Top Mistakes to Avoid When Replacing Your HVAC
Summary:
Making a mistake when replacing a faulty HVAC system can lead to inefficient operations, increased wear and tear, constant repair costs, higher energy bills, and compromised indoor air quality. This article explores common HVAC installation mistakes and how to avoid them.
Table of Contents
Introduction
HVAC replacement is a significant investment that impacts your home’s comfort, energy efficiency, and indoor air quality. However, how do you know when a replacement is necessary? As your system ages, it becomes less efficient and works twice as hard to meet your heating and cooling needs. Old HVAC systems are inefficient, rack high energy bills, and require constant repair.
While replacing your heating and cooling system can help solve energy efficiency and home comfort issues, many homeowners make critical mistakes that can significantly hamper the performance of their new HVAC system, leading to unnecessary costs and untimely failure.
Not to worry. At Klondike Air, we are committed to helping you avoid these common mistakes. This article will guide you through best practices for HVAC maintenance and replacement.
Let’s begin.
Contact Us to Avoid HVAC Mistakes
Mistake #1: Choosing the Wrong Size HVAC Unit
When choosing an HVAC system for your home, a bigger system does not always symbolize better performance. Trying to save money by going for a smaller system can have long-term consequences for your home’s comfort and finances.
If the equipment is too large for your space, it will heat or cool too quickly, leading to uneven temperature, short cycling, and increased wear and tear. Bigger systems also consume a lot of energy, resulting in higher energy bills. However, suppose the equipment is too small for your home. In that case, it will work harder than it should to meet your cooling and heating demands, leading to increased wear and tear, constant repairs, higher energy bills, and, ultimately, reduced lifespan.
To avoid this mistake, ensure you have an HVAC specialist measure and inspect your home to recommend the perfect HVAC size for your space.
Mistake #2: Ignoring Ductwork Issues
Most homeowners are only concerned about changing the HVAC unit while ignoring the condition of their ductwork. In ignoring ductwork issues like leaking, dirty, or improperly sealed ducts, you’re putting your indoor air quality at risk and also risk damaging the new HVAC system.
Leaky or poorly designed ducts can lead to inefficient cooling and heating. Your system is forced to make up for the lost air, which leads to energy inefficiency, higher bills, and increased wear and tear.
Ducts that are not adequately sealed will have significant dust and debris buildup. It can also contain harmful bacteria like mold, allergens, and pollen, aggravating or leading to breathing problems in the home. So, when your HVAC system is not working efficiently, or you notice a bump in energy bills, before seeking a replacement, have a specialist check the ductwork and other components for possible faults. This will help you save money and improve the existing system’s performance.
Mistake #3: Skipping Professional Installation
While there are some DIY tips for preventive maintenance, HVAC installation is entirely different. You must not try to install an HVAC unit yourself or have an unqualified person do the installation for you.
Apart from the obvious cost of paying a professional to reinstall a poorly worked-out installation, poor installation also risks inner air quality, can damage the product’s warranty, and can lead to more expensive repairs in the long term.
Additionally, if your HVAC system is not replaced by a professional, you may experience inefficient performance, making it prone to breakdowns and incorrect wiring, posing significant risks of electrical fire and carbon monoxide poisoning.
Consult different HVAC contractors when choosing the perfect installation partner and get written estimates to compare quotes. On the other hand, you can just contact Klondike Air HVAC specialists to get a free quote now.
Mistake #4: Focusing Only on Price, Not Efficiency
One of the biggest HVAC replacement mistakes you can make is focusing on price rather than efficiency. While buying and installing a new HVAC system can be expensive, it is better to buy a quality and efficient system as they have a longer lifespan and are more durable than their cheaper ones.
The problem with cheap HVAC is the quality of its components. These parts tend to be poor quality because the manufacturers use the cheapest materials in the market to make them. This makes them susceptible to constant breakdowns, repairs, and maintenance, and you eventually end up replacing them after a few years.
Although higher-quality equipment is more expensive, it is also more durable and efficient. This reduces running costs and energy bills and ensures you’ll spend less on repairs and maintenance. With professional installation and regular servicing, higher-quality HVAC units will serve your home for more than 20 years.
Mistake #5: Neglecting Regular HVAC Maintenance After Replacement
Some homeowners are so excited about the new HVAC system that they fail to plan for continuous and regular maintenance. Regular maintenance after HVAC replacement is critical to ensuring efficient performance, a long lifespan, and fewer repair needs.
You should service your HVAC system twice every year, in spring and fall. Neglecting servicing puts your system at risk of breakdown; wear and tear increases, simple fixes can grow into complex and more expensive problems, and energy efficiency will reduce, leading to higher running costs.
Mistake #6: Not Considering Future Technology Upgrades
When replacing your HVAC system, prioritize components and systems that can be easily upgraded. Future-proofing your system ensures you’ll spend less on upgrades and replacements. For instance, when getting a new thermostat, consider smart thermostats for their advanced weather monitoring features and potential future software upgrades.
Edit Content
"*" indicates required fields
Conclusion
Getting an HVAC replacement is crucial to maintaining home comfort and energy efficiency in your space. However, you should know all your options and have consulted a professional HVAC specialist for assistance before making permanent decisions. If you are considering replacing your HVAC system and want it done by the best hands, contact the specialists at Klondike Air now.
FAQs
What are some common mistakes made during HVAC replacement?
Common mistakes to avoid when replacing your HVAC system include ignoring ductwork, choosing the wrong size, neglecting regular maintenance, and DIY installation.
How do I choose the perfect HVAC unit for my home?
You should have an HVAC specialist inspect and measure your home to recommend the best cooling and heating system for your space.
Is regular maintenance necessary for HVAC replacement?
Regular maintenance is necessary to ensure the new equipment performs efficiently. It also reduces the need for constant repair and replacements, reducing running costs.
Which is better, a cheap or expensive HVAC system?
A cheap system is prone to constant breakdowns and expensive parts replacements, eventually leading to system failure. But expensive systems are more sturdy, efficient, and last longer.
How do I choose the perfect installation partner for my HVAC system?
Before choosing an installer, compare estimates with other options, inspect past work and credentials, and ensure they are bonded and insured. If you need a reliable installation partner, contact Klondike Air specialists.
