You may think the topic of HVAC is complicated. This is probably because you don’t have the subject.
Get all of the details regarding a broken system before calling for repair. It is important to understand what model it is and which brand it is. Also, if it has been serviced before, you should have that information handy. This makes sure your contractor will be sufficiently prepared.
If your HVAC is giving you problems, check things out yourself prior to calling in a technician. This will help the contractor determine where the problem is.
Before an HVAC expert comes to your home to do any repair work, walk around the home and check out the temps in every room. Make a list of the rooms which are comfortable and which just aren’t. The contractor can probably figure out and fix the problem easier.
Turn the power off first so you don’t get hurt or break something. Next, pop off the grill, put the blades out and start to gently clean them along with the unit.
A big mistake that people make is cutting the grass next to the outdoor condenser unit and allowing all of the clippings to blow inside the fan and coil. Direct the grass clippings in a direction away from the HVAC unit. This applies when you are taking care of the leaves in the yard.
Lubricate your condenser at least once a year. You will notice these ports as they have a rubber or metal cap covering them. Use a lightweight, detergent-free SAE 20 oil, but make sure to avoid overfilling them.
Check to determine if the fan condenser on your HVAC system is equipped with oil ports, and if it is, be sure to lubricate every year. You’ll see that the ports here are closed with a rubber or metal cap. Chose SAE 20 oil, which has been proven to be the most effective.
Put outdoor unit in places with shade.
Find a place that is shaded for your compressor. If the unit is taking in cooler air, the efficiency will be boosted since it will not need to work as hard.
A programmable thermostat can help save money on your air conditioning bill. Some programmable thermostats can even be controlled from your smart phone or computer.
Get your HVAC unit serviced two times per year. This should be done in the fall and again in the spring. Whether you know of problems or not, good maintenance will help you to avoid future issues.
During your service visit, the system motor will be inspected, inspect the motor and the freon levels. These simple things will help your HVAC system running smoothly.
If possible, your single pane windows should be replaced with double-paned ones. Double pane windows will allow you to use less air during the summer because cooler air will stay in your house. Likewise, in the winter more hot air stays inside during the cold season.
Research the reputation of companies that you consider using. Check them out at the BBB and look for your situation. This will help you make the right choice.
Install a thermostat you can program to save money on cooling your home. With this device installed, it can help you save money on your energy bills by you having the power to regulate the temperature throughout the day. Some newer programmable thermostats have computerized controls you can access from your personal computer, laptop or mobile media device.
Air conditioners sometimes ice up at times. The drain line may also freeze over. If you notice this, put your thermostat over to fan. You can call a HVAC professional, but switching to the fan setting should start to melt the ice.
If nobody is home, turn off the air conditioner to save money. Even though the house will get hotter, it won’t get too bad if the unit is off. When you keep it on, you will be using electricity.
Look for air conditioner sizing calculators online to help you determine the size of unit you need for your home. Look in the manual to determine the recommended size for this information.
Look online for a/c sizing calculators so you can really understand the unit size needed for your home or room. A unit that is bigger than you need simply isn’t efficient. Look at the manual to determine the recommended size for air conditioners.
Ask for helpful information when you can find a reputable HVAC contractor. People who have had quality work done are often happy to share the name of their contractor. This can also be used to see who you learn the names of those companies that you should avoid hiring.
Check any company you are considering to see how long it has been around. This will ensure that you find someone who knows their stuff. If you choose to hire a new contractor, you may be risking things.
Think about having a radiant barrier in your attic so support the efficient functioning of your HVAC system can run better. It blocks outside heat from coming in which will make sure you won’t have to use more energy to keep your home cool when it’s hot or cold as it should be. You could even find that you can use the attic as part of your living space if it is done right.
Ask those you know for the name of a great HVAC technician, should you need one. People that have had quality work done are usually more than willing to share this information. It’s also a good way to learn the names of contractors you should avoid.
Are you looking into getting a HVAC system? You need to think about a few things into account. The systems are it can cover.You are better off purchasing a bigger unit rather than a bit too small.
If you don’t know who you should call to repair, install and maintain your HVAC systems, check out reviews online. A simple search should yield a number of sites with informative reviews. This will tell you who is great and who isn’t.
Check for duct leaks if you you feel your unit seems to not up to snuff. When these leaks are fixed, you’ll see that the tests paid for themselves.
Get a handful of quotes before accepting any. You have the potential to save a great deal of money if you make several calls prior to reaching a final decision. You should try to contact 5 to 6 contractors to find out what price you can reasonably expect to pay.
Make sure they have tight seals to keep air can’t seep in. A professional can sometimes test the windows and many times the testing is free.
Make your HVAC work efficiently when you consider what way your home faces. If you have some trees that are placed in good spots, you can be sure they block the sunlight during the morning. You will reduce the need for AC when your home is naturally cooler.
Measure the living area you wish to cool before buying a unit. You can usually substitute 20 BTU for each square foot in the room. If multiple rooms need cooling, get their square footage added together.
If the HVAC unit makes a clicking noise, look immediately to see if there is an obstruction. Often it is being caused by debris hitting fans in your cooling system. Get rid of this obstruction and that should take care of the problem. Do this before calling for assistance.
Replace the air filter to keep your HVAC system every month. This represents an easy way to help you keep your system working well.
When choosing the proper air conditioner size, measure the area that needs cooling. This calculation will tell you how many BTU’s you need. When several rooms must be cooled, determine the square footage of each room and then add the numbers together.
Pick an HVAC business that understands the unit and can work quickly. The best companies will ensure that their technicians stay on schedule and keep appointments. The tech will also know how to find the best possible options. After they see what the problem is, it should be taken care of right away.
In terms of regular maintenance, you should be able to replace your HVAC air filter every month . That’s the easiest thing to do so your unit continues running in good shape. It only costs a couple of bucks to replace the filter.
Ask any potential contractor about their experience prior to hiring them. You need to verify they have done the type of experience needed to work you require.
Ask any contractor you’re thinking of hiring for references. You want to make sure that the contractor has satisfied previous customers. That way, you can avoid scammers more easily.
Always get references from a contractor.
Does your contractor provide you with an all-day emergency hotline? They should be there when you need them, no matter what.
There are some contractors out there that will overcharge you. Having a solid written contract will help you avoid issues like this.
Ensure that you have a written contract of the work to be completed. Do not get scammed with material fees and fuel charges. Solid written contracts can help you avoid these issues.
Cover your condenser unit for protection in the weather becomes less than optimal. This will allow it to last longer when you’re not being used. Use the fan instead to avoid straining the unit.
Drape a cover over your condenser unit in the winter to protect it. This will help your condenser last longer when not being used. Also, never use your compressor when the outside temperature is less than 60 degrees. Just use the fan so that you do not stress the unit.
Becoming familiar with HVAC systems is something this article will have aided you with. Once you are motivated to learn, it’s easier to get started, so make sure you take this into consideration before you begin. You won’t be sorry you did, especially when it clicks in your mind!
Be sure to search for an HVAC center that carries Energy Star rated products. If they have Energy Star logo, then you know that the product has met the standards set for energy efficiency set forth by the EPA. This will help you save cash on energy all year.
