It is frustrating to have a failing HVAC system when the weather is at it’s peak.Learning as much as you can about HVAC systems prior to contacting a professional will help you choose the topic means being able to make decisions down the road. Read this article to get started on to learn about that.
Lubricate your fan condenser at least once a year. You’ll find these ports are covered with a metal or rubber cap. Pick out a SAE 20 type of oil because it has no detergent, is lightweight, and you should put around 10 drops in the ports but make it to where they don’t get too full.
Know the name and type of system before looking for a repair person. This will enable you to give your chosen contractor the necessary information.
When choosing the area for placing an outdoor compressor device, place it in a shady area. The cooler air that the unit can suck in, the less work it will need to do to further cool the air.
If problems arise with the HVAC system, check things out yourself prior to calling in a technician. This will help the repairman determine where the problem is and how to fix it.
To increase the efficiency of your HVAC unit, be sure to keep it in the shade. This will help you save on your energy bill.
Be sure to regularly clean external condenser units. You never know when things can pile up, especially after a windy or rainy storm, and that can ruin your system. It can also cause the unit to overheat and break down.
It is very important that your HVAC system is serviced two times a year. Check into it twice a year before you head into the hot and cold months. A quick check is worth it to avoid problems down the road.
Turn it off so you don’t get hurt or break something. Then, take the grill off, pull the blades out, and begin cleaning the unit and them gently.
When it gets cold outside, turn off the outdoor condensers. If the temperature outside is less than 60ºF, be sure to turn off the unit so that you don’t damage it. Doing this keeps your system working well for years and saves you from having to spend money to repair it.
Lubricate the oil ports on your condenser once a year. You can easily find these ports as they have a rubber or metal caps. Use a lightweight, detergent-free SAE 20 oil, but make sure to avoid overfilling them.
Service your HVAC yearly. During a maintenance visit, professionals can help by inspecting the system’s motor, oil the different moving parts as well as check the system’s freon levels. Small problems can occur in any of these areas and lead to serious issues if ignored for too long.
It is always a good idea to replace single-paned windows with ones that have double pane ones. This also keeps warm air during the colder months.
Shut off the air conditioning if nobody is home. You don’t need to keep the house cool if you aren’t there. Leaving the system on all day will cost a lot of money in terms of electricity.
During your service visit, they will inspect the motor of the system, the moving parts will be oiled and the freon levels will be checked These simple tasks will keep your system running smoothly.
When you want a HVAC contractor who is reliable, you need to spend some time in researching the background and reputation of several potential companies. Check reputations at the BBB, and read online reviews to gauge customer satisfaction. These simple steps will help make a better decision.
Do not allow your house get dangerously hot. Air conditioners really can cool a home by just twenty degrees in a reasonable amount of time. If the temperature in your home rises above 100 degrees, it will only cool off to about 80F. This won’t be a safe and comfortable temperature for you to sleep in.
Sometimes, air conditioners collect ice. The drain line might also freeze over. If this is something you notice, switch the thermostat in your home to fan only so the compressor is disabled. While switching the system to the fan setting should begin the ice melting process, the best thing to do is to hire a professional to deal with the problem.
Research and check the reputation of companies that you consider using. Check with the best one for your situation. This is what you have to do in order to make the right choice.
Make sure to make a well-informed decision on the size of your HVAC. If you buy a unit that’s too large, it won’t be energy efficient for your needs. Read over the owner’s manual to see the manufacturers suggestions as to the cooling capacity of the unit for the most accurate information.
Look for calculators online to truly understand what size of unit is necessary for your home. Look in the manual to determine the recommended size for air conditioners.
Ask for helpful information when you are looking for a HVAC contractor. People will tell you who they have used and if they are worth calling. It’s also a good way to learn the names of contractors you should avoid.
There are many sites now that let customers share their experiences with different services. This will help you to find a top notch professional.
It is always a wise move to obtain a few quotes from different contractors because prices can vary. This can help you to save money by knowing what people are charging. Call at least four or five different HVAC specialist to find the best rates.
Think about getting a radiant barrier installed in your attic so your HVAC system. It ensures that your home cool when it’s hot outside. You could even use your attic space more effectively.
If you current HVAC doesn’t work that well, try testing ducts for leaks. A local utility company often performs free duct testing. If it isn’t free, then it is still cheaper than an HVAC specialist in most areas. When you get leaks repaired, you may see that the testing pays for itself.
Figure out which direction your home is facing so your HVAC system can work better. The cooler your home already is, the fewer occasions you have to use your air conditioner.
Make an HVAC system run more efficiently by determining what direction your house faces. If you strategically place trees, it’s possible to block some of the morning sunlight so your home won’t become overheated. If there is less heat coming into your home, then your air conditioning unit won’t have to work as hard.
Make sure they are tightly sealed so air inside. You can also hire a professional to test them.
Make sure that your doors and windows are efficient. Seal them tightly to prevent air from coming in. Testing for energy efficiency may be free, if you are interested in hiring a professional to find out.
Getting help from a HVAC professional might be intimidating. But, with the right tips, you will know how to find a professional you can trust. With the information given, you will hopefully be prepared now.
Take measurements of the space you are trying to cool. For each square foot you’ll need 20 BTU of cooling power. If you need to cool multiple rooms, make sure to add the square footage together.
