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5 Common HVAC Maintenance Mistakes to Avoid for Homeowners

If you don’t take care of your equipment, an HVAC system replacement will cost thousands of dollars.

To avoid paying for a new unit, you need to ensure it runs as efficiently and long as possible. You can do that by avoiding common HVAC maintenance mistakes.

Keep reading to discover some of the most common mistakes that you should keep in mind.

1. Not Doing Routine Maintenance

Many people will only call an HVAC contractor when something breaks. However, you should have regular HVAC maintenance to prevent more costly repairs. 

As you keep using the unit, it will become less efficient, parts will break, and hundreds of other things could go wrong. This is why you need a professional company to test your HVAC unit and complete routine maintenance. 

You should schedule a maintenance checkup twice a year. Do one in the spring and one in the fall to prepare for summer and winter. That way, you can catch the problems before they happen and prevent the major issues that occur during extreme weather conditions. 

2. Not Replacing Filters

Did you know that your HVAC system’s air filters may need to be replaced every few months? Depending on the type of air filter and how dirty it’s getting, you may need to replace it monthly, quarterly, or biannually. 

If you don’t replace your air filter, dust and debris will build up and cause your unit to work harder. This results in higher energy bills and a shorter lifespan for your unit. 

Regularly changing your air filters will ensure that your system has good airflow and can run as efficiently as possible. It will also improve indoor air quality in your home.

Extremely dirty HVAC air filter, one of many common HVAC maintenance mistakes

3. Not Learning About Your Unit

Your HVAC system should also come with a manual. Make sure that you read through all of it. 

If you are having problems or expensive bills, the answer might be in the user manual. You should learn how to use your unit to save you money and make sure that it runs as long as possible. 

You may even find a recommended maintenance schedule to prolong the unit’s life.

4. Not Worrying About Smells or Sounds

While it’s normal for an HVAC system to make some noise, pay attention to any weird smells or sounds. Any odd sounds such as stuttering or chugging noises from the HVAC system could be severe. 

If you smell any burning or something that resembles rotten eggs, this could mean that you have a gas leak or a short-circuiting wire. 

Man holding his nose because of smelly HVAC

5. Not Looking for Mold

Even if you have the cleanest house, having too much humidity could cause mold to grow in your home. 

You should check your air vents for signs of mold or any black matter outside or inside the ducts.

Call your local HVAC professional as soon as possible if you notice any of these signs. They can help you resolve any problems caused by your heating and air conditioning systems.

Discover More HVAC Maintenance Mistakes

These are only a few of the more common HVAC maintenance mistakes, but there are many more that you can make. To avoid making these mistakes, you should hire a professional HVAC service as soon as possible. Check out our HVAC repair services and contact us today if you have any questions.