HVAC units have, over time, become a vital household installation. The global demand for residential heating, ventilation, and cooling systems is poised to surpass 151 million by 2024. The increasing demand for these units is primarily tied to their benefits of regulating indoor temperatures and air quality and improving comfort in homes. However, HVAC units are costly, and you should be wary of some mistakes to avoid before splurging on these units. Below are common HVAC installation and repair mistakes to avoid.
HVAC Installation Mistakes to Avoid
The success and failure of HVAC units primarily start from AC installation. Good installation by an expert can guarantee optimal HVAC functioning. Below are HVAC installation mistakes to avoid:
1. Not hiring an experienced HVAC installer
Most homeowners overlook the importance of hiring professional AC installation experts for their system installation. Hiring cheap installers with unverified work experience often leads to shoddy installation jobs that are full of errors. A thorough background check, reviews, and testimonials can help you find qualified HVAC unit installers within your area.
2. Choosing the wrong HVAC unit size
HVAC size selection is where most homeowners also fail miserably. Unknown to most people, you can’t shop for HVAC units randomly. You should consider the room size and find an HVAC unit that works perfectly for the space. Making a wrong size selection affects HVAC performance.
Choosing a small HVAC unit for a big room strains the unit. This increases energy consumption, causes frequent breakdowns, and wear and tear. On the other hand, installing a big HVAC unit in a small room leads to temperature inequalities. You should take note of your home’s measurements and room dimensions before buying an HVAC unit.
3. Incorrect thermostat placement
Thermostats are among the new technologies that have modernized HVAC unit functionalities and improved indoor comfort. Unfortunately, most homeowners and installation experts can miss its benefits by placing it in the wrong spot. Most HVAC professionals ignore the importance of finding a good location, not knowing it affects HVAC system efficiency.
Ideally, you should install the thermostat in an easy-to-reach and convenient location. This could be a high-traffic area on interior walls where you can easily check room temperatures and adjust. On the other hand, you shouldn’t position your thermostat close to the TV or lamp, as these devices give off heat, which can affect thermostat readings.
4. Designing a flawed air distribution scheme
Mistakes in air distribution design directly affect your HVAC’s effectiveness and functionality. You should pay close attention to your units’ duct design. As the unit struggles to maintain indoor temperatures, air ducts distribute hot or cold air throughout various rooms.
Your air ducts shouldn’t have leaks to ensure efficient HVAC functioning. The ductwork should also be compatible with the HVAC unit. Similarly, choose HVAC components, such as diffusers and sealings, carefully. You should consult HVAC professionals for guidance.
5. Not leaving enough breathing room for your outdoor unit
Most homeowners like installing outdoor units behind foliage or vegetation. While it is good to hide them, restricting the space around these units can affect their functionality. For starters, leaves and branches can get trapped in the unit if you position them closer to vegetation. While external units are unsightly, you should leave enough space around them. Exhaust vents should also be in an open space for unobstructed airflow.
6. Choosing a cheap HVAC unit
While you should choose an HVAC unit depending on your budget, installing a cheap HVAC unit isn’t a good idea. You should identify HVAC-related expenses and budget for the costs accordingly to avoid future regrets.
Going for cheap HVAC units is undoubtedly tempting, especially if you have a restricted budget. However, cheap units can’t guarantee efficiency. In most cases, cheap units compromise on temperature control and air quality. They also have poor-quality components, which tend to break down quickly.
HVAC Repair Mistakes to Avoid
Even with constant maintenance, HVAC units can break down for various reasons. Homeowners also knowingly or unknowingly commit various HVAC repair mistakes. Common mistakes include:
1) Attempting DIY HVAC repair
Like installation, you shouldn’t attempt DIY HVAC repair. HVAC units are complicated and should be handled by professionals with the necessary training and experience. Even if it has a minor problem, attempting to repair the unit often worsens the issue. While you can complete simple maintenance tasks like cleaning coils and changing air filters, repair tasks should be left to professionals.
2) Ignoring HVAC noises
You should schedule a professional inspection if you can hear strange noises from your HVAC unit. HVAC noises could be a sign of a simple or complex problem that requires deeper servicing. Humming, squealing, grinding, and rattling of your HVAC unit shouldn’t be ignored, as it can lead to serious damage and higher repair costs.
3) Not scheduling regular maintenance
HVAC units should be maintained regularly for optimal functioning. Unfortunately, most homeowners ignore or overlook the importance of scheduling professional maintenance. HVAC professionals thoroughly inspect the unit and make repairs during scheduled maintenance. They also clean interior components and perform preventive maintenance tasks.
4) Running the unit continuously
Most homeowners think they should leave their HVAC units running continuously to maintain indoor temperatures. However, HVAC units need downtime or rest periods. Running your unit continuously increases your energy bills and wears it down. Fortunately, you don’t need to keep the unit running to maintain temperatures. Besides, you can install a programmable thermostat and set specific times to run the device.
5) Ignoring thermostat malfunction
Thermostats act as the control center for HVAC units. Modern thermostats are programmable and allow homeowners to set specific times to turn the device on and off. A failing thermostat can cause several problems, including uneven indoor temperatures, poor air quality, and increased heating and cooling costs. Your thermostat should be serviced regularly by experts. It should also be positioned in an ideal spot, which is away from heat-generating appliances, windows, and doors.
Endnote
The proper functioning of HVAC units requires proper installation, regular maintenance, and prompt repairs. Mistakes during installation or repair affect its operations. HVAC mistakes affect both the unit and indoor comfort. You should consult HVAC professionals to avoid these mistakes.
