It is frustrating to need work done to your HVAC system when it is super hot or super cold. Learning what you can about your HVAC system will help you fix them or maintain them. Read this article to get started on to do just that.
If your HVAC is giving you problems, tour your home before calling a technician. Notice the temperature in each room. Are some cooler or hotter than others? That will help your repairman figure out where the problem is, and how he can fix it easily and quickly.
Know what type of your HVAC system before calling someone to fix it. This will enable you know that you’re able to give the contractor the information that can help them.
Know what you need before you hire a contractor. You might not be able to get a price quote unless you let the contractor see your current system first. It can be harder if you don’t know what’s wrong. So, figure out this information before anything else.
If you are having issues with your HVAC, take a look around the house prior to calling a contractor. This information will help the contractor determine what the problem is and how to fix it.
Make sure your condenser fan is in good working order by wiping down the fan blades and the coils. For safety, always turn the power off first. Remove the grill and the blades, and then you can give them all a gentle clean.
Know what work you want done before you hire a contractor. It will be difficult for an HVAC contractor to provide you a price estimate on the phone without knowing what your current setup is. It will be more hard if you can’t figure out what they need to do.
Avoid showering your outdoor unit with grass clippings when you mow the lawn. Have the grass shoot in the opposite direction. Do the same when blowing snow or leaves.
Clean the condenser on your debris on your condenser units. You never know when things can pile up, like right after it’s windy or rains, and that can ruin your system. It can cause your unit.
As you notice the tress begin to lose their leaves, keep an eye on your outdoor condenser unit. Make sure the fan’s grill is cleaned often during the fall. If your fan is obstructed, it can keep your system from working properly.
Put outdoor unit in places with shade.
If you have a fan condenser with oil ports, it needs to be lubricated every year. These ports are often covered by a rubber or metal cap. 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.
Have your heating and cooling system inspected twice per year. This should happen in the fall and malfunctions.
If you need to decide the best place to put your outdoor compressor unit, consider putting it in a location that is in the shade. The cooler air entering the unit will require less work to get to the proper temperature.
Turn off any outdoor condensers you have when weather turns cold. This means that you should be done when the weather falls under 60 degrees Farenheit. This simple tip will help keep the system running efficiently for many years.
Put outdoor condensers in the shade. If your air conditioner is able to constantly suck in cool air, it won’t have to work overtime to cool your space, which can in turn save you money on your electricity bills.
It is a good idea to replace single-paned windows for double panes. This also help you keep it warm in heat when it gets cold.
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. Your home will also stay warmer in the winter.
A programmable thermostat is a simple way to help you out when it comes to your power bills. Some of these thermostats can even be controlled from a PC or other device.
If you want your energy costs to go down, have the heating an cooling system you own serviced every year at least. During the visit, the contractor will oil parts, inspect the motor and the freon levels. This will help keep your system performing at maximum efficiency.
Research the companies before hiring them. Check with the BBB and look for reviews posted by former customers. These simple steps are going to help to ensure your decision is a wise one.
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. Check with the BBB and look for reviews of potential companies online. Doing this makes it more likely that you choose wisely..
Look for air conditioner sizing calculators online to help you determine the size of unit is necessary for your room or home. Look in the manual to determine the manufacturer website for this information.
You can get ice in your air conditioner. You may even encounter a freeze in your drain line which is often confused with a plumbing leak. If you see this, try switching your thermostat to just the fan so that it disables the compressor. You should leave the repair to a professional, but switching to the fan setting should start to melt the ice.
Companies that have been around for longer have a proven track records typically provide better service. Hiring a new contractor may be taking a considerable risk.
Research what size air conditioner you should purchase for the size of your home by using online calculators they have for this purpose. Buying a unit that is too large for your home is a poor decision that wastes money. Any unit’s manual will be able to give you an accurate idea for the size of the unit versus your home.
Ask friends and relations for their HVAC contractor recommendations. People will tell you who have had a good experience are often happy to share the name of their contractor. This is also a great way to get names of companies that you should avoid.
Speak with family and friends to get a recommendation for a reputable HVAC contractor. Someone who has used a contractor in the past is generally willing to let you know what they thought about it. You can also get company names that you should stay away from.
There are a few sites these days that let customers to share their experiences with different services. This is useful for finding people that you wish to work with and those you need to make the best hiring decisions.
Contractors determine their own fee levels, so make sure to get multiple quotes. You have the potential to save a great deal of money if you make several calls prior to reaching a final decision. You may want to get quotes from at least five contractors in order to know what you should be paying.
A radiant barrier is an awesome device which will help improve the efficiency of your HVAC. 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 or cold as it should be. You could even find that you can use the attic as part of your living space more effectively.
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. Once leaks have been fixed, you will save substantial money on heating and cooling costs.
Figure out the direction your home faces in order to make your HVAC system more efficient. If there is less heat coming into your home, your AC will work less.
The HVAC system is only one piece in an efficient home. You must also consider the quality of your windows and doors. Each of these should have an airtight seal on them. You can hire a professional to test them all for you and often this testing is free.
It can be hard to find a professional if you don’t have the advice. But, it does not need to be terribly difficult. Now you should be prepared to deal with any issues.
The very least you should be doing to care for your HVAC system is making sure to change out the old filter, and replacing it with a new one every single month. It is the easiest way to take care of it. A new air filter is only a couple of bucks at your local hardware store.
