HVAC System Efficiency: Identifying Common Problems

October 16, 2023

HVAC experts
say that your heating and air conditioning probably are not performing at peak
efficiency. Even if you just bought a new air conditioner last year, you might
not be getting everything you could. Here are the most common causes of
inefficient HVAC function, and what can you do to fix it.

Faulty
Installation

Quite a few
problems with your HVAC system start with installation. Unfortunately, points
of failure can occur several times throughout the installation process, putting
your overall HVAC efficiency at serious risk. They include:

  • selecting the wrong size of furnace or air
    conditioner for the home
  • insufficient or poorly-built ductwork
  • faulty drain systems for air conditioners,
    heat pumps and furnaces
  • inadequate ventilation

Any or all
of these can occur with faulty installation. It can hurt your HVAC efficiency
by as much as 30 percent, and even put your family at risk. When you arrange to
purchase and install new equipment for your home, hire HVAC experts in
Sacramento who will size appliances properly and ensure careful and professional
installation.

Leaky
Ductwork

There are
many parts of your HVAC system where inefficiency can occur, and the ductwork
is the biggest one. The ductwork delivers air from the air handler of your
furnace or air conditioner throughout your home. The U.S. Department of Energy
estimates that at least 20-30 percent of the cooled or heated air is lost
through leaks in the ductwork. If you are skilled with home maintenance, you
may be able to identify duct leaks and seal them with mastic sealant or metal
tape. However, if you are unsure where to start, contacting Sacramento HVAC experts is your best
bet.

Missing
Home Maintenance

You do not
have to spend hours keeping up your HVAC systems for them to do a very good job
for you. However, you must make it a priority to keep a general eye on the
situation. Every few weeks during the spring and summer, walk around your
condenser to make sure that nothing is blocking airflow around the unit. Do not
forget to check your air filters just as regularly. These two steps keep the
cool air flowing faster.

Appliance
Failure

Your air
conditioner or furnace can fail for several different reasons. The air
conditioner might be low on coolant, or have a clogged condensate drain. Your
furnace may have a cracked or dirty burner. Chances are that your equipment
will not simply stop working when it has a fault in the system. More likely,
you will notice a period of inefficiency as the system works harder to try to
compensate for broken or failing components. This underscores the importance of
scheduling regular maintenance.

You expect
that your HVAC systems will not just work for you, but function effectively.
Surprisingly, many factors may negatively affect your HVAC efficiency. With
some extra attention and professional service, you can rely on your HVAC
equipment to make your home even more comfortable and energy-efficient. Contact
Ace Plumbing for expert guidance
on HVAC system installation and maintenance for your home.

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