The Most Prevalent HVAC Mistakes Homeowners Make 

Many homeowners treat their HVAC system as one of their most valuable investments. Unfortunately, they also inadvertently shorten the lifespan of their system by making these HVAC mistakes. 

Just as your air conditioning unit requires comprehensive AC maintenance, your HVAC also needs some TLC to run at peak efficiency and last for a long time. When not looked after accordingly, you are likely to experience costly problems down the road.

Below are some of the most prevalent HVAC mistakes you should avoid at all cost:

1. Not cleaning or changing the filter often enough

Changing the AC filter on a routine basis is something many homeowners often overlook. Depending on the filter you have, you can either change or clean it every month. If changing your filter is something you frequently forget, it would be a good idea to set a recurring reminder in your phone’s calendar.

Ensuring the filter stays clean is also crucial if you want to extend the life expectancy of your HVAC unit. Since the filter keeps the evaporator coil clean, it can also help ensure your unit runs as smoothly and efficiently as possible. When you have a dirty HVAC system, the unit will have to work harder so the air can circulate properly.

2. Not putting the thermostat in the correct location

With so many different types of thermostats to choose from nowadays, many homeowners make the mistake of replacing theirs without consulting a seasoned technician. Most of them assume that the most convenient spot is the best spot. If anything, several factors need to be considered when choosing the best place for the thermostat.

Ideally, the thermostat should be placed in a central area and on the interior wall. It should also be unobstructed by furniture or doors and should not be in the path or an air vent. Understandably, there are other considerations to keep in mind. This highlights the importance of investing in the help of professionals.

3. Leaving the doors and windows open while the air conditioner is running

One of the quickest ways to lose cool air-conditioned air is to open the doors or windows and allow the air to go out. While not opening the doors or windows while the AC is running seems like common sense, surprisingly, many people are guilty of doing the exact opposite. Each time you open the windows and doors, you will lose money because your HVAC system will need to recondition the air and will have to consume more energy.

4. Skipping the annual HVAC system maintenance

One common misconception many homeowners have about their HVAC system is that investing in routine maintenance is nothing but a waste of money. This is not true.

On the contrary, if you want your HVAC system to last for a long time and work as efficiently as possible, routine maintenance should be a priority.

Apart from prolonging the life of your HVAC unit, routine maintenance can also help ensure any minor issues are addressed before they become costly problems. Regular maintenance (at least every few months) can also help ensure your energy usage is significantly reduced and the lifespan of the parts is maximized.

5. Closing supply vents

Another common misconception people have is that the energy bill in the house can be reduced if they close the supply vents. Unfortunately, there is no truth to this. On the contrary, blocked or closed vents can put excess pressure on the ducts. This leads to the accumulation of dusty and hot air. 

In addition, unsealed ducts can also lead to other problems. Also, it is important to remember that an unbalanced HVAC system can be hard to maintain. Continued fluctuations in temperature can also result in increased electricity bills. It can also shorten the lifespan of the HVAC system. 

6. Installing an HVAC system that is too big or too small.

Without the help of a professional, it can be easy to purchase an HVAC system that’s either too small or too big. This is where the help of an expert can come in handy. The HVAC system’s correct size is typically based on your home’s square footage.

If you install a unit that’s too small, the unit can work too hard to cool or heat the house and can result in the system constantly running, increasing your energy bill in the process. If the HVAC system is too big, it can use more energy than necessary, and you can end up wasting more money throughout the year.

Final Thoughts on Avoiding HVAC Mistakes

If you want to keep your HVAC system working in peak shape and save money in the long run, you need to avoid the above-mentioned mistakes. If you don’t, you might end up needing to cool a room without AC because of a broken HVAC system!

Also, don’t hesitate to invest in the help of an HVAC professional when needed so any possible issues can be addressed early before they become too costly to fix.

About the Author

Sara Olsen is the Content Marketing Manager of Emergency Air, Arizona’s premier HVAC repair and service company with NATE-certified technicians and the best HVAC service in the quickest time. When not writing articles, she makes the most of her time with her family and gives back to the community.