Your HVAC system works tirelessly to keep your home comfortable. However, there are several reasons why it may not be fulfilling its duty. Certain HVAC problems strain your unit, leading to inefficient performance and higher energy bills.
Understanding what factors impact HVAC efficiency will help you improve your unit’s performance. Action Air Conditioning experts review the top 6 factors straining your HVAC system. With our tips, you can enhance indoor comfort and reduce energy costs.
What Are the Top 6 HVAC Problems?
When your HVAC system is strained, it can fail prematurely. That’s a big deal and one that we take seriously at Action Air Conditioning. To lengthen the lifespan of your HVAC system, you need to be aware of the top problems that will stress your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system.
Here are 6 factors straining your HVAC system:
1. Air Filters
Air filters can make or break your HVAC, literally! Air filters trap dust, dirt, and other contaminants. The air filters out the debris, preventing it from entering your HVAC system. But when your air filters are dirty, your air conditioning unit and heating unit have to work harder to push air through all of the rooms.
When you choose the right air filter and change it every 30-90 days, you will keep your HVAC running smoothly.
Using the wrong air filter for your system will mimic the effects of a dirty filter. Air cannot readily pass through filters that have a MERV rating between 14 and 20 unless the system has been specifically tweaked to do so. If you use HEPA filters in your standard HVAC unit, you could be slowly killing it too.
Change your air filters every 1 to 3 months to maintain proper airflow and indoor air quality.
2. Blocked or Dirty Vents
Blocked vents and dirty vents hinder airflow, causing uneven temperatures. Restricted airflow will increase system strain. Be sure to remove any objects blocking supply and return vents and keep furniture at a safe distance.
Also make sure that all vents are open. Some people erroneously believe that closing vents helps them to save energy, but this is false. Every vent in your home is important to maintain your AC system’s performance.
Regularly cleaning your vents also helps to promote efficient airflow. Like dirty filters, dirty vents reduce the airflow and cause your HVAC to push itself to perform. When dust, mold, and pet dander are in the air, it’s heavier than clean air. If the wall and floor vents are getting too dirty, they should be cleaned.
3. Heat
Heat is an enormous factor that causes your air conditioning unit to be strained. Creating heat inside of your home pushes your air conditioner to make up the difference in cool air.
Constantly running your HVAC forces it to experience additional wear and tear.
When they give a general life expectancy to an air conditioning unit, they calculate the estimate based on the efficient use of the unit. An overworking air conditioner raises your energy cost and shortens the life of the unit dramatically. Overuse can also cause the components of the unit to malfunction.
To reduce the heat in your home:
- Cook and wash dishes in the evening when the temperature outdoors is cooler.
- Use energy-efficient windows, curtains, or blinds to block out the heat of the sun.
- Shut off lights and electronics that get hot like computers, televisions, and gaming systems when not in use.
- Keep your doors closed.
When you take extra steps to maintain a cool temperature in your home or business during the warm weather months, your HVAC should have 2-4 average cycles per hour of 15 minutes on and at least 15 minutes off. If it is not resting very long or at all, call Action Air Conditioning for consultation.
4. Thermostat Functionality
If your old thermostat isn’t giving your HVAC system, the rest it needs, it will run it to the ground. A thermostat should be programmable to give your heating and cooling a much-needed break when you leave the building. In hot weather, raise the temperature of your thermostat to facilitate warmer temperatures in your house or business when you’re away, but not too warm. You don’t want humidity to build up!
If you own a business, schedule it to shut off just before closing time. Program the thermostat to turn on again one hour before anyone clocks in for the next day. Don’t forget to set a different schedule to save money on heating and cooling costs when you are on vacation!
A faulty or improperly placed thermostat can also decrease system efficiency. For example, installing a thermostat near windows may create inaccurate temperature readings. Consequently, your system overworks itself. Keep your thermostat away from windows, doors, and vents. Avoid direct sunlight and place the thermostat at 4 to 5 feet above the floor.
If your thermostat fails to provide correct readings or gives inconsistent readings, call in the experts at Action Air Conditioning. We can inspect and fix your thermostat. Addressing thermostat placement and function will drastically enhance system efficiency.
5. Leaky Ducts
Have you ever tried to blow air out of a broken straw? The force of the air coming out of the other end is weaker as the airflow escapes through the cracks.
