Heating And Air Conditioning Mechanical Wear And Tear: 101

What is Mechanical Wear And Tear?

Any time a machine or mechanical system operates, the components wear down a bit. This could be from an accumulation of dirt and grime, frequent changes in temperature during operation, or a number of other factors.

While it sounds bad, normal wear and tear isn’t actually a bad thing; it occurs as a result of even the most competent and efficient machine operations. The trick is understanding it and planning for it. Particularly for a system that runs as frequently as an HVAC system.

So What is HVAC Wear And Tear?

HVAC wear and tear, then, is the mechanical wear and tear that occurs during day-to-day HVAC operations. Again, this isn’t a bad thing. Wear and tear is natural and occurs in all HVAC systems. With annual tune-ups and frequent air filter changes, though, HVAC wear and tear can be kept in check, and help homeowners avoid much larger repairs down the road.

Some of the HVAC components that can be affected by wear and tear are:

• Condenser coil
• Evaporator coil
• Compressor

What Type of HVAC Damages Can That Cause?

Each of the components mentioned above is critical to the HVAC system. For example, while the condenser and evaporator coils work within the HVAC system, they naturally collect dust. If left like this, they can eventually lose efficiency, and cause damages to the HVAC system’s other components so that it will have to work harder to reach the desired temperature.

Not only does this shorten the lifespan of the HVAC drastically, it means higher bills and less reliable heating and cooling for homeowners. Even more seriously, a dirty evaporator coil can also freeze, which would lead to breaking the compressor. Compressors can seldom be repaired once broken, and replacing them is costly. They are, arguably, the most important component of the HVAC system.

Why Are HVAC Problems Are so Frequent?

As mentioned above, HVAC mechanical wear and tear sounds serious. If left unchecked, it can lead to serious damages and costly repairs, and many homeowners do unfortunately choose to forego basic HVAC maintenance in an attempt to save money. However, homeowners can prevent many of these common HVAC issues with annual or semi-annual HVAC tune-ups and cleanings.

That’s why HVAC problems don’t need to be as frequent as they are for some homeowners. Only certified HVAC professionals should clean the coils and the other mechanical components. Doing this will increase the system’s efficiency, which will mean better temperature control and lower heating and cooling bills. What can homeowners do on their own to avoid HVAC problems?

Besides scheduling regular maintenance, homeowners should remember to change their air filters frequently. Over time, air filters become clogged with the dirt and allergens they collect. Once air is no longer able to pass through, HVAC systems become strained as they work to cool dirty air and push it through vents with dirt and dust built up. This increases the rate of wear and tear on the system. Changing the air filter before it becomes clogged, though, helps keep the system running smoothly, and minimizes the wear and tear.

About Kuhn Air Conditioning

Kuhn Air Conditioning is considered Nashville’s go-to HVAC company. Their certified heating and cooling professionals have been helping homeowners maintain their HVAC systems for twenty years. Kuhn Air Conditioning’s HVAC technicians provide exceptional service with flat-rate pricing every time.