Common HVAC Mistakes Homeowners Aren’t Aware They’re Making
There’s never been a better time for homeowners to pay better attention to their HVAC systems. The extra time spent at home in 2020 has put a higher workload on heaters and air conditioners across the country, and maintaining excellent indoor air quality is more important than ever. General upkeep will help the system continue to run smoothly, but many homeowners don’t realize that what they’re doing (or not doing) makes matters worse. Here are a few of the most common HVAC pitfalls homeowners should avoid at all costs.
Not Using the Right Air Filter
Shopping for an HVAC air filter can be a little overwhelming. With the wide range of types, materials, and MERV ratings to choose from, it’s no wonder so many homeowners wind up with the wrong filter. The filter’s size must be exact to ensure there are no gaps or crumpled edges, otherwise it could clog. Once that’s handled, it’s time to look at ratings and density.
A filter’s MERV rating signifies its ability to capture particles of different sizes. In essence, the higher the filter’s rating, the fewer particles will be able to get through. A basic fiberglass filter with a low rating will help stop larger debris like hair and dirt from damaging the unit but will do very little for indoor air quality and will need to be replaced very frequently.
Some homeowners go for the opposite end of the spectrum and buy a high-MERV pleated fabric filter or HEPA filter. These capture 99.7% of contaminants, including pollen, bacteria, and even smoke, but some HVAC units are simply not powerful enough to draw sufficient airflow through them. When selecting a filter, it’s always best to get a professional recommendation for the optimal balance of unit efficiency and air quality.
Neglecting To Schedule Routine Maintenance & Inspections
Insufficient maintenance is the reason for the vast majority of HVAC problems and breakdowns. And yet, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that routine maintenance can wait until next year. Considering the summer heat and year-round humidity of Florida, however, one intense season is enough to wear out fan bearings, overload circuitry, or burn out a compressor.
Seasonal inspections and maintenance in the spring and autumn will help catch latent issues before they worsen and prevent new problems from developing. Routine upkeep is a worthwhile investment, considering the potential cost of repairs and replacement parts. Most HVAC companies offer recurring maintenance plans so that homeowners don’t need to worry about scheduling.
Not Calling a Professional To Perform Repairs
Many homeowners are hesitant to involve a professional for maintenance or even when there’s a problem with the unit. After all, there’s no shortage of online articles and videos out there claiming to have the answers. But there are also plenty of horror stories about amateur repair attempts gone wrong, many of which end with a destroyed unit or a severely injured homeowner. The risks of electrocution, fire, and natural gas exposure are too high.
In some regions, strict safety codes dictate that only licensed technicians are legally allowed to perform service on certain electric and gas-powered furnaces. HVAC systems are sophisticated machines - one loose wire, incorrect part, or imprecise calibration can spell disaster. Homeowners trying to save a buck may end up losing ten - it’s always best to leave the repairs to the pros.
About Boutwell’s Air Masters
Boutwell’s Air Masters have been providing expert HVAC services to Pensacola, Florida since 1973. Their honesty, communication, personal attention, and superior workmanship have made them trusted leaders in their field. They provide transparent up-front pricing, financing, and a money-saving membership program. Call now for HVAC services!
