How Do You Ruin an HVAC System?
You’re not the only one thinking of replacing your heating or cooling system. But neglected maintenance of your system is another big contributor to wear and tear. It can affect all parts of your system, including the air filters. Without routine maintenance, the mechanisms that keep your home comfortable will start to break down. This will eventually lead to higher utility bills.
Unreliable air filter
The health and safety of your family are at risk when you neglect to change your air filter regularly. A clogged air filter can ruin an HVAC system by making your HVAC unit work harder, resulting in a higher energy bill. It can also cause indoor air quality to drop. Your HVAC system’s air filter prevents debris from entering your system and circulating through your home. Without an air filter, this debris can lead to the failure of your HVAC unit and ruin its efficiency.
Excessive pressure in ductwork
A static pressure test measures the pressure inside the ductwork. Your HVAC system will be damaged if there is too much static pressure. Static pressure should be within acceptable limits so that all rooms in your home receive the air that has been treated. A technician will place a manometer sensor into a small hole in the ductwork. The technician will measure the pressure in your manometer while the fan is running. If the pressure is higher than the acceptable range, it may mean that it is time to replace the entire ductwork.
Animals chewing through ductwork
The most common reason why animals chew through HVAC ductwork is because they are hungry. These animals can not only eat the food but also cause damage to the ductwork. If the animals are not exterminated right away, their bodies will eventually rot in the system. This is not only unsanitary, but also causes a foul odor. If you find signs of animal damage in your HVAC system, you should immediately contact a professional.
Poor maintenance
In winter, poor maintenance can cause your heating and cooling systems to fail. If this happens, you will have to pay a considerable amount of money to get your system fixed. You can cause serious damage to your HVAC system if you don’t take care of it. The mechanisms that keep you and your family cool or warm will start to fail if they are not maintained properly. These parts will eventually fail, which will reduce efficiency and increase utility bills.
Lightning damage
While the cause of lightning damage to HVAC systems is often unknown, the most common signs are black marks on the housing of HVAC equipment and charring. The damage can occur either during the initial strike, or as a result a sudden power surge. Both of these situations can cause severe damage to HVAC systems in many cases. It is important to inspect all components and note any damage in order to properly identify a lightning-damaged HVAC unit.