An HVAC system is something that many homes. An HVAC unit is designed to keep your home maintain a comfortable for you throughout the year. You will generally need to have this installed by a pro. The following information will give any homeowner the info they need to know about HVAC unit.
Know the name and type of your HVAC system before looking for a repair person. Look for the maintenance history and brand and model. This will help make sure that the contractor you hire has all the necessary information.
Know the name and type of system you currently have before calling someone to fix it. This will ensure that you can give your chosen contractor all the information they might need.
If you’ve been having trouble with an HVAC system, look around your home before calling in people to help. Know what part of the house is cold and which is hot. This will allow a contractor to quickly figure out what the issue is and how it can be fixed fast.
Know what work you want done before you hire a contractor. It will be hard for an HVAC contractor to give you with an estimate on the phone if they have not seen your current setup is. It will be more difficult for him to assist you can’t figure out what they need to do.
If the condenser for your HVAC system is located outside, make sure you clear away any debris that might settle in or around it. The dirt could pile up and harm your system. It may even overheat, which can ruin your system.
Clean your condenser’s fan blades and coils prior to summertime. Clean off any leaves or debris from your external condenser unit regularly.
Clean the fan blades and coils in your condenser each spring. Before you do so, shut off the power to ensure that none of the parts will move while you work on it. Next, remove the grill, take the blades and clean them gently, then clean the actual unit.
Turn it off 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.
Many homeowners forget to oil their condenser at least once per year, but it is required. These are usually covered with rubber or metal caps. Chose SAE 20 oil, which has been proven to be the most effective.
Don’t get grass clippings pile up against your outdoor condenser. Aim the grass in a different direction away from the unit. This applies to leaf blowing and any other yard work that results in debris.
When you are choosing a location for the outdoor compressor unit, it’s preferable to use a shaded area. The cooler the air that the unit is able to access, the less work it has to perform.
Your HVAC unit may suffer when your trees start to lose leaves. Make sure the fan’s grill often during the fall. The fan must not have anything in the way so that air can flow into it, and if it gets blocked, you will have to contend with problems.
For maximum efficiency, place outdoor units in a shady spot. When the air conditioner pulls in cooler air, it won’t have to do much more to cool it and that will save you a lot of money on energy bills.
Put outdoor unit in the shade if you are installing them.
A good way to save money with your air conditioning is by installing a programmable thermostat. It changes the temperature so the system isn’t in use when it’s cooler outside or no one is home. Additionally, some models of programmable thermostats actually allow you to control them remotely from your office computer or cell phone.
Have your heating and cooling system serviced twice per year. This should be checked often for debris and again in the spring.
If you’re away from home during the day, raise the temperature setting on your air conditioner to save money. Even though the house will get hotter, it won’t get too bad if the unit is off. The unit will use a large amount of electricity to combat the heat during the day when the house is empty.
Turn off outdoor condenser when it becomes cold out. This should be done when the weather falls under 60 degrees Farenheit.This simple tip will help keep the system working for many years to come.
Icing up is common in air conditioners. The drain line may also freeze up. If this happens, disable the compressor by switching the thermostat to run the fan only. You should still call a professional to help regardless.
It is a good idea to replace single-paned windows for double pane ones. This also helps keep it warm in during the winter months.
To know how large of an air conditioner you need, look for a calculator online. If you buy a unit that is too big, it won’t do an efficient job. Look at the manual for more information.
During your service visit, the serviceman will inspect the unit’s motor, oil the different moving parts as well as check the system’s freon levels. These easy to do things are going to allow your HVAC system to run its best.
Make certain the HVAC company you choose has a proven track record. Companies that are well established have track records that can help you decide if they’re worth your money and time. It is riskier to hire someone who does not have a long history.
Research and check the companies before hiring them. Check with different references to determine the BBB and online reviews as well. These simple steps will help make a wise one.
Make certain that you get written estimates before you hire a contractor. If you make a few calls before you decide, it can result in great savings. 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.
Companies that are around awhile have a better record than those that can help you decide if they’re worth your money and time. It is riskier to hire a long history.
