5 Ways You Could Be Damaging Your HVAC System

The HVAC in your home is a significant investment that you want to keep running for as long as possible. There may be some things you are doing to shorten the life of your system and make it work harder than it needs to.

Here are five ways you could be potentially damaging your HVAC system:

1. Letting the grass grow too long around your unit: Grass and weeds can act as a natural shield for your HVAC system. When left to grow, it can block air from entering the unit and reduce cooling and heating efficiency, leading to poor performance and higher energy bills. If you live in an area where you get a lot of rain, ensure you trim your yard regularly.
2. Using caulk to block up drafty windows: Caulk may be the most common DIY home improvement project, but using it on drafty windows could do more harm than good. Windows are necessary for your home’s HVAC system because they allow fresh air to enter and exit the house. Caulking around windows can create a moisture barrier and keep out drafts, but it also prevents proper ventilation, which is essential for your system to function correctly. Also, if a window leaks cold air, it could be due to old caulking that has fallen apart or gotten dirty. It would help if you replaced any caulking on windows with a new caulk that matches the color of the existing window sealant. This will help prevent drafts from entering through small gaps and cracks in the window frame.
3. Not having enough insulation: Insulation helps keep out cold drafts and hot air during winter while keeping heat inside during summer when temperatures rise outside. That means less energy usage overall (and thus lower monthly bills).
4. Closing off vents: If you have an older home with a forced-air heating and cooling unit, there may be vents throughout the house that allow hot or cold air to move through quickly and efficiently. However, if these vents are blocked by furniture or other items, this can cause problems with airflow throughout your home — especially if you have more than one floor! If you have a programmable thermostat, you might want to set it up so that it will open up the vents at night or during cooler periods outside. That way, you get both comfort and energy savings.
5. Ignoring strange noises: If your HVAC system makes strange sounds — even if they aren’t loud — don’t ignore them! They may mean there’s something wrong with your unit or its parts, and if they continue, they could lead to bigger problems. Get in touch with an expert from Volpe Service Company so they can diagnose the problem with your unit and provide a sound solution.