Many folks don’t know how to properly maintain an HVAC system, even though it is a critical component of their home. Learning the ins and outs of choosing an HVAC professional to maintain or repair services is a wise move for any smart homeowner. The following article will get you started.
Before calling for help, know the system you have. You need to know who manufactured the product and the item number. Also, get the maintenance records from your files if you have them. In this way, you can be sure your repair person has all vital information.
If you’ve been having trouble with an HVAC system, do a tour of your house before you call in help. This information will help the repairman determine where the problem is and how to fix it.
Make certain that you clean your condenser when the weather begins to warm. Start by turning off the power to avoid having anything move when you work on it. After you have turned the power off, you simply remove the grill and the blades to perform a gentle cleansing.
Know what you need before you select an HVAC contractor. It will be difficult for an HVAC contractor to give you a price estimate over the phone without knowing what your current setup is. It will be more hard if you can’t figure out what they need to do.
When you’re trying to cut your grass, don’t cover a unit outside with the clippings. Shoot the grass away from the unit. The same thing should go on when you blow leaves, so take your time when you’re working around HVAC units that are around when you’re blowing debris around.
Clean your fan and coils each spring to ensure that your condenser fan operates at it’s best. Clean off any leaves or debris from your condenser unit regularly.
If the fan on your condenser includes oil ports, they must be lubricated annually. A rubber or metal cap is typically placed over such ports. Look for an oil that is lightweight and then put about 10 drops inside the port. You don’t want to put in too much.
Your HVAC units might suffer when your trees begin dropping their leaves. Make sure the unit’s fan grill is cleaned often during the fall. The fan must stay clear in order to function, and if debris is blocking this air flow, then your system could suffer.
If you are going to be gone during the day or on vacation, turn the temperature up on your air conditioning unit. When you turn it off, the house heats up, but only to a certain threshold. When you keep it on, you will be using electricity.
Sae 20 Oil
Make certain you properly investigate any company prior to hiring them. It is a good idea to check with the BBB and look for reviews from prior clients. This will help you make the best choice.
Lubricate the oil ports on your condenser at least once a year. These are usually covered by a rubber or metal caps. Use SAE 20 oil that is non-detergent and lightweight, detergent-free SAE 20 oil, but make sure to avoid overfilling them.
Find an air conditioner calculator online to determine what models are best for you. While you might think that a larger HVAC system is always better, in fact, larger systems sometimes are not the best choice for a particular space. Look at the manual to determine the recommended size for air conditioners.
Put outdoor units in the shade.
Make certain the HVAC company you choose has a proven track record. Companies that are around awhile have a better record than those that haven’t been. It is always risky to hire a contractor with little experience.
It is always a good idea to replace single-paned windows for double panes.This will also help you keep the warm air inside.
Ask your friends and relations for their HVAC contractor recommendations. People who’ve had great service are usually willing to tell of it. It’s also important to do this to learn which companies should not be contracted for work.
A programmable thermostat can help you out when it comes to your power bills. Some programmable thermostats can even be controlled from a computer.
Ask for quotes from multiple contractors. Making some phone calls before deciding is a good way to save money. To figure out what a good rate is, speak with about five or six contractors.
During the visit, the contractor will oil parts, oil the different moving parts as well as check the system’s freon levels. These simple things will keep your HVAC system running smoothly.
Are you going to buy a new HVAC system? There are some things to consider. First, the rating a system has indicates how much area they can warm up or cool down. It is best to get a bigger unit than you need, instead of a smaller one.
Never allow your home to rise to a dangerously high level. An AC unit is really only able to reduce the temperature by twenty degrees in a fair time. If your home gets above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, then you will only be able to reasonably cool to around 80. This is not a healthy environment to live in.
Make sure that your ducts are not leaking. You can call in your local utility company to do the testing for you, often for free or at a lower cost than a contractor. You’ll see the test pays for itself once all leaks are fixed.
Research and check the companies before hiring them. Check with the BBB and online reviews of potential companies online. These simple steps are going to help to ensure your decision is a better decision.
Inspect your HVAC unit quickly for blockage if you become away of any clicking sound. Frequently the cause is some kind of debris that is making contact with the cooling system of the fan. Simply clear away the debris or remove any foreign objects and your problem is solved. Check the fan and coil before you waste time contacting a professional.
Companies that are well established have a better record than those that can help you decide if they’re worth your money and time. It is riskier to hire someone who does not have a contractor with little experience.
You need to check your windows and outside doors to make certain your HVAC runs well. Each of these should have an airtight seal on them. Testing for energy efficiency may be free, if you are interested in hiring a professional to find out.
Ask your friends and family for their HVAC contractor recommendations. People that have had a good experience are usually more than willing to share the name of their contractor. This is also let you know which companies to stay away from.
When considering what size AC unit your home needs, be sure to measure the immediate area you need to cool. The calculation to determine the size of the unit is typically 20 BTU for every square foot of area. If you have a lot of rooms to keep cool, get their square footage added together.
Contractors charge different rates, so make sure you get quotes from several contractors before you make any hiring decision. You will be likely to save a lot of cash if you take the time to call around before you decide. You should try to contact 5 to 6 contractors to find out what reasonable rates are.
You should replace the filter on your HVAC system once every month. This is such a simple thing that takes little time, and it can save you money by helping to keep your system running longer. Also, this will not cost a lot of money.
When your HVAC works correctly, your home will be comfortable. But when these systems malfunction, it can be quite frustrating if you do not know the ins and outs of engaging the services of a skilled professional. Fortunately, the information here can help.
Find a HVAC company that knows its stuff. A reliable company will arrive on time and have the job finished in a jiffy. The best workers can take a look at your system rather quickly and diagnose the trouble. This will maximize your overall satisfaction.
