Big Mistakes You Are Probably Making With Your HVAC System

Now let us cover the big mistakes that you have been making with your HVAC systems.

At the end of this article, you will be able to know the mistakes you have been doing and how to make sure you never repeat the same mistakes again so that your HVAC system will be able to last long.

The all-time summer heat shows under the weight of the globally rising temperatures. This is something you probably think about well when they send your monthly air conditioner system bills to you. 

You are making some mistakes with your HVAC system that could be reducing its efficiency, effectiveness, and safety while raising the bills you have to pay every month. 

According to Mark Mendell, a staff scientist with the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory’s Indoor Environment Group, when you have a poorly maintained HVAC system, it can become contaminated with several microorganisms that could be harmful to human health when inhaled. 

According to Mendell, allergies and the risk of asthma are some of those possible harmful effects. 

When your HVAC system is not taken care of properly, it might become a disease giver instead of a comfort giver. 

This article will look at some mistakes that you may have been making concerning the HVAC system that you did not know about. 

These mistakes may have caused some fault inside the HVAC system or maybe doing so without noticing it yet. 

When such things go unnoticed, your HVAC system begins to perform poorly, and you later become aware that it does not give cold air or warm your house as it should be doing. Let’s take a look at these mistakes below.

Exploring the common oversights in HVAC system maintenance is crucial to understanding potential inefficiencies and ensuring the system’s longevity.

As the perennial summer heat becomes increasingly apparent, it’s essential to address mistakes that might compromise efficiency, effectiveness, and safety while elevating monthly bills.

According to Mark Mendell, a staff scientist at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory’s Indoor Environment Group, a poorly maintained HVAC system can harbor microorganisms with potential health risks when inhaled.

Allergies and an increased risk of asthma are among the adverse effects associated with such contamination.

Failure to adequately care for your HVAC system can inadvertently transform it from a source of comfort to a potential health hazard.

This article delves into the unnoticed mistakes that may have impacted your HVAC system, leading to performance issues.

Recognizing and rectifying these oversights is vital to ensuring your HVAC system operates optimally, providing the desired cooling or heating for your home.

Read on to gain insights into these common mistakes and discover how to avoid them, thereby promoting the efficiency and longevity of your HVAC system.

Not Cleaning The Air Conditioner System

Failure to clean your air conditioning system opens the door to the infiltration of harmful microorganisms into your living space.

The importance of diligently cleaning the air conditioner cannot be overstated. An unclean system can circulate these microorganisms throughout your home, leading to health issues upon inhalation.

Central to this maintenance is the regular replacement of the filter. The filter acts as a barrier, preventing dust and particles from entering the air conditioning system.

Regular filter changes are essential to prevent overloading and ensure efficient performance. Never operate your air conditioner without a filter, as doing so grants free passage to dust and microorganisms into your home.

Neglecting filter changes can result in accumulated dirt, leading to poor airflow and the freezing of evaporator coils.

This oversight not only adds to your air conditioning bills (by 5% to 15%) but also reduces the lifespan of your system.

The solution is simple: change the filter every three months. Filter replacements are cost-effective, with some available for as low as $10.

For those utilizing ductless ‘split’ air conditioning systems, these units often have removable panels that facilitate easy cleaning.

Instead of replacement, you can simply wipe the filter with a rag to maintain cleanliness. This practice not only ensures a clean system but also contributes to cost savings and prolonged system life.

Not Having The Air Conditioner System Checked Annually

While tutorial videos on platforms like YouTube can be informative for DIY maintenance, they do not substitute the need for professional annual checks on your HVAC system.

Some components of your system require expert evaluation to ensure they are functioning optimally.

Engaging professionals in an annual HVAC system inspection is the most reliable method to guarantee its overall health.

Attempting to conduct a diagnosis yourself may lead to unintended issues, potentially causing new problems for your HVAC system.

Relying on professionals for regular checkups is a prudent investment that can prevent costly repairs down the line.

The expertise of trained professionals ensures a comprehensive evaluation, identifying potential issues before they escalate.

By prioritizing these annual checkups, you not only ensure the longevity of your HVAC system but also mitigate the risk of encountering more significant and expensive problems in the future.

Not Having A Programmable Thermostat

Whether you consider yourself highly organized or rely on a thermostat to manage your HVAC system, the addition of a programmable thermostat can be beneficial, especially if you fall into the latter category.

For those who may not have the inclination or time to consistently adjust their HVAC settings, a programmable thermostat becomes a valuable asset.

It offers the convenience of automating temperature adjustments, potentially saving you significant amounts on energy bills and preventing the need for costly repairs.

Modern programmable thermostats even allow control via smartphones, enhancing user-friendliness and accessibility.

Investing in a programmable thermostat not only streamlines the regulation of your air conditioning system but also provides a proactive approach to identifying and addressing potential issues.

