One of the most important responsibilities for any homeowner is the care of their household’s internal operating systems. A home’s HVAC system, composed of both the air conditioner and heating unit, directly affects a family’s comfort and health. With that in mind, there are numerous misconceptions regarding the proper care of a home’s HVAC unit, as well as its most important functions. In the long run, both your home’s energy efficiency and monthly energy bills can improve with your own knowledge of the system’s recommended care. Here, we will look at just four of the most common misconceptions surrounding your home’s HVAC system, as well as the best way to keep your unit running smoothly for years to come.
1. HVAC Systems’ Annual Inspections
While there are many misconceptions surrounding the functioning of HVAC systems, a common one is that your unit doesn’t require a full inspection by a professional technician. On the contrary, an annual inspection can protect your family from dangerous hazards. Aside from the necessary checkups, a technician can conduct, such as ductwork cleaning and air filter changing, a full inspection ensures overall household safety. A proper inspection targets any breakages or potential gas leaks that your air system could have, which is one of the most important aspects of HVAC system ownership. For peak performance and safety, be sure to seek professional help for your unit’s safety inspection at least once a year.
2. Homeowner Maintenance Tasks
There are many maintenance responsibilities that a homeowner can perform on their own. As mentioned above, your unit’s air filters are a key component of helping your HVAC system function smoothly. Keep in mind that both the air conditioning and heating systems share the same ventilation and air filters. Those filters are responsible for intercepting debris and allergens from the outside air within their mesh, purifying your home’s incoming indoor air quality. In addition, smooth airflow puts less strain on the unit, lowering your chances of needed repairs and raising your overall energy efficiency. Professional technicians recommend that you swap out your air filters once every few months.
3. A Thermostat’s Importance
Whenever a homeowner senses a problem with their home’s temperature settings, it’s a common misconception that the HVAC system must be the cause. However, your home’s thermostat can be equally important. If you’ve been noticing cold spots throughout the living space or are having trouble adjusting your home’s settings, inspect your thermostat before you pay for any other expensive repairs. Common issues could be a simple changing of the thermostat’s batteries or a connectivity problem between the smaller unit and the larger HVAC system. The best way to determine if connectivity is the issue is by asking a qualified HVAC service technician for recommendations on thermostat models that may be a better fit. If your thermostat is the true cause of your household’s temperature issues, the unit’s replacement can be significantly lower than replacing your HVAC.
4. HVAC Units and Regular Maintenance
As mentioned above, regular maintenance of your HVAC system is a surefire way to ensure the unit’s longevity. In addition to an annual inspection, routine maintenance calls with a trusted HVAC service technician during the year can greatly reduce the chances of expensive problems. Routine HVAC service can also guarantee that your system’s parts are fully operational, as well as fully equipped with needed materials. For example, if you own a traditional furnace, your technician can replace the unit’s fuel prior to the cold winter months. Likewise, having your air conditioner maintained before and after the summer can keep your family cool. It can also ensure that the machine will be ready to provide comfort the following year.