Debunking 3 Myths About HVAC Repairs
Having a functional heating and cooling unit is not only a convenience, but a health necessity for your home. It is thus important to learn about HVAC repair so as to prolong the life of your unit and keep it efficient and effective all year round.
Unfortunately, there are certain myths about HVAC repair that could actually be hurting your unit in the long run. With that in mind, here is a look at prevalent myths surrounding HVAC repair, and the facts behind them.
A rusty evaporator coil is a sure sign of a leak
This myth has some truth in it but is not 100% accurate. While leaks in the ductwork are a major cause of moisture in the coil and subsequent rusting, there are many other reasons that could be responsible for a rusty coil. Ice and moisture can build up due to dirt accumulation on the evaporator, or due to restricted air flow in the unit as a result of crushed ducts or clogged up air filters.
To prevent moisture or ice accumulation on your HVAC coil, schedule regular maintenance routines to ensure that dirt particles are wiped from the evaporator coil and air filters are changed before they clog up.
No maintenance is needed on a HVAC unit until it stops working
The notion of ignoring your unit until it develops a problem is definitely misleading and potentially costly. Hidden AC problems that may not be immediately apparent could occur at any time, leading to silent damage to the unit. Such issues may include compressors that progressively grow hotter due to a short circuit or ducts that are slowly clogged by mold.
Another good example is a weakened motor capacitor that will often not depict signs of damage such as bulging or splitting. However, such a capacitor will eventually cause the motor to overheat and break down, necessitating a costly motor replacement.
The best way to prevent major issues with your HVAC unit is to have it thoroughly inspected for failing capacitors, clogged air filters, defrost heater malfunctions and crushed/leaking ducts every year or so. This will allow for minor or hidden issues to be caught and rectified early, preventing a major AC meltdown.
UV light will help prevent dirt in your ducts
While UV light might be effective at preventing bacteria from infesting your evaporator coil, it is not effective at preventing dust buildup in crucial areas such as insulation, motors and compressor. Such dust buildup will eventually encourage mold to grow inside the unit, leading to reduced indoor air quality. The best way to reduce dust buildup in your HVAC unit is to schedule regular cleaning and maintenance.
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