5 HVAC Maintenance Mistakes to Avoid

When maintaining your HVAC system, there are certain mistakes every Monroe homeowner wants to avoid. These mistakes could put a damper on your HVAC system, possibly ruining whatever maintenance attempt you initially had. Therefore, it’s important to identify and avoid them as much as possible.

The experts at Iceberg Heating & Cooling have detailed of these 5 HVAC maintenance mistakes below.

1. Improperly Cleaning Supply and Return Vents

Supply and return vents are how air is circulated throughout your HVAC system. Throughout this process, they can become dirty with dust and lint, eventually requiring them to be cleaned. Cleaning your supply and return vents help to maintain airflow and good IAQ (indoor air quality).

However, you mustn’t clean them as you would dirty dishes or clothing. Supply and return vents are gentle and require a softer clean. Avoid using a sponge, loofah, steel wool, or any other cleaning material besides a cloth. These tools ruin the paint coating and material on the vents. Only use dish soap mixed with water, and completely rinse the vents with water before drying. Do not reattach vents until they are completely dry.

2. Replacing Filters too Frequently/Infrequently

Replacing your filter is how your HVAC system maintains adequate airflow and good IAQ. By doing this regularly, you help to maintain energy usage and avoid driving up the energy bill. You must replace filters on a schedule accustomed to your HVAC system. Generally, it should be done every 2-3 months. But this can come sooner depending on the size of your home. Therefore, it’s best to inspect your filters at least once a month for noticeable build-ups and clogs.

Replacing filters should not be done too frequently or infrequently. Too frequently will cause you to waste filters and overspend money on replacements that are unneeded. Too infrequently will cause filters to overfill with dust and debris, halting the performance of your HVAC system and can result in a poorer IAQ.

3. Ignoring Strange Sounds/Smells Coming from Your HVAC System

When your HVAC system is acting up via weird sounds or smells, you must seek a professional’s help immediately. HVAC problems only get more severe as they linger. By letting an issue persist, you run the risk of higher repair costs than before, as well as possible risks to your home and family. If any of these signs are present in your HVAC system, contact Iceberg Heating & Cooling for further consultation:

• Chugging/Stuttering Noise from Your HVAC System
• Lingering Burning Smell Coming from Your Heating
• Smell of Rotten Eggs Coming from Your HVAC System (Possible Natural Gas Leak)

4. Letting Outdoor HVAC Units Become Cluttered

The outdoor components of your HVAC system are vulnerable to build-ups of dirt, leaves, trash, and other debris. If you ignore regularly clearing the area in and around outdoor HVAC units, this can lead to them becoming cluttered. Cluttered HVAC units can have inadequate airflow, which potentially lessens the performance of your HVAC system.

You’ll want to inspect your outdoor HVAC units at least once a month for any cluttering or build-ups. Clear out any build-ups using your hands (with gloves) and a water hose to help maintain their function.

5. Attempting to Fix HVAC Problems Without First Consulting a Professional

Attempting to fix an HVAC system problem yourself isn’t always the best solution. Although you may think you’re saving money by not paying for a professional, you’re actually putting your HVAC system at the risk of more severe damages. HVAC systems require specific licensing, code compliance, and thorough training to perform suitable repairs. Trying to perform repairs above your knowledge level can result in issues becoming exacerbated, which could lead to a higher repair cost than before. So, if you notice an issue with your HVAC system, don’t take any chances. Instead, contact a professional!

Avoid these mistakes when helping to maintain your HVAC system. And if you require complete heating and cooling services from the leading experts in Monroe, contact Iceberg Heating & Cooling today! Give us a call at 734-342-3420 to schedule an appointment and get started.