Top HVAC Installation Mistakes to Avoid

There’s probably nothing better than the experience a new HVAC system can give. It increases comfort, reduces energy costs (compared to an older system), maintains healthy indoor air quality, and boosts productivity.

However, as much as a newly installed HVAC unit can improve your life, it can also become a nightmare when dealing with an improper HVAC installation. You’ll experience poor indoor air quality, frequent HVAC repairs, premature replacement, higher energy costs, and discomfort.

When it comes to proper HVAC installation, it’s always best to choose an experienced and certified HVAC contractor to ensure a good outcome. Also, you can do your part by learning more about the most common HVAC installation mistakes so you can avoid them.

In this article, we’re going to talk about the seven top HVAC installation mistakes and the reason why you should avoid them. Let’s dive in…

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Top HVAC Installation Mistakes To Avoid

1. Selecting The Wrong Heating And Cooling System Size

Most people think that larger HVAC systems will offer better performance. They even believe that buying the largest HVAC unit they can afford is a really good investment, assuming it can cool or heat their home faster.

But, contrary to this belief, this is not true.

The best HVAC system doesn’t have to be large. In fact, the right size to meet your heating or cooling needs always depends on the projected load. The best contractors perform complex calculations that factor in the following:

• Regional temperatures
• Shade provided by nearby structures
• Orientation of your home
• Total interior floor area
• Height of the ceiling
• And a lot more!

With the calculations a professional contractor performs, you’ll know exactly how much power your system needs to properly heat or cool your home. But if you get an inexperienced HVAC contractor, you might also get faulty recommendations based on inaccurate rules of thumb.

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2. Keeping The Old HVAC Ductwork

Most people think that they can save money by keeping the old HVAC ducts after installing a new HVAC system. However, as much as this is true, it’s not always ideal because they might be incompatible, especially if you need to change your furnace or air conditioner’s size.

Here are some situations that prove that your old ducts may not always work with your new unit:

• The old ducts may be too small and cause airflow to be inefficient.
• If the old ducts were installed decades ago, there might already be leaks, dirt, mold, and other issues you might experience.
• The original design may not already provide optimal distribution of conditioned air around your home.

If you have a trusted HVAC contractor, always consider having new ducts designed and installed along with your new HVAC unit.

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3. Bad HVAC Duct Installation Techniques

Design is just one thing; execution is another.

Some HVAC contractors can come up with logical and economical designs that will work in theory. However, even if their plans are good, their technicians may use bad installation techniques due to their inexperience or desire to finish a job quickly.

For example, they might use tape to seal gaps, even if this only provides a temporary solution. And soon, leaks may cause the system’s efficiency to plummet after a while, and you’ll end up paying more on your monthly bills.

So, make sure that you hire a reputable HVAC company like Point Bay Fuel that uses high-quality materials and sealants.

4. Poorly Designed HVAC Drainage System

Air conditioners produce moisture around the coils because of condensation.

The installer must ensure that all the water is collected and filtered away from the system. Otherwise, the moisture can spill over to the other parts of the house, leading to mold and mildew growth.

Over time, your drywall and flooring could also be damaged. On top of this, bacteria will thrive and make the air conditioner smell so bad that it will be difficult to ignore it.

To prevent any of these headaches, make sure to do it right the first time. Hire experienced HVAC professionals as they will know what to do.

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5. Incorrect Venting Of Toxic Gases

Your furnace can produce carbon monoxide and other hazardous gases while burning fuel. And though this may sound scary, this really won’t be a problem as long as your exhaust system is pushing these gases out of the house immediately.

Because of this, the installation of your HVAC system should always include proper venting for the toxic gases that your system generates during combustion.

Faulty HVAC installation can lead to the release of these harmful gases inside your house. So, aside from proper installation, you should also ensure that you have carbon monoxide detectors that can warn you in case of CO leaks.

Carbon monoxide gases are odorless and colorless, so without carbon monoxide detectors, leaks can go undetected.

When you’re looking for a contractor, make sure that you ask them about combustion safety to see if they know how to implement this properly.

