Anyone that has a HVAC unit in their home knows how it important it is to have it properly maintaining it. An improperly or inefficiently functioning HVAC system that doesn’t work right is something that costs quite a lot of money. The article you’re about to read is composed of multiple tips concerning HVAC and learn what to do if you eventually need to replace it.
Check out the system that you have before you call a professional. You need to know who manufactured the product and the item number. Also, get the maintenance records from your files if you have them. This makes sure your contractor will be sufficiently prepared.
Know the name and type of your HVAC system before calling someone to fix it. This will help you to give the new contractor the necessary information.
Clean the condenser on your debris regularly. Excess debris can really affect your system’s quality. It can get overheated, which will cause problems with the whole system.
Know what you want done before you hire a contractor. It will be difficult for an HVAC contractor to provide you with an estimate over the phone if they have not seen your current setup is. It will be way more difficult for him to assist you can’t figure out what they need to do.
Clean the fan blades and coils on the condenser fan every spring. Shut the power off before you do anything. Next, pop the grill off, put the blades out and start to gently clean them along with the unit.
Clean your fan blades and coils come spring. Clean the outside of your external condenser unit regularly.
During the fall, leaves can gather around your HVAC. Clean outdoor units often to remove leaves. The fan must not have anything in the way so that air can flow into it, and if it is clogged, you’ll have a lot of headaches eventually.
Clean the debris off your condenser units. You never know when things can pile up, especially after a windy or rainy storm, and that can ruin your system. It could overheat and cause a disaster with your system to malfunction by overheating.
Consumers are usually advised to have their HVAC systems inspected twice a year. Your system should be inspected in Spring and Fall. Even if everything seems fine, check things out to find potential problems.
Turn it off first so nothing moves. Next, pop the grill off, pull out the blades and start cleaning them and the unit itself off gently.
During cold weather , be sure to turn off outdoor condenser units. To avoid damage, units should be turned off when temperatures are below 60 degrees. Doing this keeps your system working well for years and saves you from having to spend money to repair it.
Don’t get grass clippings pile up against your outdoor condenser. Aim the grass cuttings in the other direction. This applies to leaf blowing and any other yard work that results in the yard.
It is a good idea to replace single-paned windows with ones that have double panes. In warmer months, these windows will help to maintain the cooler inside temperature. This also helps retain heated air during the colder months.
Your HVAC units might suffer when your trees start to lose leaves. Make sure the fan’s grill is cleaned often during the leaves begin to fall. The fan needs to have an unobstructed path for air to enter the unit, and if it becomes blocked, you will have to contend with problems.
You should have your HVAC system inspected at least once, but preferably twice, per year. An HVAC specialist will inspect the entire system, including the oil, the motor, and the ducts. These few simple things will help your system to run at its peak performance.
10 Drops
Do your homework on a number of HVAC companies before selecting the one that has the best reputation and service record. Check with the BBB and online reviews as well. This is what you have to do in order to make a smart decision.
Lubricate the oil ports on your fan condenser at least once each year. You can easily find the ports covered with rubber or metal cap. Use a lightweight, and put 10 drops or fewer in each port, putting 10 drops in each port.
Use online AC sizing calculators to figure out what size unit you need. A unit that is bigger than you need simply isn’t efficient. Check the manual to see what the manufacturer rates the unit to cool for accurate information.
Put outdoor condensers in places with shade.
Ask your friends, relatives, and coworkers about their experiences with HVAC contractors in your area. People that have had quality work done are usually more than willing to share this information. This can also be used to see who you should avoid.
Have the HVAC system inspected twice a year at the least.This should be done in the fall and malfunctions.
Before you hire a contractor, make sure you get different quotes. This can help you to save money by knowing what people are charging. Ideally, you should call five to six contractors to get a good idea of what a reasonable rate is.
Turn off any outdoor condenser units when weather turns cold. This means that you should be done when the weather falls under 60 degrees Farenheit. This will help keep the system running efficiently for many years.
You should think about putting in a radiant barrier in order to help your system run efficiently. It blocks heat from the inside out, lowering the amount of energy needed to cool your home in the summer. If it’s done right, the attic can become another useful living space.
It is a good idea to replace single-paned windows for double pane ones. This also helps retain heated air during the winter months.
