If something is failing or going amiss with your HVAC unit, chances are, your HVAC unit is letting you know something is not quite right. However, most of the cues come in the form of sounds that many of us may overlook. If you hear your HVAC unit grinding, squealing, screeching or squeaking, it is letting you know it needs help. I was unaware of these cues and overlooked them. It ended up costing me a lot of money in repairs. I want to make sure that does not happen to other people, so I made this website. I hope you learn how to interpret the noises your HVAC unit is making so you can get it the repairs it needs before you incur a costly repair, or worse, permanently ruin your unit for good.
Owning a home requires a lot of regular maintenance, and this maintenance should include your central air conditioning unit. But sometimes homeowners can become overeager with air conditioning handling and make mistakes, causing the unit to be less efficient and requiring visits from an air conditioning repair service.
Here are a few of the mistakes you can avoid when caring for your air conditioner.
Misusing the Thermostat
Do you adjust your thermostat temperature setting constantly to try and get the cooling just right? Or do you leave the number at room temperature all summer and never budge?
Good thermostat habits can help keep your interior comfortable, maximize the efficiency of your unit, and keep your electric bills lower. You can keep the temperature set around room temperature when you're home, but if you're going to leave for a few hours to a few days, bump the temperature up a couple of degrees.
Don't yank the temperature down during the afternoon heat. Invest in fans and turn those on at the hottest time of day to better circulate the air your unit is already putting out. You can also invest in light-canceling curtains for rooms that get a lot of direct sunlight during the day to further help out your air conditioner.
Covering the Condensing Unit
The condensing unit outside your home has a grated covering that can accumulate dirt and debris. It might also stand to reason that the hot summer sun might cause some extra wear and tear on the unit. You might think that covering the condensing unit in some way will help cut down on maintenance and improve efficiency.
However, the condensing unit is built to be a self-cooling system that uses those grates to help remove hot air created during the cooling cycle. Blocking that air flow can cause the system to overheat and make it less efficient in general.
What about during winter, when the unit isn't even turned on? Shouldn't you cover the unit to prevent snow and runoff moisture from rusting the grate or interior parts?
You can cover the unit during the winter but don't buy one of those material slipcovers sold in stores. That type of cover can still allow moisture into the unit and then traps it inside. Instead, cut a sheet of plywood the same size as the top of the unit and weight it down with bricks or rocks. Snow won't enter the top of the unit but the unit will still be able to breathe and release excess moisture.
Failing to Research HVAC Techs
There are certain times when it's fine to go for the cheapest, most convenient option. Hiring an HVAC technician is not one of those times, even if the call is for something routine like seasonal maintenance.
There are a number of ways an untrained or unscrupulous technician can cause more harm than good. It's especially important to hire a reputable service if you suspect refrigerant issues.
Refrigerant is the fuel for your cooling system, and that fuel can only be replaced or recharged by a qualified technician. Mistakes in charging or using the wrong kind of refrigerant can render your unit inoperable—perhaps permanently.
Research local HVAC techs thoroughly and find a service with a solid reputation and qualifications. Consider checking into Streamline Services, Inc. for your air conditioning needs.
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