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6. Improper Heating & Cooling System Placement

As long as your contractor is paying attention, some mistakes are easy to avoid. Here are some of them:

• Putting different units where the old HVAC equipment is without properly verifying the HVAC location first. This will just be repeating the error instead of correcting it.
• You will want to shield the AC condenser from the sun as much as possible because direct sunshine means more work for the system.
• The thermostat should also be shielded. If it’s located near the windows, doors, or other heat sources it will heat up more than the rest of the house and suffer from faulty sensor readings.

Always hire an experienced HVAC technician as they will know the best location for your HVAC unit and its components.

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7. Neglecting Clearance Around The Condenser

If there’s one thing you should know, it’s that your unit’s condenser needs space to breathe for it to work at its best. Unfortunately, with rush installations, this is not always met, and contractors would usually just give it a few inches clearance on all sides.

Experts would recommend providing a minimum of 2 feet around the perimeter. This is necessary for good air intake and optimal efficiency. In other words, it ensures that the system will not consume more energy than it really needs or suffer from premature wear and tear.

After the installation, you as a homeowner should also make sure to maintain this clearance by keeping objects away and trimming any nearby plants.

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Conclusion

HVAC installation mistakes are more common than you might realize. And often, experienced contractors are called in to correct the errors amateur contractors did while installing the system.

Avoid this by making the right decisions from the start. And now that you already know what to watch out for, find a certified contractor who has an excellent reputation in your area to do your HVAC system installation correctly, the first time around.

Call Point Bay Fuel For All Of Your HVAC Requirements

Point Bay Fuel offers superior heating and cooling services in Ocean and Monmouth County, New Jersey.

We make sure to hire certified technicians who can provide you with excellent services, including HVAC tune-ups, repairs, installations, and replacements. Each technician has outstanding knowledge and experience to serve your HVAC system needs correctly.

Point Bay Fuel guarantees to provide the most competitive heating and cooling service costs in the area. Our maintenance services ensure to improve your comfort, increase your system’s energy efficiency, and reduce your home’s heating and cooling costs.

Need your system repaired or replaced? We’ll recommend the best one for your home and is within your budget. The best part is, all our work is backed with a guarantee to ensure your satisfaction.

If you wish to schedule a service appointment, give us a call today! We also offer in-home estimates at no cost at all.

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Where Are Those Air Conditioner Smells Coming From?

The ideal smell that an air-conditioned room should have is normal. That is, there shouldn’t be any distinct smell coming from your cooling unit at all. However, in some cases, your air conditioner may emit an odd, unpleasant, or offensive smell that accompanies the cool air. If this is the case, then it is a clear indicator that something is wrong with your air conditioner, and it should be checked by a professional right away. This article includes several air conditioner smells, the causes behind them, and what can be done about this problem.

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What Is Causing That Air Conditioner Smell?

Read on to find a few of the common odors your air conditioner is likely to produce.

Air Conditioning Unit Smells Like Mold

One of the most commonly reported smells that homeowners experience is a musty odor, reminiscent of mold. This can be typically traced to the accumulated water in the ducts, drain pan, or drip lines. The water and the indoor temperature create an environment where mold, mildew, or fungus grow and thrive. As a result, a dingy smell permeates your home.

The stale air in your home can also be an indicator that you have dirty HVAC air filters. If the area you live in is hot and humid, moisture can develop and build up in your air conditioner’s air filters. This usually happens when you haven’t turned on your system for some time. Therefore, the stale air is distributed throughout your home when you switch it on again.

Solution: Empty the drain pan at regular intervals. If the smell doesn’t go away even after doing this, call an HVAC expert to inspect your central air conditioner, the ductwork, and the lines. Water accumulation in your system could also mean there is a leak. Therefore, it is beneficial to have your system checked to determine why water isn’t draining properly. Bear in mind that yearly air conditioner maintenance is important to ensure these problems do not happen to your air conditioner in the first place.

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Air Conditioner Produces A Cigarette Smoke Odor

If someone smokes tobacco in your home, the air conditioner will pull in the smoke particles, and they will get trapped in the air filter. This will happen every time someone smokes in your home. However, turning on your system can cause these particles to loosen, and they’ll end up mixing with the conditioned air. They will be released via the vents, and you’ll smell cigarette smoke even when no one is smoking.

Solution: Open a window the next time you’re going to smoke inside your house to minimize the cigarette smell. Consider stepping out of your house to smoke as well. Remember to clean your air conditioner every 7 to 14 days. Do this by wiping off any dirt and particles present on its surface. Make sure to schedule yearly air conditioner maintenance as well. It is recommended that you do this every spring.