Do you want to buy a new cooling and heating system? There are many things to consider. Systems are given ratings by how effectively they can cool and heat an area. If your home falls in size between two units, select the one that is larger.
Install a programmable thermostat you can program to save money on cooling your home. Some can even be controlled from a PC or other device.
Check for duct leaks if your unit seems to not be working efficiently. Often, utility companies will test them free of charge. If you do have leaks that are repaired, this testing will pay for itself.
Air conditioners tend to ice up.The drain line might also freeze up.If you see this happen, switch the thermostat in your home to fan only so the compressor is disabled. If this doesn’t work, call in help.
If you would like your HVAC unit to be more efficient, simply look at where the front of your home faces. Trees placed in the right places can keep the sun from heating your home too much. A cooler home means less work for your air conditioner.
Look for calculators online to truly understand what size of unit is necessary for your home. Look at the manual or on the manufacturer website for air conditioners.
If you hear clicking inside your HVAC unit, look for an obstruction. A small amount of debris is often the cause of this problem. Simply get rid of the debris to get rid of the issue. Check this out before calling a repairman.
Ask around so you are looking for a HVAC contractor. People who they have had a good experience are worth calling. This can also a great way to get names of those companies that should be avoided.
Replace the air filter monthly to keep your HVAC system working well. This is an easy and essential thing to do. It only costs a couple of bucks to replace the filter.
Contractors determine their own fee levels, so make sure that you acquire multiple estimates. You can save a bit of cash simply by doing your homework. You want to get quotes from at least a handful of contractors to determine what you should be paying.
Pick an HVAC business that understands the unit and works quickly to solve the problem. A sign of a great company is one that arrives on time for their appointment. These techs should be able to figure out what is up with an HVAC rather quickly. After they know what the problem is, it’s just a matter of time before they have it back and running properly.
Check the ducts to find any leaks if you you feel your existing system is not be working efficiently. Once you fix the leaks, you will save substantial money on heating and cooling costs.
When placing your AC unit, think about the direction the air will flow. When it’s being put into a corner, you have to be able to direct the air out into free space.
Figure out which direction your home is facing so your HVAC system more efficient. The cooler your home already is, the easier time the air conditioner in your home will have.
Cover your condenser in the winter. This simple tip will extend the life of your condenser considerably. Also don’t use the compressor when it’s less than about 60 degrees outside. Avoid placing a strain on your unit by using the fan instead.
Make certain they are tightly sealed so air inside. You can hire someone to test them.
Any HVAC contractor references given to you need checking out. Do not make the mistake of assuming that these people were pleased with their experience. Calling a reference only takes a few minutes and can save you a lot of time and trouble hiring the wrong company.
There are contractors out there that will overcharge you later for things like fuel charges and material fees. Having a solid written contract will help to avoid any issues like this.
Consider have a programmable thermostat installed. This will help you to regulate the temperature at all times.
Always check any references that are given to you receive for an HVAC contractor.
Keep the condenser on your HVAC unit protected during the cold weather. Place a thick blanket over the unit to help protect it from the elements. Do not implement this unit if the temperature outside dips below 60 degrees, as your system will not be as effective below this temperature.
This tells you the number of BTUs your new system requires to keep the environment of your home comfortable.
Be sure your HVAC repair company gives you a written estimate. Estimates must be committed to paper. There are quite a few jobs that you have to get written estimates for to see what they take. It will ensure that you get treated fairly. Get a few estimates from different people and pay attention to what each is offering. Don’t just take the cheapest estimate as the company may be uneducated or shady.
These units are energy efficient and meet the strict efficiency guidelines. The guidelines are created by the EPA. They are in charge of protecting the EPA for short.Taking the time to fully research various units may help you get long-term savings on energy costs.
Find an HVAC professional who uses Energy Star equipment. This rating means that the EPA. This means that they can help you save more on your bills year round.
Hvac System
Do you better understand the job of your HVAC system now? Do you understand simple maintenance techniques and how to keep your system operating year-round? The last thing that anyone wants is an HVAC system that doesn’t work right, because it costs a lot of money to get that fixed. Keep these tips in mind as you strive to keep your HVAC unit in the best shape possible.
