HVAC Mistakes Homeowners Make That End Up Costing a Fortune

Contributed post.

The thing with your HVAC is, it'll work until it doesn't. Then by the time you realise something is wrong, it'll have deteriorated so far that it cannot handle simple heating or cooling tasks, it's eating your energy, ramping up the cost, and you're not getting the same output as you once were.

But getting your HVAC checked, serviced, or repaired isn't cheap. Costs can run into the thousands for this, and this is why many put off having repairs. But on the coldest night of the year, or the hottest day of summer, when life gets unbearable, you'll be grateful your HVAC is in full working order.

This article is going to run through the most common mistakes homeowners make regarding their HVAC systems that end up being really expensive.

Skipping the Annual Tune Up

A really common assumption here is that your HVAC is in good condition if it's still working. Incorrect. The logic that something doesn't need attention because it's working is wrong, and an annual maintenance visit gives an engineer the chance to catch small issues before they turn into more expensive problems down the line.

Think dirty coils, worn belts, and refrigerant that's slightly low. None urgent, but if not checked and left to deteriorate further, they'll stack up in the systems, impact other functioning aspects, and contribute to failure at the worst possible moment. Because that is always when things from working to failure: when you need them the most.

Also, you might find you need annual servicing to keep your warranty valid. Most manufacturers have this as a stipulation, and if you need to claim on it and you've neglected this, your warranty will be void.

Running The System with a Clogged Filter

This is such a simple oversight, it's almost embarrassing. You need to be changing your filters on a regular basis. One of the leading causes for your HVAC to fail is due to filters being clogged, as it makes the system work harder than it needs to. The harder it works, the more strain it's under, the earlier it's likely to fail or succumb to other damage as it overcompensates.

The general guidance is to change your filters every one to three months; however, if you have pets living near a dusty road, for example, you might need to change them more frequently than the manufacturer's recommendations.

Ignoring Unusual Sounds or Smells

It can be so tempting to ignore that change in how your system sounds when in use. That little extra rattle or banging as things start up, or the new high-pitched whining sound emanating from the system. Can't be that bad, right?

Wrong. Any new noises mean something is wrong internally, and it might be that the part has failed or is becoming damaged, and soon this will cause more damage.

The same goes for any new smells. A burning smell, especially, is a cause for concern, and you need to get that checked. Sure, when the heat first kicks in when you turn the heating on in fall, a small amount of dust burning is normal, but if that smell lingers or it's in conjunction with new noises, it is worth getting the entire system checked to identify what is wrong. For example, if it turns out you have a cracked heat exchange, this can allow carbon monoxide into your home, and this is deadly.

Choosing The Cheapest Repair

Cheap isn't always best, nor is it the most expensive the right choice; however, you do need to find some common middle ground when you choose your engineers. You want to gain a few quotes so you can look for commonalities within pricing and services. If someone is undercutting competitors, there could be a good, and often not a genuine, reason for this.

It might mean they're not using the right parts, they might not be fully qualified for the work they are carrying out, or are cutting corners and charging you for work they never carried out.

It's really important to vet the company you choose to carry out any HVAC services on your system. Look for a price point that falls inside the average quotes you get, not the top or lower end of the scale, and always read reviews and ask for insurance and certification documents. Legitimate companies won't be shy in showing you they're the right company for the job.

Blocking Vents

Again, something that is completely common in many homes. Blocking vents doesn't stop the air from coming through the vents. Far from it. It simply stops it from escaping that particular vent. And if it can't leave via this route, it will need to find somewhere else to go.

Closed vents create pressure imbalances. These imbalances cause the system to work harder over time and result in damaged ductwork and, in some cases, cause damage to internal parts of the system too, depending on the severity of the issue or the duration the vent has been blocked for. If you want more control over how and where your HVAC controls each part of the house, you need an upgrade, not to block off vents.

Setting The Thermostat and Leaving It

Setting your thermostats to one temperature and leaving it there all day, regardless of whether anyone is home or not, is a sure-fire way to run up unnecessary bills and also increase strain on the system as it's working constantly for no reason.

Smart thermostats have been around for a while now, and there's no reason not to invest in one.

Smart thermostats learn your schedule, adjust automatically, and give you remote control from your phone. Not only can you see a measurable drop in your energy bills, but you can also lower the risk of damage to your HVAC system and keep it in a better condition for longer.

There are numerous mistakes you can make as a homeowner in relation to your HVAC, but the small signs of neglect, no matter how insignificant they seem, can accumulate until one day your HVAC fails and lands you with an eye-wateringly large bill.