So why is my heating and cooling system not heating and cooling?
A 4 year old HVAC filter
This is a clear indication no one has serviced this system in at least 4 years.
So why is my heating and cooling system not heating and cooling? Well in most cases the cheapest component of the system is the culprit. Yup the air filter is never cleaned or replaced causing the system to struggle for air flow, which causes other problems that lead to the system failing to perform as intended.
This post is intended to motivate you to remove your air filter so you can take a photo of the correct size, then go purchase a 3 pack of air cleaners, then take a sharpie and write the date on the new filter you are about to install facing the living area so you can easily look and see the last time you changed it.
If you have pets i recommend changing every 2 months or more, if no pets every 3 months should be fine.
I have a older AC unit and it’s making more noise than usual. Does the increased noise mean it’s time to replace it, or can older units still be repaired? Are newer units better / more efficient?
Hello Mr Graham, Thank you for your question. HVAC units can make different noises depending on whats causing the noise. For example when you hear a high pitched sucking noise it typically indicates a dirty return filter as pictured in this post. Other types of noise could be a blower wheel may be out of balance causing a vibration, some times neglected blower wheels have a dirt build-up causing it to be out of balance or other components of blower wheel are failing.
Most units can be repaired however it maybe more cost effective to replace the unit. Old units lose there energy efficiency over time. The typical life expectancy of a heating or cooling system is 15-20 years.
Stay Cool My Friend
Thank you for such an informative article. My upstairs master bedroom does not cool very well. The ideas you presented are great and I plan to try them! They are doable and I expect to get relief soon.