Air Conditioner Emits A Burning Smell

A burning smell around your house could be because an air conditioner component is actually burning. A damaged cable, wire, or motor could be the cause. Other times, it could be because you haven’t turned on your air conditioner for a long time, and doing so exposed the dust buildup inside it to high temperatures, causing the burning smell. Do not fret, as this smell should disappear soon. If it doesn’t, switch off the system right away and call a professional HVAC technician immediately.

Solution: Never conduct a DIY repair on your air conditioner that’s emitting a burning smell. Instead, hire a professional HVAC technician to assist you.

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Rotten Egg Smell Coming From Air Conditioner

A dead animal in your air conditioning system could cause a rotten egg smell to circulate throughout your home. A body’s decomposition results in the release of gases that have a foul, rotten stench. Small animals like birds and rodents could have gotten inside your air conditioning unit and died there. If so, a rotten egg smell will circulate throughout your home.

Solution: Look for the dead animal in your system and ducts. The dead animal needs to be carefully removed and your system sanitized to ensure that all traces are eliminated. If the area is hard to reach, contact a reliable HVAC tech to help you. They have the right tools and experience to check, clean, and sanitize your system. They will also ensure that it is pest-proof, so it does not happen again.

Air Conditioner Smells Like Gas

A gas smell should never be ignored, as the smell might be caused by an actual gas leak. The gas itself doesn’t have any scent, so gas manufacturers add methyl mercaptan to it. This chemical produces a rotten cabbage smell that acts as a warning sign that a gas leak is occurring. Keep in mind that methyl mercaptan is an irritant. Exposure can cause skin and eye irritations, dizziness, nausea, headaches, and respiratory problems. Prolonged exposure can also be fatal.

Solution: Turn off the gas supply the moment you suspect that gas is leaking. Open the windows to ensure proper ventilation. After that, evacuate your home and contact a reliable HVAC contractor immediately. Remember that gas is easily ignited, so do not light up anything while the smell of gas still lingers.

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Conclusion

An air conditioner experiencing problems could lead to it emitting various smells. Some of the odors are harmless, while others should never be neglected. They could point to some severe and potentially lethal problems. Some smells can be removed by cleaning and replacing the filter, whereas some need to be checked by a professional HVAC technician.

Do not neglect any odors your air conditioner produces. In most cases, having the issue resolved immediately will ensure that health problems are prevented. It will also help keep you from having to spend on expensive repairs or replacements in the future.

Call Point Bay Fuel For All Of Your HVAC Requirements

Point Bay Fuel offers high-quality HVAC services in Ocean and Monmouth County, New Jersey. We have professionally certified technicians for all your heating and cooling needs, including air conditioner tune-ups, furnace repairs, mini-split installations, and boiler replacements. Each of our friendly techs has extensive knowledge and years of experience to service any HVAC make and model safely, correctly, and promptly.

Point Bay Fuel guarantees one of the most affordable and competitive HVAC service rates in the area. We can help improve your indoor air quality, comfort, and energy efficiency with our maintenance services. Our techs can recommend the best and most budget-friendly solutions if you need an HVAC repair or replacement system. Your satisfaction is our priority, so all our services are guaranteed. To schedule a service appointment, give Point Bay Fuel a call today. We offer free, in-home estimates.

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What To Check When Your Air Conditioner Won’t Turn On

An air conditioning system keeps your home cool and comfortable even when it is scorching hot outside. However, you might find that your air conditioner won’t turn on at some point in its lifespan. As a result, you have to deal with a hot and humid home while waiting for the HVAC technician to arrive.

In some instances, the reason an air conditioner won’t switch on might be simple that a homeowner can DIY. Check the list below, so you don’t have to endure an uncomfortable home during the hottest days of the year.

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What To Check When Your Air Conditioner Won’t Turn On

Read on to know some air conditioner troubleshooting tips that can help you when your air conditioner won’t turn on.

1. Air Conditioner Power Source

An air conditioner that fails to turn on when you need it the most causes a stressful situation. Therefore, you might end up overlooking some key factors that could be the cause of the problem. For instance, the problem could be connected with electricity.