If you hear a clicking in the HVAC unit at home, see if there are any obstructions right away. Often it is being caused by debris hitting fans in your cooling system. Remove the debris and you have solved the problem. Prior to placing a service, it is worth taking a look.
Ask around so you are looking for a HVAC contractor. People that have had quality work done are usually more than willing to tell of it. This will also help you to figure out some names of businesses that you should avoid at all costs.
The best HVAC company will be able to arrive quickly and work quickly and effectively. Good firms ensure they are always on schedule. These techs should be able to figure out what is up with an HVAC rather quickly. Also, they should be able to service it quickly.
Think about getting a radiant barrier installed in your attic so your HVAC system can run better. 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 may even use the attic space more effectively.
It is important to think about the direction air flows from your unit. Make sure you have plenty of air flow control options if you are forced to install the unit in a corner.
Check for duct leaks if you you feel your unit seems to not up to snuff. When you have leaks repaired, you’ll find that the testing paid for itself.
Make sure that you are clear about what is included in the cost of the HVAC work you are contracting someone to do. There are some contractors that try to charge you more later for such things like material fees and fuel charges. Avoid issues such as these by procuring a written contract.
Determine which way your home faces.The less amount of heat inside of your home, the less work your AC will have to do.
Protect your condenser unit from winter weather by placing a cover around it. This can help it last longer when it is not in use. The unit’s compressor should never be on when the temperature is 60 degrees or below. Do this by simply turn on the fan so that you don’t cause the unit unnecessary strain.
If you can only put the unit in the corner, ensure that the air is not directed towards a wall.
Always look through the references that any HVAC contractor provides you with. Sometimes people assume the legitimacy of references because the contractor offered them, but this can be a mistake. It only takes a couple minutes to call to check a person out by calling, so don’t worry about doing that.
Ask a contractor about their experience.You need to verify they have done the type of work you require.
Heat-loss calculations are important when getting an estimate. 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.
Always make sure to get references before hiring any contractor.
Take advantage of the opportunity to add a programmable thermostat when you are putting in new heating and air-conditioning or repairing your old system. A programmable thermostat will save you tons on your power bills and even gives your system a chance to rest at night while everyone sleeps or is not at home.
Any HVAC contractor or installer should have a 24-hour emergency hotline. They need to be able to come to you when they are needed, no matter how extreme the weather or what time of day it may be.
You might be surprised to discover that as many as two-thirds of all homes have ducts that are leaky. 25% of your utility bill could be a result of such leaks. Sealing the ducts is something you can do easily and cheaply, and it can significantly decrease your electrical bill yearly thereafter.
Always follow up on any references provided to you receive for an HVAC contractor.
When you are looking at HVAC contractors, make sure the products they use are Energy Star efficient. Unite that are Energy Star rated meet United States efficiency guidelines established by the Environmential Protection Agengy or EPA. Purchasing one will help your family save money over time.
You might be surprised to discover that as many as two-thirds of households have ducts that are leaky. These can lead to as much as twenty five percent of what you pay for utilities. Sealing your ducts is both easy and cheap, you can even do it yourself, saving you money on your utility bills every year from then on.
Clean your ducts on a regular basis to boost efficiency. Always inspect your heating ducts to ensure all the connected parts are there, and no dents or punctures are present. Damaged ones raise your electric bill.
The condenser unit needs protection in cold weather. Try putting a thick cover on top of it.
As the temperatures plummet, you should protect your HVAC’s condenser unit. Buy a cover to keep it safe. Don’t install a condenser unit if it’s under sixty degrees outside. If you do, the system won’t be as effective.
Always get an estimate in writing when dealing with an HVAC services. It is important to get your agreement in writing and not a verbal estimate. There are many jobs that you have to get written estimates for to see what they take. This can help you receive good deal on your service. Compare all of the estimates you receive.
After reading the above article, you should be aware of the important things that pertain to helping you with your HVAC system, and dealing with contractors. Ensure that the unit is installed correctly, and don’t forget to maintain it. Take the solid ideas from the above article to ensure that you know the best way to have an HVAC unit installed, and there is proper maintenance done.
