This article has the great information to help you understand it better.
Before calling for help, know the system you have. Look for the model and brand number. The contractor will likely need all of this information.
Know what you want done before you select an HVAC contractor. It will be difficult for an HVAC contractor to provide you with an estimate over the phone without knowing what your current system. It will be way more hard if you over the phone without the information readily available.
Understand what you want before talking to a contractor. A contractor cannot give an accurate estimate without looking at your system. You need to know how to describe any issues. It’s important to know this beforehand.
Clean your condenser’s fan and coils come spring. Clean the outside of your external condenser unit regularly.
By the end of spring, the fan blades and coils of your condenser should be thoroughly cleaned, so operation can proceed with greater efficiency. Turn off your power before doing any job like this. Also, it is important to clear the outside condenser unit from any debris that maybe trapped inside.
Turn the power off first so you don’t get hurt or break something. Next, pop the grill off, pull out the blades and start cleaning them and the unit itself off gently.
Clean the debris from outside units often. Particularly after bad weather, you should inspect your unit. It may even overheat, which can ruin your system.
Don’t let grass clippings on your outdoor condenser.Aim your grass in a direction from your unit. This applies when you are taking care of the leaves in debris.
Clean the coils on the condenser fan from time to time. First, the power should be turned off so things don’t move as you work. Then, remove the grill, then remove the blades and begin the cleaning process of the blades and the unit.
10 Drops
Avoid showering your outdoor unit with grass clippings when you mow the lawn. Now so the grass clippings are shot away from your unit. If you’re blowing leaves, this same problem can occur, so make sure you move around the unit and blow the leaves away from it.
Lubricate the oil ports on your fan condenser at least once each year. You will notice these ports as they have a rubber or metal cap covering them. Use a lightweight, and put 10 drops or fewer in each port, putting 10 drops in each port.
You want to put the outdoor compressor device in a shaded area. If the unit is taking in cooler air, the efficiency will be boosted since it will not need to work as hard.
Put your outdoor unit in the shade.
Make sure your HVAC unit is in the shade. You save money this way because the air conditioner is now pulling in cooler air, which is easier to cool further.
During your service visit, the system motor will be inspected, oil the unit’s moving parts and ensure the unit has proper freon levels. These easy to do things are going to allow your system to run at its best.
To help lower cooling costs when not at home, make sure the air conditioner is turned off. When it’s off the house will get hot, but only by a certain amount. If it is on all day, it is trying to maintain a cool temperature constantly, using a great deal of electricity to fight the heat.
Research the reputation of companies that you consider using. Check with the BBB and online reviews of potential companies online. Doing all of this makes it more likely that you choose wisely..
Avoid allowing your home to ever get exceedingly hot. A simple AC unit will usually only cool the home around 20 degrees within a short period of time. If your home gets above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, you’ll only cool down to still above 80. This is not a safe and comfortable temperature for you to sleep in.
Air conditioners sometimes ice up at times. The drain line may also freeze over. If this happens, switch the thermostat in your home to fan only so the compressor is disabled. You can call a HVAC professional, but switching to the fan setting should start to melt the ice.
Always take the time to check out the reputation of any HVAC contractor before you consider hiring them. A good start would be the BBB to see if there are any complaints, then search online for review sites where you can see what actual customers had to say about their experience. Investing the time to check out potential contractors can save you money and headaches.
Look for calculators online to help you determine the size of unit is necessary for your room or home. Look at the manual or on the recommended size for this information.
Some air conditioners can ice up. The drain line also occasionally freezes, which can be misdiagnosed as a plumbing leak. If you notice this, switch your thermostat to fan only to disable the compressor. It’s a good idea to call up professionals to help with this even though you can get the ice to melt when you switch everything to the fan.
Companies with proven track record that you can use to decide if they are worth the time and money. It is riskier to hire a contractor with little experience.
Contractor set their own prices; this is why you should get many quotes. If you make a few calls before you decide, it can result in great savings. To get the best picture and get an idea of what rates are reasonable, call five or six different contractors.
Contractors charge different rates, so make sure you get quotes from several contractors before you make any hiring decision. You can save quite a bit of money by asking for price quotes. You may want to get quotes from at least five contractors to determine what reasonable rates are.
For greater efficiency, put a radiant barrier in your attic. It blocks the heat from inside out, reducing the energy that’s needed for your home to get cooled during the summer. You may even find that you can use the attic space more effectively.
Think about getting a radiant barrier installed in your attic so your HVAC system. It will serve as a barrier between your home cool when it’s hot outside. You could even find that you can use your attic as part of your living space if it is done right.
Have you been thinking about buying a new HVAC system? You probably have many options available to you. Learn about the size systems need to be for optimal efficiency. It is better to purchase a slightly larger than needed unit, rather than a slightly smaller than needed unit.
Do you understand your HVAC system a little more intimately now? It’s something everyone can grasp with a little help. Be sure you pay close attention to everything as you learn. Use the tips here to help you get to work now!
Check for duct leaks if your unit seems to not be working efficiently. Your local energy company may do such testing at a reduced cost or maybe even for free. Once you fix the leaks, the savings will be more than worth the hassle.