Poorly sealed air ducts reduce the air that can come through your vents. It’s pouring out of gaps and cracks and into places that don’t need it.
Proper insulation is necessary for minimizing energy losses. Cool air can escape without adequate insulation, and hot air can enter your home. Your system has to work overtime to maintain the desired temperature. Seal all drafts in your home and hire a professional to check your insulation. Addressing these two issues will reduce your heating and cooling costs.
When your ducts are resealed, the HVAC doesn’t waste its efforts and can work only as much as it has to. Your house or business will be noticeably warmer in the winter and cooler in the warm months.
6. Lack of Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance optimizes HVAC system efficiency. Failing to schedule check-ups may lead to issues that become significant over time. Routine inspections help identify and fix minor problems before they become costly. Additionally, regular maintenance saves energy, reducing your utility bills.
Your HVAC system should be serviced twice a year, once before the heat goes on and once before the air conditioning kicks in. When you don’t schedule routine maintenance, you risk stressing the system, causing it to fail.
Signs your HVAC is overdue for maintenance include:
- A burning smell
- Running non-stop
- Turning on and shutting off quickly
- Different temperatures in each room
- Leaking fluid
- Higher energy costs
Just as your car needs a tune-up, your HVAC system should receive one too! Preventing expensive repairs or the replacement of an entire unit depends on it.
What Other HVAC Problems Strain Your System?
There are many reasons your system is not operating at its best.
The following are other key HVAC problems affecting your system’s performance:
Incorrect AC Size
The size of the HVAC system matters. An improperly sized AC unit can be inefficient. Namely, a unit that is too small will struggle to cool. In return, it will run continuously, increasing energy consumption. An oversized unit will cycle on and off often. It will also have uneven temperatures and higher humidity. Consult a professional HVAC technician to determine the correct sizing for your home.
Dirty Evaporator Coils
Evaporator coils help to remove humidity from the indoor environment. If they are dirty, your indoor humidity increases. Then, your system struggles to reach the desired temperature. Scheduling regular coil cleanings will improve efficiency.
Leaky Ductwork
Leaky and poorly insulated ducts can cause cooled air to escape. You can lose 30% of conditioned air from duct leaks. Sealing and insulating your ducts can improve system performance and lower energy costs.
High Indoor Humidity
High indoor humidity makes it harder for your AC to cool your home effectively. Having your unit serviced can help to isolate the cause of high humidity. Try using a dehumidifier to reduce system strain and improve comfort. If you can’t determine why your unit fails to remove humidity, hire an expert to identify the cause.
Lack of Ventilation and Airflow
HVAC systems require proper ventilation to provide thermal comfort. Blocked vents, dirty air filters, and leaky ducts affect ventilation and airflow. These issues will also increase your AC’s workload. Unblock your vents to improve air circulation, and have a professional check your HVAC ventilation systems.
The Importance of HVAC Maintenance
Your AC cannot function effectively without maintenance. HVAC systems require consistent upkeep to operate at maximum capacity. Neglecting steady supervision leads to a steady decline in performance over time. Consequently, your AC struggles to cool your home. Once it’s functioning poorly, you will have increased humidity, discomfort, and higher energy bills due to system strain.
The benefits of HVAC maintenance include:
- Enhanced indoor comfort
- Energy efficiency
- System longevity
- Avoiding major repairs
- Cost savings
HVAC Problems? Get Help From Action Air Conditioning in the Tampa Bay Area
Learning about the 6 factors straining your HVAC system will help you find the cause of your unit’s inefficiency. Consult Action Air Conditioning experts in Tampa Bay to inspect your system. With over 30 years of experience, we can handle all your HVAC needs.
Our professionals will ensure your unit is in tip-top shape. We provide the ultimate in-home comfort. When hiring our experts, you will receive superior HVAC servicing at an affordable price.
When your HVAC system is working efficiently, it rewards you with lower energy costs and less frequent repairs (and replacements). If you like saving money (and who doesn’t?), you want your HVAC to last as long as possible and work well.
Call Action Air Conditioning today if your HVAC system is still struggling even after you have taken steps to help it to function at its best. We are here to help!
Originally Published: Aug 4, 2021