The 3 Most Common HVAC Maintenance Mistakes

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Modern residential HVAC systems are quite complex, but it is usually the smaller and simpler maintenance tasks which are done wrong or not often enough. At the same time, the common HVAC maintenance mistakes can come at a very high cost. You may end up paying a much higher energy bill even though your home is not warmer in the winter or cooler in the summer. Furthermore, the air inside your house may get filled with more allergens. To avoid these and other problems, learn what people are doing incorrectly and how to do things properly.

Cleaning Registers Only from the Outside

It pays off to shut the registers and to vacuum them along with the floors in your house every week. However, these HVAC system components need more thorough cleaning on a regular basis. Every couple of months you should dismantle them and clean them with a soft damp cloth on both sides. If you notice any mold, this is a sign that the air ducts may be contaminated. If the inspection confirms this, air duct cleaning will be required in order to solve the problem. The source of the mold must be eliminated straight away.

Infrequent Air Filter Replacement

Most households use disposable filters so there is no need for regular cleaning. However, these filters have to be replaced eventually. If you let them work for longer, then they will not trap enough particles and the air ducts will get contaminated. The frequency of replacement will depend on the type, make and efficiency rating of the air filter. Always follow the recommendations of the manufacturer. Usually, it is sufficient to change air filters every three months. However, if you are using a more basic fiberglass filter or have family members / residents suffering from allergies in your household, you may have to do this more often.

Using a Pressure Washer for Condenser Unit Cleaning

The outdoor HVAC unit has a wall of thin coil fins. While the pressure washer will work excellently to remove any dirt stuck between them, it can also bend them. With bent coils, the unit will work much less efficiently and this will affect the entire HVAC system. That is why the best thing to do is to clean the HVAC unit using your garden hose while keeping the water pressure moderate. If you discover that the coil fins are bent, you should get them straightened straight away. This is done with the help of a specially designed comb.