You probably don’t think about your HVAC system until it breaks down. Finding the right specialist to repair or install an HVAC system can be complicated. The information in this article will help you go through the process.
Check out the system that you have before you call a professional. Write down what brand your system is along with the model number and, if they’re available, maintenance records. This will enable you to give your chosen contractor any information they might need.
Know the name and type of system before looking for a repair person. This helps make sure your contractor will need.
Go through your home before you call HVAC professional. Pay attention to which areas of the house are warm and which ones are cool. This gives the repairer a starting point to work from.
If you have some problems with the HVAC system, take a look around the house prior to calling a contractor. This information will help the repairman determine what the problem is and how to fix it.
Be sure to clean the fan blades and coils of the condenser fan. Don’t forget to disconnect the power first. Remove the grill and the blades, and then you can give them all a gentle clean.
Know what work you need before you hire a contractor. It will be difficult for a contractor to provide you a price estimate over the phone without knowing what your current setup is. It will be way more difficult for him to assist you can’t figure out what they need to do.
Don’t get grass clippings on your outside unit. Try shooting the clippings away from it. Do the same when blowing snow or leaves.
Clean the debris on your outdoor condenser unit. You never know when things can pile up, especially after a windy or rainy storm, and that can ruin your system. It can cause your system by overheating.
HVAC units may suffer when leaves are falling off the trees. Frequently clean the fan grill when trees are shedding leaves. When blockages restrict the flow of air to the fan, you could end up with serious issues on your hands.
Turn it off first so nothing moves. Then, pop off its grills, pull the blades out, and gently clean them as well as the unit itself.
Many homeowners forget to oil their condenser at least once per year, but it is required. The port usually has either a rubber or metal cap on top of it. Use a lightweight, detergent-free SAE 20 oil, putting 10 drops in each port.
Grass Clippings
If possible, put your HVAC in a shaded area if it is outside. If the air your machine draws in is already cooler, it will require less energy to regulate before it’s filtered into your home.
Don’t get grass clippings pile up against your outdoor condenser. Aim your grass clippings in the other direction. This also applies when you are taking care of the leaves in debris.
When the weather starts to cool down, make sure you turn off outdoor condenser units. If the temperature drops to under 60 degrees, you risk damage to the unit if you leave it on. This helps your system remain in good working order.
Your outdoor HVAC units might suffer when trees start to lose leaves. Make sure the fan’s grill is cleaned often once nearby trees start shedding their leaves. The fan needs to have an unobstructed path for air to enter the unit, and if debris is blocking this air flow, you’ll have a lot of headaches eventually.
Consider getting a programmable thermostat for your AC. These can save you around 10 percent on your heating and cooling costs by just turning it back 10 percent to 15 percent for around eight hours each day. Take advantage of the convenience of the ability to control many programable thermostats from your favorite electronic device.
Turn off your outdoor condensers you have when it becomes cold out. This means that you should be done when the weather falls under 60 degrees Farenheit. This can keep your system running efficiently for years to come.
To choose a HVAC contractor, it is important to check their reputations. Check reputations at the BBB, and read online reviews to gauge customer satisfaction. This can help you make the right choice.
A programmable thermostat can help you save money on your power bills. Some programmable thermostats can even be controlled from your smart phone or other device.
AC units will tend to get ice on them due to the cold. Freezing drain lines are also possible and can be mistaken for leaks. Switch the thermostat to the fan only. Once you know the problem, contact a local HVAC professional and let them know what’s going on in your system.
During this service visit, the system motor will be inspected, the moving parts will be oiled and the freon levels will be checked These simple tasks will help keep your HVAC system to run at its peak performance.
It can be confusing to figure out what the correct HVAC system size is for your home, but you can solve this with the help of a sizing calculator. Buying a unit which is too big reduces efficiency. Check the manufacturer’s handbook to see what amount of space the unit can effectively cool.
Don’t allow your home to become dangerously hot. An air conditioning unit will reduce the internal temperature of your home approximately twenty degrees in a short time span. So, if you house heats up to about 95, your air conditioning will only bring that temp down to about 80 degrees. This won’t be a safe and comfortable temperature for you to sleep in.
Figure out how long the HVAC company you choose has been in business. Companies that have been around for longer have a proven track record that you can use to decide if they are worth the time and money. It is always risky to hire a contractor with little experience.
Research the companies before hiring them. Check with the BBB and look for reviews as well. This will help you make the right choice.
If you need a HVAC contractor, try and get recommendations from family and friends. Those who have had this work done will know the best options. You can also get company names that you should stay away from.
Companies with proven track records that can help you decide if they’re worth your money and time. Hiring a new contractor may be taking a considerable risk.
If you aren’t sure who to call for HVAC maintenance, repairs, or installation, look online for reviews. Many online sites permit customers to let others know about their experiences with various services and contractors. This can help filter out the people you would like to work with.
Ask your friends and trust for contractor recommendations. People who have had great service are often happy to share the name of it. This will also a great way to get names of companies that should be avoided.
Contractor set their own prices; this is why you should get many quotes. You can save tons of money by asking for many quotes. Ideally, five or six contractors should be called so you can get a good ball park figure of a reasonable rate.
There are quite a lot of sites these days that allow customers talk about their experiences with different services. This is useful for finding people you should work with and those that you don’t.
Having a radiant barrier in your attic helps you HVAC system 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 outside. If you do it right, you may be able to expand your living space into your attic.
Hopefully, you now understand more about HVAC systems in general. Whenever you need work done on your unit, or need to have the entire system replaced, you now know the best way to handle the situation. Keep these suggestions in mind in your search for the right system.
If your system doesn’t seem to be working efficiently, check your ducts for leaks. 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. If you do end up paying, you’ll find that fixed leaks are worth the money.
