Letting the HVAC system fall into ruin is an incredibly foolish decision for any homeowner.You probably came to this article to learn how to keep your HVAC system running and healthy for a very long time. The following article has many solid tips just for you!
Before you hire an HVAC contractor, have some sort of idea of the work that needs to be done. It’s hard to get an estimate since they haven’t look at your system. If you can’t explain changes you’ve made, the process will be even more difficult. Having this information handy will make the process much smoother.
Know what type of system before looking for a repair person. This will enable you to give your chosen contractor asks for this information.
Clean the condenser on your debris regularly. After a wind or rain storm things may pile up, causing problems with your HVAC system. It can cause the unit to overheat and break down.
Know what work you need before you hire a contractor. It will be hard for an HVAC contractor to give you a price estimate on the phone without knowing what your current system. It will be more difficult for him to assist you can’t figure out what they need to do.
Clean the fan blades and coils in your condenser each spring. For safety, always turn the power off first. Then, take the grill off, pull the blades out, and gently clean them as well as the unit itself.
Turn the power off first so nothing moves. Then, take the grill off, pull the blades out, and begin cleaning the unit and them gently.
When you mow your lawn, take care that you don’t get grass clippings all over your outdoor unit. Aim the grass in a different direction from the unit. This also applies to leaf blowing and any other yard work that results in debris.
Don’t get grass clippings pile up against your outdoor condenser. Aim the grass cuttings in the other direction. This applies when you are taking care of the leaves in debris.
Have your HVAC serviced at least yearly. Check into it twice a year before you head into the hot and cold months. This type if preventative maintenance is highly necessary to ward off any expensive troubles from coming your way.
Your outdoor 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 must stay clear in order to function, and if it becomes blocked, then your system could suffer.
Outdoor condenser units need to be turned off when the weather turns cold. If the outside temp is under 60 degrees, turn the unit off to prevent damage. This can keep your HVAC running and can save you money on repairs.
Put outdoor units in the shade.
Update the windows in your home to double-paned if you own it. Double pane windows help minimize your air conditioning use in the summer by keeping the cooler air inside your home. This same effect also keeps warm air in during the winter months.
Fan Setting
Having a programmable thermostat installed is a money saving idea. This will help you to keep the temperature at optimal levels. Additionally, some programmable thermostats can be controlled remotely using a web-connected device.
Air conditioners sometimes ice up at times. The drain line might also freeze up.If this happens, immediately put your thermostat on the fan setting to turn off your compressor. You should leave the repair to a professional, even if switching it to its fan setting starts making the ice melt.
Regular maintenance of your unit should be performed annually. An HVAC specialist will inspect the entire system, including the oil, the motor, and the ducts. This will help keep your system performing at maximum efficiency.
Look for calculators online to truly understand what size of unit you need for your home. Look in the manual to determine the manufacturer website for this information.
If nobody is home, turn off the air conditioner to save money. The house will only heat up to a certain point. If will be constantly fighting the heat and using lots of electricity if it is left on all day.
Companies with proven track record that you can use to decide if they are worth the time and money. It is riskier to hire someone who does not have a contractor with little experience.
Put a bit of time into researching various HVAC specialists; you’re more likely to choose the right one for the job. It can be helpful to check out the online reviews of previous customers and it is always wise to check their reputation as listed on a Better Business Bureau website. When done in advance you can be sure of making a sound decision.
Think about getting a radiant barrier installed in your attic so support the efficient functioning of your HVAC system can run better. It blocks outside heat from coming in which will serve as a barrier between your home cool when it’s hot outside. You could even find that you can use the attic space if it is done right.
Look online for a/c sizing calculators so you can really understand the unit size needed for your home or room. If you buy a unit that’s too large, it won’t be energy efficient for your needs. Look at the manual to determine the recommended size for air conditioners.
Check for duct leaks if your existing system is not up to snuff. When these leaks are fixed, you’ll see that the tests paid for themselves.
Check out how long the HVAV contractor you are considering has been in business. Companies with proven track records typically provide better service. New companies are just too risky.
Figure out which direction your home faces in order to make your HVAC system can work better. If there is less heat coming into your home, your AC will work less.
Check the Internet for reviews on those who fix or install HVAC systems. You have a choice of review sites to use. This can help filter out the people you would like to work with.
If you HVAC unit is making a clicking sound, look for an obstruction. Often the issue is some sort of debris hitting fans in your cooling system. Check this out before spending on a professional.
A radiant barrier improves the efficiency of your HVAC. This mechanism will prevent outside heat from coming in, reducing your energy consumption when cooling. If this is done properly, it will help extend your living space.
Replace the air filter in your HVAC system working well.This is a very simple job and it keeps the simplest thing that you can do to keep your unit running at maximum efficiency.
Check for debris if you hear clicking in the HVAC unit. There may be particles of debris that are touching the fans. Simply get rid of the debris to get rid of the issue. Take a look for yourself before you call a technician out.
Pick an HVAC companies that understands the unit and can work quickly. The best companies make sure their technicians will always be on schedule and keep appointments. A licensed technician should also have no problem diagnosing any problems with your HVAC unit quickly. After they know what the problem is, they should be able to get the work done quickly for your sake.
When deciding what size of an air conditioner is right for you, you will need to measure how much area it will have to cool. Plan for 20 BTU of power in your air conditioner for each square foot that needs to be cooled. Calculate the total square footage of all rooms if you will use the air conditioner to cool more than one room.
If you have no choice but to put it in the corner, get a unit where the air won’t be trapped against the wall.
Avoid using any contractor for HVAC repairs or installation, unless they provide you with a 24-hour number for emergency situations. You want a company that will be there when you need them.
Always make sure to get references when you are considering a HVAC contractor.
The estimate needs to state exactly what is included. Sometimes, contractors will not include everything in order to secure the job. Having your contract in writing is obviously a must.
Any HVAC contractor or installer should have a 24-hour emergency hotline. They need to be able to come to a home when needed, in any weather.
When you get a contractor to come by to offer a quote to you, make sure they do include heat-loss calculation. This determines the number of BTUs needed to maintain comfort in your home. The contractor should also count the number of doors and windows in your home, as well as check insulation, and measure the internal space.
Some contractors overcharge for add-ons like travel expense or fees and other charges. Having a signed contract can help to avoid these types of issues.
Consider a programmable thermostat. You will save money because you can let the system take a break when you are sleeping at night.
Hvac System
Opt for an Energy Star HVAC unit. These types of units meet strict efficiency guidelines. The guidelines are established by the United States. EPA. The time spent researching these units could yield long-term energy savings.
It should be obvious to you that you must care for your HVAC system properly in order to avoid problems. Having an HVAC system repair from serious damage can cost serious cash. Make sure that this does not happen in your home; remember the advice that you read here.
66% of houses have ducts that are leaky. These can add 25 percent to your heating and cooling costs. Sealing up your ducts is cheap and easy, you can even do it yourself, and it can reduce your electricity bills significantly every year thereafter.
