Mistakes Homeowners Make Regarding Furnace Repair in Ocean County
A large majority of homes in Ocean County have a full HVAC system. Spreading warm air throughout the home in the winter and cool air in the summer, the maintenance of these units is important. The popular recommendation is to have your air conditioner inspected every year prior to use and the same goes for your furnace. Unfortunately, many homeowners forego this advice. Neglecting the routine maintenance of your HVAC system can lead to increased damages, rising energy bills, and a shorter lifespan of your units requiring early replacement. Here’s some of the most common mistakes homeowners make regarding furnace repair in Ocean County.
Buying the Wrong Air Filter
The air filter in your furnace is one of the most important components in your HVAC system. Air flow is essential for proper function. The air filter is the first line of defense in not allowing particles to get into the system and block the ducts. Air filters require maintenance about every three months. Because the objective of an air filter is to trap particles, eventually the filter will be fully blocked with debris. Once air flow is impeded, the furnace is no longer as effective. This is because it needs to run longer to achieve the same result.
Choice of air filter is as important as changing your filter. Filters come in different sizes, materials, and strengths. The minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) measures how effective the filter is at blocking and removing impurities in the air. Many people might assume that the higher the rating, the better the filter. This is not true however, because a filter that has too high of rating might act the same as a blocked filter in a system not designed to use that filter. The best way to know what filter is right for you is to check with your local professional in furnace repair in Ocean County.
Using Your Thermostat Incorrectly Can Lead to Furnace Repair in Ocean County
Regardless if we are referring to your air conditioner or your furnace, these machines are not designed to run all day. Setting your thermostat either too high or too low and not allowing your HVAC to cycle off will quickly lead to damages. The only way to address broken HVAC is with the help of a technician who performs furnace repair in Ocean County. In addition to that, the more your furnace runs, the higher your bills will become. Don’t be tempted to set your thermostat to 80°F. Find a lower temperature that is more energy efficient, but still comfortable. If nothing else, it’s a great excuse to buy some new comfy hoodies and blankets!
Closing Doors and Vents to Save Money
One of the top mistakes that homeowners continue to make despite all the information out there supporting the contrary is shutting vents and room doors. The thought is that it will conserve energy. Unfortunately, that is not how it works. Each system is designed specifically for the space where it is installed. All closing vents does is forces the same amount of air through the system with less exits. Rather than reducing energy, this practice increases stress on your system. If you really want to increase the efficiency of your furnace, change your air filter regularly, set your thermostat to a reasonable temperature, and schedule an annual inspection.
Ignoring Routine Furnace Repair in Ocean County
Even with all the best at-home care, HVAC systems are best taken care of by a professional. All of the working parts of a furnace are not accessible safely by homeowners. Only with specific tools and training can you really take care of a furnace. These units involve electrical work, lots of mechanical parts, and are very intricate machines. This is why becoming a technician for furnace repair in Ocean County company takes so much education and on-the-job experience. If you ever have a question if your furnace needs attention, it is best to call the professionals. Waiting too long to call for furnace repair in Ocean County will only lead to more expensive repair bills.