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With the average U.S. temperature on the rise, having a fully operational HVAC system is becoming more and more important. If your HVAC isn’t this way, you’ll have less protection against the coming hot temperatures.
Luckily, there are many ways that you can maintain your HVAC system. Cleaning it regularly is one example.
However, this process isn’t as easy as you may think. There are many HVAC cleaning mistakes you can run into. Read on to learn about 7 of these and how to avoid them.
1. Not Replacing Your Air Filters
Each residential HVAC system uses an air filter. To the observer, this HVAC part looks like a fabric panel in a frame. Its purpose is to keep air debris like pollen, dust, mold, and more from getting into your home.
However, all those materials don’t just disappear. They will keep building up. Eventually, this will make it more difficult for your HVAC to push air out of its vents.
The system will then have to work harder. This will lead to a rise in its energy consumption and the price of your energy bill.
Additionally, a system that works too hard is in danger of overheating. This can lead to it needing a costly repair.
Therefore, regularly replacing your air filter is necessary to avoid this. Experts recommend changing it every 1-2 months. How long you should wait depends on your specific home situation.
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2. Not Replacing Your Air Filters Properly
Even if you are replacing your air filters, you may not be doing so correctly. For example, you can replace your filters too frequently. As a result, you could waste a lot of money.
There is a lot of information available online about air filter change. Look this up to learn when your specific HVAC system needs a filter change.
Another method is to check your filters monthly. Then, you can only replace them when they look too dirty.
In addition, make sure that you’re using the correct air filters for your residential HVAC system. Don’t use a filter type that’s too small or made of an ineffective material. This can cause your system’s efficiency to drop.
Less compatible filters may be cheaper. However, they’re not worth the repair and energy costs that will accrue.
3. Cleaning HVAC Systems Improperly
Wiping down the supply and return vents is another good HVAC cleaning practice. However, choosing your HVAC cleaning tools wisely is important.
These vents are very delicate and require a softer clean. Therefore, using harsh tools like steel wool or sponges to clean them is a bad idea. Choose a cloth instead.
Also, don’t use regular window or counter home cleaners. A mixture of dish soap and water is the best. Make sure to rinse off and dry the vents before reattaching them.
4. Not Cleaning Your Outdoor HVAC Unit
Many homeowners make the mistake of ignoring the outdoor portion of their HVAC. However, like the indoor HVAC unit, it also needs regular cleaning.
You might even find that your outdoor unit is dirtier than your indoor one. There is a lot more debris outside that can build up on top of or around it. Such items include leaves, dirt, dust, trash, and more.
If you let this pile get out of control, it can affect how efficiently your HVAC system functions. In the worst-case scenario, it can cause your unit to break down.
Therefore, inspecting the outdoor unit every month at a minimum is a good idea. When it seems too dirty, you can remove debris with gloved hands and/or dish soap and water.
5. Ignoring Certain HVAC Issues
You cannot fix certain issues with your HVAC by merely cleaning. In case you experience these scenarios, contact a professional HVAC service. DUCTZ of Rockingham County is a good example of this.
Listen carefully to your HVAC system. If it’s making a chugging or stuttering sound, something is likely broken.
Also, be on the alert for certain smells. A burning smell can indicate overheating or a fire. The smell of rotten eggs can mean that natural gas is leaking from your unit.
In addition, inspect your unit often for signs of mold. Professionals will do the best job of cleaning this dangerous material.
Be sure that you alert professionals as soon as possible. Delaying service can cause issues to worsen. This can lead to higher repair costs.
6. Fixing HVAC Issues Yourself
You may think that you can fix certain HVAC issues on your own. However, by attempting these repair projects alone, you’re taking significant risks.
The ability to maintain HVAC units properly requires years of training and passing certifications. With none of this knowledge, you can easily damage your system further.
This can lead to the necessity of more repairs. That may mean you’ll have to pay more money.
Therefore, letting professionals repair your HVAC is the safest move.
7. Not Scheduling Regular HVAC Maintenance
Waiting until your HVAC system has a noticeable problem isn’t a good idea. Once you notice it, it may have already caused a lot of damage to your system. These damages can cause your HVAC unit to have a shorter lifespan.
Luckily, there’s a way that you can prevent problems from causing this much damage. This is scheduling regular HVAC unit checkups with professionals. If you do, they can diagnose and repair issues before they become too severe.
Schedule these at least once a year at a minimum. However, also consider having one appointment in the fall and one in the spring. Doing so will help your unit get prepared for the harsher temperatures of winter and summer.
Learn More Than Just Avoiding HVAC Cleaning Mistakes With Our Articles
Be sure to review this list frequently. This is the best way to memorize these HVAC cleaning mistakes and continue avoiding them. By doing so, your HVAC unit will live longer.
Also, if you like keeping your home well-maintained, read our other articles. We post advice on gardening, home improvement, and much more daily.
