broken. You should always call an HVAC company to get help with smells and noises. You should clean your exterior unit at least once a month.
Turn to professionals in your neighborhood. J & M Smith Heating & Air serves the Joplin area. Contact us today.
