Believing that you are saving money by avoiding HVAC maintenance is a misconception. In reality, every time you take a shortcut, it often leads to much higher costs later on.
You may notice that your energy bills start to rise gradually, and you are heating or cooling system might fail at the most inconvenient moments. Before you know it, you could find yourself spending thousands of dollars on repairs.
These repairs could have easily been avoided with regular and simple maintenance. Take care of your HVAC system is not just about saving money now; it’s about preventing bigger problems in the future.
Therefore, you need to take a look at some HVAC maintenance mistakes you make that might cost you a lot of money every year!
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Don’t ignore annual professional tune-ups for your HVAC units.
- Some repairs like AC cleaning are not meant for DIY; doing it can make things worse.
- Consider replacing an old system if you see a continuous breakdown.
Skipping Annual Professional Tune-Ups
Most users wait until their AC dies in July or their heater quits in January. Your HVAC system needs a professional assessment at least once a year. During a tune-up, technicians catch small defects before they become expensive disasters.
If you are in the market for reliable professionals, quality HVAC services typically involve thorough system inspections that spot issues early.
Ignoring Air Filter Changes
Your air filter should be refurbished every one to three months, depending on your home. A clogged filter may make your system work harder to push air through. That includes higher electric bills and more wear on your equipment.
Covering Vents with Furniture
You moved your ottoman over the vent to make the living room layout work. Blocking vents with furniture throws off your overall system’s balance. It makes some rooms too hot or cold, creates pressure issues, and forces your HVAC to run longer trying to reach the temperature you set.
Your system was programmed to heat and cool your whole house. Closing vents does not save energy, it just breaks up the airflow and makes everything work less efficiently.
Cranking the Thermostat to Extreme Temperatures
Setting the thermostat to 60° won’t make it cool down faster if your house is hot. Your AC cools at the exact same speed whether you set it to 68° or 60°.
Setting it low actually makes it run longer, increasing your electric bill. Instead, use a programmable thermostat and choose reasonable temperatures. Your leisure time will be the same, but your wallet will thank you.
DIY Repairs That Make Things Worse
YouTube makes everything look easy, but trying to fix electrical issues, refrigerant leaks, or mechanical problems on your own is how small problems become big ones. HVAC systems are complicated. One wrong move, and you could damage expensive parts, void your warranty, or even create safety hazards.
Neglecting the Outdoor Unit
Your outdoor unit remains outside year-round, dealing with leaves, grass clippings, dirt, and whatever else nature throws at it. Clean the area next to your unit. Keep at least two feet clear on all sides.
Hose down the fins roughly once a season to remove built-up dirt and debris. A dirty outdoor unit cannot release heat properly. That makes your AC run longer, work harder, and break down sooner.
Not Replacing an Old System
If your HVAC system is 15+ years old, you are throwing money away every month. Old systems are energy hogs as opposed to modern ones. Replacement is costly, but an old system costs you in:
- Higher monthly energy bills
- Frequent repairs
- Inconsistent comfort
- Lower home value
Modern systems eventually pay for themselves through energy savings over time. In addition, you are not gambling on whether your AC will die throughout a heat wave or your furnace will quit on the coldest night of the year.
Endnote
Every one of these mistaken assumptions seems small by itself, but add them up, and you are easily wasting $500 to $1,500 every year. By following the recommendations above, your HVAC system will run cheaply, last longer, and keep you comfortable year-round.
What is the 2-foot rule in HVAC?
It means keeping the first 2 feet (0.61 m) of ductwork from the airflow handler or plenum as straight and unobstructed as possible.
Which is the most expensive part of an HVAC system?
The compressor is the most expensive part of an HVAC system.
How often should I call for a professional tune-up?
You can call HVAC annually or biannually for efficient maintenance.
