The way your home is heated or cooled is important. That means your HVAC system healthy. If you have a poor HVAC, it can lead to expensive repairs and an uncomfortable way of living. Here are some tips to get you keep your HVAC system running smoothly.
Prior to putting in a service call on your HVAC, be able to identify it. Know what the manufacturer’s name is, which particular model you have and what’s gone on with the unit in the past. This will give contractor’s a better idea of what to expect before they show up, which will help things go more smoothly on arrival.
Know the name and type of your HVAC system you currently have before calling someone to fix it. This will help you give the new contractor any information they might need.
If your HVAC is running into problems, check out each room in your house before calling for assistance. While you are walking through the house, gauge which rooms are the coolest and which are the warmest. The contractor can probably figure out and fix the problem easier.
If your HVAC is giving you problems, try touring your home before calling a professional. This information will help the contractor determine what the problem is and how to fix it.
Don’t hire a contractor until you know a little about what you are facing. It will be hard for a contractor to give you a price estimate over the phone if they have not seen your current system. If you don’t have any idea, they will have trouble giving you any sort of quote. So, know this information in advance.
Know what you need before you select an HVAC contractor. It will be difficult for a contractor to provide you with an estimate on 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.
Keeping the outside condenser clean of debris and leaves will improve the system’s efficiency. Before you do clean the coils and fan blades, always take the precaution of turning off all power to the unit. Also, it is important to clear the outside condenser unit from any debris that maybe trapped inside.
Grass Clippings
Outdoor condenser units need to be cleaned regularly. You don’t know when things are going to pile up, like right after it’s windy or rains, and that can ruin your system. It can cause your system to malfunction by overheating.
Don’t get grass clippings pile up against your outside unit. Direct the grass clippings in a direction away from the equipment. This applies to leaf blowing and any other yard work that results in the yard.
Clean the coils on the condenser fan from time to time. Turn the power off so nothing moves. Remove the grill and the blades, and then you can give them all a gentle clean.
Your HVAC units might suffer when trees lose leaves. Make sure the unit’s fan grill is cleaned often during the leaves begin to fall. The fan must not have anything in the way so that air can flow into it, and if it becomes blocked, it could cause your system to break down.
As you notice the tress begin to lose their leaves, keep an eye on your outdoor condenser unit. Clean outdoor units often to remove leaves. Because the fan requires a clear path for air to enter, you may encounter issues with your system if the fan gets blocked up.
Put your outdoor condensers in the shade.
Equipping your home with a programmable thermostat can be an excellent way to cut utility costs. You have greater control over the temperature settings with these. Also, you can find a thermostat that is controllable from a computer or smart phone.
Have your HVAC system checked twice a year at the least. This should happen in the fall and again in the spring.
Save some cash by shutting down the air-conditioning system when there is no one in the house. The house will only heat to certain level and a decent HVAC system can quickly cool this down once you are home. Obviously, if you leave your air conditioning set at a low temperature all day long even if you’re not home, you’ll be paying to maintain that low temperature.
Turn off outdoor condenser units when weather gets cold. This means that you should be done when the weather falls under 60 degrees Farenheit. This can keep your system working well throughout the years without the cost of repairs.
Avoid allowing your home to ever get exceedingly hot. Air conditioners only cool down a home by 20 degrees. If the temperature in your home rises above 100 degrees, you will only be able to cool it down to 80. This is not a safe and comfortable temperature for you to sleep in.
Don’t ever let your house get too hot. Air conditioners really can only cool down 20 degrees or so within a reasonable time period. If your home happens to get near 100 degrees Fahrenheit, you would only be able to cool it down just above 80 degrees. This won’t be a safe and comfortable temperature for you to sleep in.
There are plenty of online tools, such as sizing calculators, which can help you find the best unit to cool your home. If you get something that’s too big, it won’t work as well for you in the end. Look at the manual to figure out the manufacturing rates the unit for accurate cooling information.
Look for air conditioner sizing calculators online to truly understand what size of unit is necessary for your home. Look in the manual to determine the recommended size for this information.
Your friends or family likely have recommendations for a local HVAC specialist. People will tell you who they have used and if they are worth calling. This is also a great way to get names of companies that should be avoided.
Contractors charge different rates, so make sure you get quotes from several contractors before you make any hiring decision. You will be likely to save some money this way. You want to get quotes from at least five contractors in order to know what you should be paying.
Check the Internet for reviews on those who fix or install HVAC systems. There are a number of great sites out there that let customers talk about how they were treated by services. This will make it easier for you to find the right contractor.
Are you going to buy a HVAC system? There are things to consider. Systems get rated according to the total area they can effectively cool and heat. You are better off purchasing a bigger unit that is slightly too large for your needs than a bit too small.
Contractors determine their own fee levels, so make sure to get multiple quotes. By calling around and asking a few different contractors, you can save a ton of money. Compare the rates of at least 5 or 6 contractors to help you decide on the most reasonable rate for the job you need done.
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.
If your current system isn’t working well enough, test out the ducts for leaks. Your utility company will usually test the unit for free or for a small fee. When you get leaks repaired, you may see that the testing pays for itself.
Determine the direction that your home faces in order to establish efficient HVAC operation. The less heat inside the house, the less time your air conditioner will have to work.
Inspect your HVAC unit quickly for blockage if you become away of any clicking sound. The issue may be debris hitting the fans of the cooling system. All you need to do is remove the debris to solve the problem. Check this out before calling a repairman.
If you HVAC unit is making a clicking sound, check for any sort of obstructions immediately. Often the issue is some sort of debris hitting the fans in your cooling system. Check it out before spending on a professional.
The most important thing to do to your HVAC system each month is replace the air filter. This is an easy way to help you keep things running well for you overall. Filters are inexpensive, so there is no excuse for not doing it.
If it must be in a corner, get a unit that lets you direct air flow away from any walls.
Before hiring a contractor to work on your HVAC system, you should inquire about the type of experience they have. The best contractor for the job will have ample experience working with HVAC systems similar to the one you are using. While there is no guarantee a less experienced worker will not perform the job correctly, you don’t want to take any chances.
Ask any potential contractor about their experience prior to hiring them. Make sure they are experienced with the kind of work that you need.
Place a cover around your condenser in the winter months. This will ensure that your unit is sustained when it isn’t in use. Also, don’t use the compressor at all if the temperature outside is below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Only use the fan during those times.
Always get some references when you are considering a HVAC contractor.
When you have a contractor come to give you an estimate, make sure they perform a heat-loss calculation. This calculation will ascertain what the correct BTU is for the system you need for your home or business. 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 will attempt to charge you on material fees and fuel. Having a signed contract can help to avoid these types of issues.
If you want to get a brand new HVAC system installed or you just want to repair one, speak with the contractor to see if they’re going to install a thermostat that’s programmable. This thermostat is great because it lets you regulate the temperature in your home all throughout the day and night, which in the end results in lower energy bills.
Cover your condenser when the winter time. This will help your condenser last longer. Use the fan instead to avoid putting strain on the unit.
Opt for an Energy Star HVAC unit. These are more efficient than other units. These guidelines are enforced by the federal government. Environmental Protection Agency. Look into these and enjoy savings in the long run.
Now you’re better educated when it comes to maintaining your home’s HVAC system. Paying close attention to maintenance will help you avoid problems. Use the above tips to make sure it keeps working properly.
You may be surprised that as much as 66% of households have ducts that leak. These leaky ducts can account for up to one fourth of your total utility costs. Seal the ducts as best as you can to prevent this from happening.
