Data Mechanical Solutions LLC

Risks to Your HVAC System Without a Filter The air filter’s job in your HVAC system is to keep the unit clean, especially the blower motor and evaporator coils. Dirt is the number one cause of air conditioner and heating system breakdowns. Here are some potential problems that can occur in your unit if you choose to run the air conditioner without a filter installed: Condensate Drain Problems: Without a filter for your air conditioner, your condensate drain won’t be able to perform its job of draining condensation and moisture from your unit. Condensate accumulates on the Freon tubing and then drips down to the pan. The pan drains outside and helps your air conditioner with dehumidifying the air in your home. The filter keeps debris from gathering in your condensate drain and clogging it, causing water damage to your system. Air Quality Problems: The most common problem with running an air conditioner without a filter is decreased indoor air quality. Dust is stirred in a home when the AC unit is running and continuously cycles throughout the air, never settling. The dirt, dust, and debris is sucked back up through the intake, pumped back through the air vents, and remains suspended in the air until someone breathes it in or it clogs the unit. Freon Tube Problems: An air conditioner pulls air from your home and blows it across copper tubes filled with Freon. These tubes are always wet and when unfiltered air blows across them, dirt and debris stick to the condensate and coat the fins. When this occurs, your system performs inefficiently and overloads your air conditioning system. Ductwork Problems: Any dirt and debris that doesn’t stick to the Freon tubes will travel down the line to your ductwork. The debris will accumulate inside the ductwork, becoming trapped by the ribbed aluminum tubes. This allows moisture to build up inside your ductwork, creating the perfect place for mold to grow. Mold spores will begin to circulate throughout your home whenever the HVAC system is running and cause health issues to you and your family.

Covering an outdoor unit during the winter isn’t necessary, but it can be done. You need to decide what’s best for your system by looking at the advantages and disadvantages of covering the outside components. One thing to remember is that most manufacturers don’t recommend covering the outdoor unit. Pros to Covering Your Outdoor Unit Covering an outdoor unit does have some advantages, and there are some inexpensive covers you can invest in. If you choose to cover your unit, here are some benefits: A cover protects your air conditioner coils, so they stay a little cleaner, allowing them to run efficiently the next time you use the air conditioner. Protection from heavy debris, such as branches or sticks, is possible with an outdoor unit cover. Covering your outdoor unit helps prevent water resting on your coils, causing them to freeze when the temperature drops. Cons to Covering Your Outdoor Unit Covering your outdoor unit isn’t necessary because they are manufactured to withstand any type of weather. After reviewing the pros of covering your unit, here are the drawbacks if you choose to cover the outdoor unit: There is an increased chance water, and excess moisture won’t be able to drain out of the unit, leading to mold issues. Trapped moisture will also affect the electrical wiring, wiring connections, and circuit boards in your outdoor unit. Rain actually helps clear out debris from your outdoor unit that collects throughout the year. During the winter, small animals seek warm places for shelter against the colder elements. A covered unit is exactly the type of place pests will hide. They will leave excrement, feces, and debris inside the cover, causing damage to the components in your outdoor unit. One of the biggest reasons to not cover your outdoor unit is because most air conditioning manufacturers don’t recommend it. If you have a heat pump, you should never cover the outdoor unit for fear of a fire hazard. The Decision Is Yours Whether you cover your outdoor unit or not, the decision is completely up to you. You will have to weigh the pros and cons for what you think is best for your system. However, if you have a heat pump, you should never cover the outdoor unit since it is used year-round. Covering the outdoor components of a heat pump is a fire hazard and may result in massive damage.

On average a system can last between 10 to 25 years with preventative maintenance. The life expectancy of any HVAC system or equipment depends on the preventative maintenance and service performed on them, as well as the type of equipment and your usage. You want to always have a qualified HVAC technician perform maintenance at least twice a year on your equipment. Furnace Life Expectancy The life expectancy of a furnace depends on several factors. If your furnace was correctly sized for your square footage and installed by a licensed technician, you can expect a long lifespan. With regularly scheduled maintenance, your furnace could last anywhere from 15 years up to 25 years. Air Conditioning Unit Life Expectancy Just like with a furnace, an air conditioning unit’s lifespan will vary depending on how well it was sized for your home and if it was installed properly. You can get between 12 to 15 years out of your air conditioner if you have it inspected and serviced at least twice a year. Maintenance will catch issues with your air conditioner before they turn into massive failures down the road. Heat Pump Life Expectancy Heat pumps generally last up to 16 years with proper maintenance. A heat pump does the jobs of a furnace and air conditioner, so it doesn’t ever get a break. There can be extensive problems that lead to mechanical breakdowns and failures if you don’t have a technician inspect and clean the unit regularly. Tankless Water Heater Life Expectancy The life expectancy of a tankless water heater is dependent on the water quality, environmental conditions, usage rates, and scheduled maintenance performed on the unit. On average you can expect your tankless water heater to last up to 20 years or longer. Electric or Gas Water Heater Life Expectancy Often times, a water heater is forgotten when it comes to routine maintenance, but when the water turns cold, people soon remember them. Regular inspections and maintenance will keep your electric or gas water heater performing up to 10 years. Thermostat Life Expectancy Thermostats can last up to 25 years, but most people replace them as technology changes. Preventative maintenance inspects your thermostat for any performance issues, and a technician will let you know if your thermostat is lacking. Considering the importance of your thermostat for your heating and cooling system’s performance, you want to make sure it remains operational at all times.