Having an HVAC system that works well can be enjoyable in the home. However, if the system fails, it can cause a lot of headaches. Learning about your HVAC system begins with the chances of a breakdown; these tips below.
Prior to putting in a service call on your HVAC, be able to identify it. Look for the model and brand number. This will help you give the new contractor the necessary information.
Know what type of your HVAC system you currently have before calling someone to fix it. This will ensure that you to give your chosen contractor all the information they might need.
Check the whole house before you call for help. Figure out which rooms feel hot and which feel cold. You can then relay this information to the technician so that they can more easily figure out what the problem is.
Know what you need before you select an HVAC contractor. A contractor will be hard pressed to provide you an over-the-phone estimate if unfamiliar with your system. It will be more hard if you can’t figure out what they need to do.
Keep outside condenser fans running smoothly by cleaning fan blades and coils before the summer begins. Shut off power before working or cleaning your system. Clean the outside of your condenser unit regularly.
Clean the fan blades and coils each spring to ensure that your condenser fan operates at it’s best. Clean the outdoor condenser unit regularly.
Some fan condensers may contain oil parts, and if yours does, ensure it is lubricated at least once per year. The port usually has either a rubber or metal cap on top of it. Choose an oil graded SAE 20, it is non-detergent and lightweight. Place about 10 drops into each of the ports, taking care that it does not overfill.
Don’t get grass clippings pile up against your outdoor condenser. Aim your grass cuttings in a different direction from the unit. This also applies when you are taking care of the leaves in the yard.
Look for shade when placing a compressor outdoors. If you have a unit taking in air that’s cooler, it won’t have to work so hard to cool air that it sends to your home.
Your outdoor HVAC unit may suffer when trees start to lose their leaves. Make sure you clean out your fan grill is cleaned frequently when the leaves begin to fall. The fan must be unobstructed to work properly, and if it becomes blocked, you will have to contend with problems.
Boost energy efficiency by putting your condenser unit in the shade. It will help you save on your energy bill when you do this.
Sae 20 Oil
One way to save some money with A/C is by having a programmable thermostat installed. It will help save on your heating and cooling costs by turning itself down at certain times. Some programmable thermostats can even be controlled from a PC or other device.
Lubricate your condenser once each year. You will see rubber or metal caps covering them. Use SAE 20 oil that is non-detergent and lightweight, detergent-free SAE 20 oil, but make sure to avoid overfilling them.
Service your HVAC yearly. When they come out for a service visit, expect inspections of freon levels and the motor, and they will oil all the moving parts. This will help keep your system performing at maximum efficiency.
Put your outdoor condensers in places with shade.
In order to select an HVAC contractor that you can trust, it pays to invest some time researching a few prospective companies and checking their reputations. It is a good idea to check with the BBB and look for reviews from prior clients. Take these steps to ensure you make wise choices.
It is always a good idea to replace single-paned windows for double panes.This also helps keep it warm in the colder months.
Problems with an air conditioning unit happen when it ices up. You may even mistake the frozen drains as an issue for a plumber. If you see this, immediately put your thermostat on the fan setting to turn off your compressor. If the issue persists, call in help.
A programmable thermostat can really help save money on air conditioning costs. Some programmable thermostats can even be controlled from your smart phone or other device.
Figure out how long the HVAC company you choose has been in business. Someone that has been in the business for a while probably isn’t going to scam you. Hiring a new company will be riskier.
During the visit, they will inspect the motor of the system, oil the unit’s moving parts and ensure the unit has proper freon levels. These simple tasks will boost the performance of your HVAC system running smoothly.
Use recommendations when you are looking for a contractor. If a person had a good experience with a company, they are likely to share it. This will also help you avoid scammers.
Don’t let your house get overly hot. Air conditioners are limited in that they can only reduce the indoor temperature 20 degrees or so within a reasonable time limit. So, if your home temp reaches 100 degrees, you won’t see the temperature go below 75 for a while.This won’t be a safe and comfortable temperature for you to sleep in.
In order for your HVAC system to run more efficiently, think about putting a radiant barrier in your attic. This mechanism will prevent outside heat from coming in, reducing your energy consumption when cooling. If it’s done right, the attic can become another useful living space.
Research the reputation of companies that you consider using. Check with the BBB and look for reviews posted by former customers. Doing this can help you choose wisely..
Check the ducts to find any leaks if you you feel your existing system is not up to snuff. 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. If a leak is found, the money spent on finding and repairing the leak will pay for itself.
Ask people that you know and family for their HVAC contractor recommendations. People who’ve had great service are usually more than willing to tell of it. This can also help you learn the names of businesses that you should avoid at all costs.
Measure the living area you wish to cool before going air conditioner shopping. The area’s calculation can help you figure out what the size is and there are 20 BTUs for every foot squared in this area. Make certain that you calculate using all of the rooms the unit will be treating.
There are a few sites now that allow customers to share their experiences with different services. This is a good way to locate contractors that you wish to work with and those that are poor.
Be sure to replace your HVAC air filters every month. It’s a simple thing to do to keep it running properly. They are very inexpensive and well worth the time and money to replace.
Now that you’ve read these tips, you can see how you can keep your HVAC working properly. Bad things can happen, so keep your eye out. Thankfully you found this article, and now you’re able to use the awesome tips here to assist you in figuring out what to do with your HVAC system.
Think about the air flow coming out of the air conditioner and where you want to place it for maximum comfort. If you have to place it in a corner of your home, be sure you’re getting a unit that has air flow coming from a direction that’s not facing the wall.