Consider incorporating this technology into your HVAC system to optimize its performance and contribute to cost savings.

Setting The Thermostat Too Low

Setting your thermostat too low can lead to unnecessary energy consumption and higher bills.

Research indicates that the human body can quickly adapt to varying temperatures, typically within a week or two.

Recognizing this adaptation ability allows you to optimize your air conditioner usage and reduce bills by minimizing frequent adjustments.

By setting your thermostat at a slightly higher temperature, such as in the 70s, you not only contribute to cost savings but also benefit the environment.

During the adjustment period, your body may experience some discomfort, but as it adapts, you’ll find that you can maintain a comfortable environment with a higher thermostat setting.

This mindful approach not only aligns with energy conservation principles but also reflects consideration for both financial savings and environmental impact.

Adjusting your thermostat to a more moderate setting can be a small yet impactful step towards a more sustainable and cost-effective use of your air conditioning system.

Not Taking Full Advantage Of The Fans

If you’ve neglected your ceiling fans since the installation of your HVAC system, it might be worth reconsidering.

Ceiling fans can play a significant role in cooling your home and alleviating some of the load on your HVAC system. It’s not necessary to rely solely on your air conditioner at all times.

By strategically using ceiling fans, you can create a comfortable environment without constantly running the air conditioner.

During the summer, ensure your ceiling fan rotates clockwise to promote optimal airflow. This simple adjustment facilitates a cooling effect in your home.

Incorporating ceiling fans into your cooling strategy not only adds to your comfort but also contributes to energy efficiency.

It allows you to reduce your reliance on the air conditioner, potentially leading to lower energy bills and a more sustainable use of resources.

Consider maximizing the benefits of both your ceiling fans and HVAC system for an effective and balanced approach to climate control in your home.

The thermostat And Vents are Poorly Positioned

The positioning of your thermostat is a critical factor in accurate temperature readings and efficient HVAC system operation.

If your thermostat is consistently exposed to direct sunlight or the intense heat from nearby lamps for a significant portion of the day, it may result in inaccurate readings.

This misreading can lead to your air conditioning system working harder than necessary, especially when you’re away and unable to monitor its activity.

Similarly, obstructed AC vents due to curtains or furniture can impede proper air circulation within your home.

This restriction limits the effectiveness of your HVAC system and can contribute to uneven temperatures throughout the house.

To optimize your system’s performance, ensure your thermostat is shielded from direct sunlight and heat sources.

Additionally, regularly check and clear any obstructions in front of AC vents to facilitate unobstructed airflow.

By addressing these potential issues, you can enhance the accuracy of temperature control and promote the efficient operation of your air conditioning system.

Cooling An Empty Room

Cooling empty rooms can significantly contribute to energy wastage and inflated AC bills. If the air conditioner vents are left open in unoccupied rooms, your system expends energy needlessly to cool spaces where it isn’t necessary.

A practical solution is to periodically walk through your house, closing the vents in empty rooms.

By doing so, you direct the airflow to areas where cooling is required, optimizing energy usage and promoting efficiency.

Additionally, closing closet doors prevents these spaces from absorbing cool air, ensuring that the conditioned air is directed toward the occupied areas of your home.

This mindful approach to ventilation and air distribution can lead to noticeable savings on your energy bills while also minimizing the environmental impact of excessive energy consumption.

Taking the time to manage the airflow in your home effectively is a small yet impactful step towards a more sustainable and cost-efficient use of your air conditioning system.

Not Having Blinds Or Curtains

Direct sunlight can indeed be a challenge to your air conditioning system’s efficiency. Closing blinds and curtains is a practical strategy to mitigate the impact of bright sunlight on your living space.

By doing so, you effectively block out the sun’s direct heat, preventing it from infiltrating your home.

This simple measure not only helps maintain a cooler indoor environment but also lightens the load on your air conditioner.

Shielding your space from the intense heat of the sun enhances the efficiency of your air conditioning system, leading to decreased energy consumption and lower utility bills.

Considering the impact of sunlight on your indoor temperature is a smart approach to optimizing your air conditioning system’s performance.

By managing natural light exposure, you contribute to a more comfortable and energy-efficient living environment.

Conclusion

Now that you are aware of some minor mistakes that may have inadvertently affected your air conditioner, there’s no need to worry – you are forgiven.

The key is to learn from these insights and take proactive steps to ensure these mistakes don’t repeat in the future.

Vigilance in monitoring and addressing these aspects can result in significant cost savings and extend the lifespan of your air conditioning system.

Regularly changing the filter and scheduling professional check-ups annually are crucial habits to adopt.

By staying attentive to these details, you not only optimize your air conditioner’s performance but also contribute to a more sustainable and cost-effective use of your cooling system.

Consider these measures as investments in the longevity and efficiency of your air conditioning system, providing you with continued comfort and financial savings in the long run.

Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC System