The Worst HVAC Mistakes Homeowners Frequently Make: Info from an HVAC Contractor in Tampa, FL

With the proper care and maintenance, your HVAC system should last you for many years after installation. However, over the years on the job, we’ve seen many instances of do-it-yourself HVAC jobs by homeowners gone wrong.

It’s understandable for homeowners to want to save a little bit of money by doing some HVAC jobs themselves, but there are some high stakes if they get anything wrong, including a significant amount of money being put toward having to redo the job professionally, not to mention the potential damage they could cause with improper maintenance, repairs or installation.

With this in mind, here are a few examples of some of the worst and most common HVAC mistakes made by homeowners that require them to call out an HVAC contractor in Tampa, FL.

• Not changing the filters: Changing the filters is one of the simplest HVAC-related tasks you can perform. It’s almost impossible to mess it up if you actually do it. Unfortunately, most people either forget or neglect to change their HVAC system’s air filters. These filters should be changed at least a couple times a year, and preferably once every three months or so. Failure to change the filter allows a buildup of dirt and debris that could compromise your air quality and will also make the system run harder, reducing its efficiency and speeding up the wear and tear it experiences.
• Closing off air vents: Some people are under the mistaken impression that closing off vents will help them direct air to certain rooms and potentially save them money on heating and cooling. With today’s modern systems, this just isn’t true, and instead can actually make your system have to work harder, resulting in increased heating and cooling costs and more wear and tear on your system.
• Failure to perform regular maintenance: Improper maintenance or a complete failure to perform maintenance at all can cause some significant problems. You should regularly clean on or around the indoor and outdoor units, making sure those units are unobstructed. If you notice an issue with your thermostat, try to change the battery. But if that doesn’t work, don’t start messing around with the wiring if you don’t know what you’re doing—we’ve seen too many instances where people mess up their electrical systems by trying DIY jobs, and it can also be a significant safety risk.
• Blocking air return vents: You have air return vents in your home for a reason. Sure, they might not be the most aesthetically pleasing features or in the most convenient locations, but that doesn’t mean you should cover them up. This makes it much harder for your HVAC system to appropriately heat or cool your home.

Do yourself a favor by leaving HVAC jobs up to the pros. Schedule yearly HVAC inspections of your furnace and air conditioning units and make sure you’re keeping up with all your own necessary maintenance tasks.

If you need help with your HVAC system, contact an HVAC contractor in Tampa, FL for more information today.

Categorised in: HVAC Contractor