What you need to do first is check the circuit breaker. Find the main electrical panel in your house to see if a tripped circuit breaker caused the issue. Reset it if needed to determine if a problem with the electricity is the cause. Check if the plug is properly connected to an outlet as well. Someone might have unplugged it, or it could have gotten loose. This might sound like an obvious thing, but many homeowners tend to neglect this.

In some cases, the thermostat could be the issue. Inspect the thermostat and change the batteries with fresh ones or ensure it is properly connected to a power source. Make sure that the settings are correct as well.

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2. Be Familiar with Your AC Unit & Its Switches

Troubleshooting common air conditioner issues is possible as long as you are familiar with your air conditioning system. After all, if you want your system to have an extended lifespan, practicing effective maintenance is a must. Know the basic components of your air conditioner as well. For instance, many homeowners aren’t familiar with the on and off switches. There are times when the indoor air handler’s power switch has been turned off. Simply switch it back on. The outside unit also has an emergency shut-off switch. Someone might have accidentally turned it off and forgot to switch it on again.

3. Check Your HVAC Air Filter

The HVAC air filter needs to be replaced regularly. This means replacement should be done every two to three months. Some homes might need a more frequent filter replacement schedule, depending on the home’s location and the number of pets, among others. Doing this will help ensure high system efficiency levels at all times.

Air filters help prevent dust, dirt, and other contaminants from getting into your air conditioner, where they can cause problems. Keep in mind that the filters get dirtier the more time passes. This can also lead to issues with your unit. For instance, the air conditioner will consume more energy to maintain the temperature in your home. This will cause a significant increase in your energy bills if it is not remedied immediately. Your air conditioning system could also stop working.

Keep track of when you replace your filters. You can try writing the date of replacement on the filter and setting a calendar reminder so that you can look into its condition at the start of every month. Replacing the filters before they become entirely clogged will help prolong your system’s lifespan. On the other hand, letting your air conditioner consume more power than needed will lead to permanent system failure. This is a costlier endeavor than replacing your HVAC filters, so do not neglect this task.

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4. Check The Drain Pan & Lines

A professional HVAC technician should also inspect the drain pan. If it is full, the float switch is triggered, stopping the system from turning on. Part of your air conditioner’s operation is removing the excess moisture in the air via condensation. This moisture is eliminated from your home via a drain line. This component can get clogged and cause the system to switch off. The drain pan should be emptied regularly and the drain line unclogged to resolve the problem. Consult an expert HVAC contractor to assist you with a blocked drain line.

5. Check Your Evaporator Coils

It is essential to keep the evaporator coils clean as it will help extend your system’s lifespan. Cleaning the evaporator coils decreases the chances of damage to your system. If your air conditioner doesn’t switch on, it could be because of dirty evaporator coils. Think about when you had them cleaned last. Cleaning the evaporator coils should be part of the system’s annual maintenance as well.

Consult an air conditioner repair company to know how to clean the coils correctly. Maintenance should also be scheduled annually if you don’t want to experience problems when you need cooling the most. Have your unit inspected, maintained, and cleaned by a licensed professional regularly.

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Conclusion

A simple electrical problem could be the culprit behind an air conditioner that doesn’t turn on. The circuit breaker might have tripped, the system isn’t plugged into a power source, or the connection is loose. These can be fixed easily, like when the problem is caused by a clogged drain line or a full drain pan. Remember to call an expert HVAC technician if it is more than just a basic issue. Schedule yearly maintenance as well.

Call Point Bay Fuel For All Of Your HVAC Requirements

Point Bay Fuel provides excellent heating and cooling services in Ocean and Monmouth County, New Jersey. Our company has professionally certified technicians for all your HVAC service needs, such as repairs, maintenance, installations, and replacements. All our friendly techs have the skills, experience, and knowledge to ensure correct services on any HVAC make and model.

Rest assured, we have highly affordable and competitive heating and cooling rates. Our tune-up services can help improve energy efficiency, comfort, indoor air quality, and cost-effectiveness. When you need an HVAC repair or replacement system, we can recommend the most suitable and budget-friendly solution for your home. Your satisfaction is essential to us, so all our services are backed with a guarantee. Call Point Bay Fuel and book a service appointment today for a free, in-home estimate.

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