You probably don’t think about your HVAC system in the home until it starts malfunctioning. It can be difficult to find the right person to fix or install your system correctly. The article offers suggestions on how to navigate through the whole process.
Get all of the details regarding a broken system before calling for repair. It is important to understand what model it is and which brand it is. Also, if it has been serviced before, you should have that information handy. If you have to have someone come out to repair the unit, you will be able to help the contractor understand more about what is going on.
Know what type of system before calling someone to fix it. This will enable you give the new contractor any information they might need.
If your HVAC system is acting up, take a tour of the house prior to calling a professional. Figure out which rooms are too cool or warm. Doing so can help your technician fix your HVAC issue quickly.
Know what work you need before you hire a contractor. It will be difficult for a contractor to provide you a price estimate on the phone if they have not seen your current system. It will be way more difficult for him to assist you can’t figure out what they need to do.
Clean the fan blades and coils prior to summertime. Be safe and turn off the power supply before working on your HVAC unit. Additionally, it’s important to clear out leaves and other debris from the outside condenser unit.
Grass Clippings
Clean the fan blades and coils on the condenser fan every spring. Make sure to turn off the fan’s power first to be safe. Then take off the grill, take the blades out, and gently clean them.
Don’t get grass clippings pile up against your outside unit. Aim your grass clippings in a direction away from your unit. This applies to leaf blowing and any other yard work that results in debris.
When you’re trying to cut your grass, don’t cover a unit outside with the clippings. Have the grass shoot in the opposite direction. This is the same if you are using a leaf blower.
Leaves falling from trees can damage your HVAC unit. 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 it is clogged, you will have to contend with problems.
If the condenser fan has oil parts, then you need to lubricate it at least once per year. You can easily find the ports as they have a rubber or metal cap. Use SAE 20 oil that is non-detergent and lightweight, and put 10 drops or fewer in each port, but make sure to avoid overfilling them.
Have the HVAC serviced twice per year. This should be done in the fall and the spring.
For maximum efficiency, place outdoor units in a shady spot. This will help ensure that the AC is pulling in cooler air, reducing the amount of work it has to do and saving you money.
Turn off any 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 the system running efficiently for years and save you a lot on repairs.
When colder weather arrives, switch off all outdoor condenser units. If the temperature outside is less than 60ºF, be sure to turn off the unit so that you don’t damage it. This will ensure your system works well each year, which could save you quite a bit in repair costs.
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.
A programmable thermostat is a simple way to help save money on air conditioning costs. It changes the temperature so the system isn’t in use when it’s cooler outside or no one is home. Some newer programmable thermostats have computerized controls you can access from your personal computer, laptop or mobile media device.
During a maintenance visit, the contractor will oil parts, oil the moving parts and check the freon levels in the system. These repairs will help keep your HVAC system running smoothly.
Put a bit of time into researching various HVAC specialists; you’re more likely to choose the right one for the job. 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. This will help you make the best choice.
There are many review sites that other customers can check out. This is useful for finding people you should work with and those that you don’t.
Look for sizing calculators based on the air conditioner you have to figure out how big of a unit you need in your home. A unit that is bigger than you need simply isn’t efficient. Check the manufacturer’s handbook to see what amount of space the unit can effectively cool.
Contractors are responsible for their own charges and fees, so make sure to get multiple quotes.You can save a bit of cash simply by doing your homework. You should try to contact 5 to 6 contractors to determine what reasonable rates are.
Before you hire someone from an HVAC place, figure out how long they’ve been doing this kind of work. Someone that has been in the business for a while probably isn’t going to scam you. Hiring a new contractor means taking a bigger risk.
Think about getting a radiant barrier installed in your attic so support the efficient functioning of your HVAC system. It blocks outside heat from coming in which will make sure you won’t have to use more energy to keep your unit stays hot outside.You may even use your attic space more effectively.
Talk to others that you have in your life to see if they can recommend an HVAC contractor to you. You should be able to find someone that has had a good experience. You can also get company names that you should stay away from.
Are you looking at purchasing a cooling and heating system that’s new? There are a number of things you should consider. The systems are it can cover.You are wise to err on the side of a bigger unit rather than purchasing one that is a bit too small.
Online reviews are a great source of information about HVAC contractors. Many online review sites provide an avenue for this information. You will be able to make a more informed choice if you do this.
If there’s a clicking in your HVAC unit, see if there are any obstructions right away. Often it is being caused by debris that’s hitting the fans in the cooling system. Check the fan and coil before you waste time contacting a repairman.
Do you want to buy a new cooling and heating system? Many considerations must be scrutinized. Systems have ratings according to the total area they effectively heat or cool. It is better to purchase a slightly larger than needed unit, rather than a slightly smaller than needed unit.
Square Footage
Check the ducts to find any leaks if you you feel your existing system is not up to snuff. You can have your utility company test for you, sometimes for free or less than an HVAC contractor would charge. Once leaks have been fixed, you will save substantial money on heating and cooling costs.
Measure the living area that requires air conditioning. You generally need 20 BTUs per square footage of room space. If you have a lot of rooms to keep cool, combine all the square footage.
Figure out which direction your home faces in order to make your HVAC system more efficient. When you determine the parts of your home that get the most sunlight, you can consider strategic landscaping that includes shade trees to somewhat reduce your home’s exposure to heat from direct sunlight. When there is less heat inside your home, the air conditioner will not have to work as hard.
Replace the air filter monthly to keep your HVAC system every month. This is the easiest step to take to ensure that your unit running in good operating condition.
If your HVAC system is producing any type of clicking sounds, there may be something obstructing it. Often the issue is some sort of debris that’s hitting the fans in the cooling system. All you need to do is remove the debris to solve the problem. Before you call a technician, look at it yourself.
Pick an HVAC business that is fast and works quickly to solve the problem. The best companies make sure their technicians will always be on schedule and keep appointments. A knowledgeable technician should also easily diagnose any problems with your HVAC. Once the technician figures out what’s wrong, they will also be able to quickly and efficiently resolve it.
When determining which size of air conditioner to buy, first measure the area which needs to be cooled. In general, you need 20 BTU for each square foot. Make certain that you calculate using all of the rooms the unit will be treating.
This article will make you more knowledgeable about all the different HVAC systems available. If your current systems need to be repaired or even replaced, you now have the knowledge of what you should be looking for and, also, what you need to avoid. Getting the best system should be simplified with this information.
Ensure that you have a written contract of the work to be completed. There are contractors that will try to overcharge you later for things like fuel charges and material fees. Contracts will avoid these issues.
