Steer clear of faulty installations. Call 281-391-1510 to schedule a free estimate with BVS Home Experts.
If you installed your HVAC system within the past few years, you should not experience many, if any, problems with it. But if a technician installed your system without undergoing a permit inspection or providing proof of their expertise, they might have installed your HVAC system incorrectly. Improper HVAC installation accounts for several air conditioning and heating woes.
But how do you know whether your problems stem from unprofessional installation services? As the top providers of heating and air conditioning services in Katy, TX, our team at BVS Home Experts deals with these fiascos. So we compiled a list of signs that point to incorrect HVAC installation techniques.
See whether the following indicators apply to you.
#1 Low Airflow
Most people expect a healthy, strong burst of air to flow through their vents. But an improperly installed unit may not produce this refreshing burst air on demand. Instead, air streams weakly out of the vents, providing each room with a steady but insufficient supply of conditioned air.
Depending on the season, you might notice each room feeling a bit too cool or warm. This problem develops because of low airflow. When unskilled contractors who don’t specialize in HVAC services install a new system, they sometimes use duct and vent networks that don’t fit the building’s needs.
An undersized network produces too little conditioned air. An oversized network’s materials can bunch up and block airflow. Either way, your comfort suffers.
#2 Electrical Disconnections
An HVAC system’s electrical connections are among the most sensitive and intricate networks. Many units vibrate during regular operations. The vibration can cause unsecured wires to loosen and eventually disconnect.
Electrical disconnections can cause the system to stop working altogether. An experienced technician will carefully navigate and secure each connection throughout the installation.
#3 Operational Issues
HVAC technicians often deal with short or long cycling. Short cycling refers to frequent operational cycles that don’t last long enough. Long cycling means operations that last longer than 20 minutes on average.
Both cycles place extra stress on the system’s components, requiring more frequent and increasingly expensive repairs. Your power bills will become more costly as energy waste increases. Plus, you’ll never feel completely comfortable in certain areas since the cycles supply too much or too little conditioned air.
#4 Excess Humidity
Does the air in your home feel strangely thick and humid? Improper HVAC installation often results in bad air quality. Excess humidity signifies a decline in indoor air quality.
An improper refrigerant charge is the usual suspect in such cases. Most units come with a certain amount of refrigerant that doesn’t always fit the unit’s needs.
HVAC technicians adjust the refrigerant levels after installation services. Without that adjustment, you’ll have moist air that may support mold growth over the years.
#5 Unstable Outdoor Unit
Can you hear your outdoor unit when a cycle kicks on? Does it make obnoxious, loud sounds throughout the cycle? Check the installation location.
All four supports should touch a solid concrete pad. The pad should have plenty of room to accommodate the unit. If your unit isn’t stable, it will wobble and make lots of racket throughout each cycle.
#6 High Energy Bills
Many of the warning signs listed here contribute to expensive power bills. New units typically work more efficiently than old ones. Most people notice a decrease in their energy expenses following an HVAC installation.
However, improper installation techniques thwart energy efficiency. Your system works too hard to accomplish its task. You aren’t enjoying the output you expected.
#7 Improper Placement
A properly trained and certified technician uses the following rules of thumb when placing a unit:
- Never secure the new unit in the same area as the old one. The new unit needs a stable area designed for its size.
- Install the unit in a shady area. Ample sunlight can overwhelm the unit.
- Install the thermostat in a central area away from windows. The thermometer needs an accurate reading to send the correct messages to the unit. Otherwise, it will react to the sun’s heat rather than your home’s needs.
Did your previous technician break any of these rules? If so, call a reputable service provider to inspect and correct your HVAC system.
#8 Parts Wear Out Quickly
Most HVAC systems don’t need repairs until they reach five to ten years of service. Homeowners can prolong this period of few repairs with regular maintenance. However, a badly installed system doesn’t usually make the five-year mark before its components need replacements.
It undergoes excess stress daily. Loose electrical connections, improper placement, insufficient refrigerant, and other factors will force you to seek repairs within the first couple of years. The sooner you need repair services, the sooner you need full HVAC replacement services.
Improper installation can cut a system’s lifespan in half. Most units last between ten and 20 years. You might get five to ten years out of yours.
#9 No Permit Inspection
HVAC technicians should pull permits immediately following an installation service. This means that the technician will contact a municipal inspector to check their installation work. If the inspector finds the finished product satisfactory, they’ll provide a permit or certificate stating that the HVAC system meets municipal standards.
While some regions require permits for every installation, others don’t. A few contractors may avoid pulling permits to make more money and cut corners.
Do you remember whether your installation technician pulled a permit for your service? If not, now is the time to contact a reputable HVAC company for assistance.
Avoid Improper HVAC Installation with BVS Home Experts
Improper HVAC installation and skipping HVAC maintenance lead to many of the common issues homeowners often face. You can circumvent these problems by choosing BVS Home Experts to service your system in Katy, TX. Choose us for trustworthy HVAC services from reputable technicians.
At BVS Home Experts, we’re committed to keeping Katy, TX, and surrounding areas comfortable. Call 281-391-1510 to schedule a proper HVAC installation service.
