Having a heating or cooling system put in is an important investment in your health and comfort. That’s why it’s so very vital that
such systems are put in place properly and efficiently.
What’s the importance
of proper installation?
The majority of added energy bill costs come from poor or sub-par performance of your HVAC system. While tweaks and repairs to the system
may be necessary over time, a bad installation will have you doomed from the
start.
Energy-efficient systems are only cost effective if they
operate as intended. A poor installation may cause such a system to operate in
an even more expensive manner.
Likewise, an improper installation can be a hidden danger to
your health and well-being. Misaligned duct-work can come apart unexpectedly,
exposed wire can pose a potential fire hazard, and chemical residue can be
abrasive and toxic to children or pets.
What to look out for.
There are some red flags that your system has not been put
in place correctly, which most of the time will become apparent immediately
following a system installation. Keep an eye out for the following;
- Liquid gathering at the bottom of the unit
- Irregular noises – high pressured air or gas escaping from a crack or rupture
- Exposed wiring, especially near ground level
- Noticeable and persistent odor
- Blatant misalignment of the HVAC unit or its constituents
Check with your HVAC specialist if your newly installed
system exhibits any of these characteristics.
What’s a Homeowner to
do?
While the average homeowner will most likely not be able to
remedy a poor installation (nor should they attempt to), there are several steps
they can undertake to be proactive.
Choose a
NATE-certified HVAC company – In the HVACR industry, this certification is
a true standard of quality. North American Technician Excellence (NATE) is the nation’s
largest non-profit organization in the industry; they rigorously test members
to ensure service knowledge of the highest caliber.
Ask Questions - It
helps to make sure you know what to expect after your installation is finished.
Are there any particular noises that you should expect to hear? When should I
schedule my next appointment? Keep yourself in the know, be proactive, and let your specialist know if you need clarification.
Monitor and Maintain
– Keep track of your household’s energy bills and watch out for any drastic
fluctuation, which may be indicative of a system malfunction.
Moving forward, plan to have an HVAC specialist visit twice annually; not only to make sure your system is ready for the new temperate
season but also to detect any subtle defects or damage that may be affecting
your energy costs.
It’s a smart move to stick with the same HVAC outfit
throughout, as they will be able to perform the most efficient inspection and
Scheduling an inspection has never been easier. If you’re in
the Salt Lake County area,
give us a call!
