HVAC systems are very complicated, which is why you should always turn to a professional if you need Heating and AC repair. However, there are a lot of issues that far exceed simple heating and AC repair that can make matters worse. A lot of people attempt to do simple fixes on their own, which has the potential to work, but also the potential to go wrong and leave you needing emergency repairs. Some things you may be doing wrong right now without even knowing about it.
That is why it is always wise to call your local heating and AC shop for a seasonal HVAC tune-up. They can take a good close look and see if you are guilty of any of the common mistakes. Past that, learning about the most common bad HVAC habits can help you make sure you aren’t guilty of any of them. Some of these mistakes are not large, but over time the extra wear they cause to your HVAC system can ruin its lifespan. If you want to keep your heating and AC repair bills low, make sure you aren’t guilty of these bad HVAC habits.
Buying and Installing the Wrong Air Filters
Changing your own air filters can seem like a simple enough task, and for many people it is. However, there are dozens of different HVAC air filters available on the market and these types all come in different sizes. To make sure you get the right air filter, you need to know the MERV rating and size specifications exactly. Believe it or not, in many cases, the wrong filter will still fit into your HVAC system in many cases.
However, just because it fits doesn’t mean that it is doing its job correctly. If it is not properly filtering air and dust out of your home then you may find your allergies are more severe than usual. In addition, the dust and grime that the air filter is not catching can build up inside your HVAC system lowering its overall efficiency. Thus, you may end up paying more in heating bills or possibly need heating and AC repair sooner just because you bought the wrong air filter. Talk to your HVAC installer or check the product manual if you have it to make sure you buy the exact air filter for your unit.
Skipping Routine Heating and AC Repair Inspections
People get busy and often forget to schedule their professional tune-ups and inspections, but this is one thing you don’t want to skip. Regular heating and air repair inspection is the best way to troubleshoot a small problem before it becomes a huge issue. During this visit, a Minneapolis, MN HVAC specialist will check the system thoroughly and perform any minor repairs they see. If a mechanism is getting worn, they will replace it before it breaks which can save you a lot of money down the road. Plus, it prevents a future heating or cooling emergency, since you have time to wait for the piece to come in if it needs to be ordered.
The HVAC specialist that is out at your home for the heating and AC repair will also take a look at the Freon in the AC system. If the system is low on Freon it is important to top off the refrigerant so that you don’t burn anything out. Plus, this could reduce the effectiveness of the system. Freon is strictly regulated so you need a repair expert to take care of this for you. Most HVAC systems should be tuned-up every season, but at the very least you should be scheduling an inspection yearly.
Failing to Replace the Filter
Even worse than using the wrong filter is choosing to ignore the filter altogether. Some people don’t realize that the filter needs to be changed in their heating and AC system, others simply don’t know how often to change the filter without advice from a heating and AC repair expert.
Your HVAC system air filter is responsible for trapping pollen, bacteria, viruses, and dust so that they don’t continue to circulate through the air in your house. As you might imagine, if your system is running all day these pollutants will quickly build up and eventually clog the filter. The result is an air filter that is not doing its job.
Most heating and AC repair experts recommend that you replace your filter at least once every three months, but if you live in an area with a lot of dust or you know that your home accumulates a lot of pollutants you might consider changing your filter every 30 days. Those with allergies often find they fare better if they change the filter every month.
When in Doubt Ask a Professional
The largest mistake you can make is not consulting a heating and AC repair expert when you have a feeling that something is wrong with your HVAC system. A lot of people have suspicions that something is wrong before their system fails, but they are either too busy or don’t want to spend the money to have a professional take a look. Being proactive about the health of your HVAC system will always pay off, and regular repair inspections can save you a lot of frustration over time.
If you are worried about noise, your air filter change, or anything else give Blue Ox Heating & Air in Minneapolis, MN a call. Our staff is highly trained and ready to troubleshoot any issue you have with your HVAC system. We can offer you advice and solutions so that you never have to worry about being left in the cold (or heat). Save your system from unnecessary strain by calling us for an HVAC inspection today.
