- The strange side of your HVAC unit revealed...
Many homeowners have HVAC units that they use year-round to keep their residences comfortable.
Who wants to be forced to wear a toque and heavy sweater indoors or a tank top and underwear indoors when it’s too cold or too hot inside their residences? HVAC units help to maintain a comfortable interior temperature — regardless of the exterior temperature — which is a good thing for your family and guests.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, nearly nine in 10 homes across the U.S. in 2020 used AC units. And of those people, 66% had central systems. Depending on where you live, an HVAC unit might not necessarily be a must. But many people live in states where the weather during parts of the year almost requires using HVAC units.
While HVAC units are the sorts of things people seldom notice unless they malfunction, some things about them might make you scratch your head.
Keep reading to learn more about six of the strangest things about HVAC units.
- Your HVAC Units Can Sweat
Did you know that HVAC units can sweat? In humid environments, HVACs can accumulate condensation, which can make it look like they’re “sweating.” All this sweating, however, can be a problem since excessive moisture build-up may cause water damage or mold formation. That can become a pricey problem and a health issue.
- Your Nose Knows When It’s Broken
If something’s wrong with the HVAC, your sense of smell might pick up on it before it breaks down. A burning, fishy, or musty scent emanating from your HVAC unit could point to electrical problems, mold issues, or other problems that should be dealt with. When it comes to your HVAC system, trust your nose and book a service call sooner rather than later.
- Your HVAC Can Affect Your Mood
Research shows there’s a connection between higher temperatures and increased anxiety and agitation. There are also studies showing that indoor temperature control and air quality can impact, for better or worse, mood, cognitive function, and productivity.
So, getting an HVAC for your home can help people keep their cool — literally and figuratively — during the summer. It can also keep them in a positive state of mind indoors when it’s bitterly cold outdoors.
- Your AC Could Be Attracting Bugs
It might surprise you to learn that your HVAC unit could be attracting bugs — which could lead to an infestation if you’re not careful. If your HVAC unit is leaking water or isn’t draining efficiently, it could create an ideal environment for insects like mosquitoes, cockroaches, and other insects you’d prefer to keep outside of your dwelling.
Having to call pest control can cost you a small fortune. It’s best to take steps to prevent an infestation rather than let it happen and pay the price.
- Your AC Might Be Too Powerful
While you want an HVAC unit that can efficiently heat or cool your home as needed, sometimes a unit can be too powerful.
You need a unit that’s the right size for your residence. If, for instance, it cools your home too fast, it may not remove sufficient humidity. That could make the air feel damp and uncomfortable.
- Your HVAC Can Cause Power Outages
During extreme heat waves when tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands, or millions of homeowners use their HVAC units, the sudden increase in usage can overload power grids and lead to blackouts.
Unless you have a backup power source, you won’t be able to cool your dwelling at all until the grid goes back online.
These are some things about HVAC units you might not be aware of. When looking for a good unit, it’s best to focus on quality so that it doesn’t fail you when you can least afford it. Get a quality model from a reputable manufacturer, and ensure it’s made with quality components like a good condenser coil and other key parts.
A good HVAC unit can potentially last for about a decade with proper maintenance, but proper maintenance is key to get as much longevity as possible.