Many people struggle with the basic concepts of maintaining their HVAC system, but don’t know how to take care of them. Learning the ins and outs of choosing an HVAC professional to maintain or repair services is a wise move for any smart homeowner. This article will help you with that.
The coils and blades on the fans should be cleaned once a year. Start by turning off the power to avoid having anything move when you work on it. Then you need to get the grill popped off and get the blades out so you can clean them and your unit gently.
Know the name and type of system before calling someone to fix it. This will be helpful to any contractor you hire to repair it.
When you mow your lawn, take care that you don’t get grass clippings all over your outdoor unit. Shoot the grass away from the unit. Also do this when blowing leaves or shoveling snow.
If your HVAC doesn’t seem to be working properly, try touring your home before calling a professional. This information will help the repairman determine what the problem is and how to fix it.
If trees are losing leaves around your home, this can impact your HVAC unit. Cleaning your unit is very important for its effectiveness. The fan must be unobstructed to work properly, and if it becomes blocked, it could cause your system to break down.
Know what you want done before you hire a contractor. It will be hard for a contractor to provide you with an estimate over the phone if they have not seen your current setup is. It will be more hard if you can’t figure out what they need to do.
Consumers are usually advised to have their HVAC systems inspected twice a year. Check into it twice a year before you head into the hot and cold months. Even if nothing seems wrong, checking it out can help you find and fix potential issues.
Clean your fan and coils come spring. Clean the outside of your external condenser unit regularly.
Don’t let your house get too hot. Air conditioners really can only cool a home down about 20 degrees Fahrenheit within a reasonable amount of time. If the temperature in your home rises above 100 degrees, you will only be able to cool it down to 80. This isn’t a very safe condition for a homeowner to sleep in, especially when the humidity levels are considered.
Be sure to clean debris from external condenser units. You don’t know when things are going to pile up, especially after a windy or rainy storm, and that can throw a wrench in your system. It could overheat and cause your unit.
Research and check the reputation of companies before hiring them. Checking with the BBB is a good idea, and so is checking online reviews to see the experiences that other customers have had with a company. Doing these things beforehand will allow you to make a smart decision.
Turn the power off so you don’t get hurt or break something. Then, pop off its grills, pull the blades out, and gently clean them as well as the unit itself.
Make certain the HVAC company you choose has a proven track record. You are more likely to get good service this way. You will be taking a risk if you hire a newer contractor.
Sae 20 Oil
If you don’t know who to call to maintenance, repair, or install your HVAC, search for reviews online. A simple search should yield a number of sites with informative reviews. This will help you find a top notch professional.
Lubricate the oil ports on your condenser at least once a year. You will see rubber or metal caps. Use SAE 20 oil that is non-detergent and lightweight, detergent-free SAE 20 oil, putting 10 drops in each port.
All contractors charge differently for their services, so get at least four or five quotes before hiring a particular person. You have the potential to save a great deal of money if you make several calls prior to reaching a final decision. Call around 5 contractors so that you can get the best deal possible.
Turn off any outdoor condenser when the weather gets cold. This should turn it off to prevent damage if the temperature drops below 60ºF to avoid damage. This will help keep the system running efficiently for many years to come.
A radiant barrier is an awesome device which will help improve the efficiency of your HVAC unit. This will block the heat that comes in. You could even use your attic as part of your living space if it is done right.
It is a good idea to swap out single pane windows with ones that have double panes. This same effect also keeps warm air in heat when it gets cold.
Figure out the direction your home is facing so your HVAC system can work better. You can help keep your home cool with the strategic placement of trees. The less heat inside the house, the less time that the AC has to work.
Don’t ever let your home get too hot. An air conditioner can only cool your home approximately twenty degrees in a fair time. If the temperature in your home rises above 100 degrees, you would only be able to cool it down just above 80 degrees. This is not a healthy environment to live in.
All of your windows and doors must be air-tight, in order for your HVAC system to run at maximum efficiency. They should have tight seals so outside air cannot get in and inside air can not get out. Have them inspected by a professional. This is often a free service.
Air conditioners sometimes ice up at times. The drain line may also freeze over. If you see this happen, switch the thermostat in your home to fan only so the compressor is disabled. You should call a pro to fix this problem, but switching to the fan will make the ice melt.
It is important to pick out the right HVAC company for your needs as you will need professional assistance. The best companies will ensure that their technicians will always be on schedule. Someone skilled in their profession should be able to come out and give you answers right away. Once, they find the problem, they will fix it fast.
There are a number of great sites that let customers share their service experiences. This is useful for finding contractors that you wish to work with as well as those that you want to avoid.
Make certain the contractor you hire has the appropriate experience. You want to make sure that they have experience with the type of work you need done. Though some workers with less experience are great, you do not want to risk it.
Think about getting a radiant barrier in your attic so your HVAC system. It will make sure you won’t have to use more energy to keep your home and the outside. You could even use the attic as part of your living space if it is done right.
Understand the costs beforehand with your HVAC unit. Do not get scammed with material fees and fuel charges. Avoid issues such as these by procuring a written contract.
Check the ducts to find any leaks if you you feel your existing system is not be working efficiently. When the leaks are repaired, the tests will pay for themselves.
Your HVAC will perform better during the winter if you protect the condenser with a cover. This simple cover keeps the condenser operating longer when not in use. Also, you shouldn’t use your compressor if the temperature outside drops to below 60 degrees. Turn the fan on instead, to avoid putting undue stress on the system.
Make sure they have tight seals to keep air inside. A professional can also test these for you for free.
Look into the references an HVAC contractor provides to you. Lots of folks take them at face value, but that is not always smart. It just takes a couple minutes to check them out.
Replace the air filter in your HVAC system working well.This is an easy thing to do and it keeps the system running at maximum efficiency.
You should ask the contractor if they included heat-loss calculations inside their initial quote. This determines the number of BTUs needed to maintain comfort in your home. From knowing how many doors and windows there are to how much insulation there is, it’s a must.
Pick an HVAC business that understands the unit and can work quickly. The most reliable companies make sure their technicians will always be on schedule and keep appointments. A knowledgeable technician will also have no problem diagnosing any problems with your HVAC. After they figure out what is causing the problem, they should then know how to deal with the problem.
Opt for a programmable thermostat when getting your HVAC. This can help you save a ton on your utility bills as you let your system rest overnight while you are sleeping comfortably in your beds.
Not many things are of more importance when it comes to having a comfortable environment in a home than having an HVAC system that works the way it should. You will need to find a quality professional to install it though. Fortunately, by using the information you learned here, homeowners can know just what needs to be done.
To save some cash, try picking an Energy Star HVAC unit. Products with this logo save money on electricity and are much more environmentally friendly. These guidelines are determined by the United States government. These guidelines have been set up by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Saving money on utility bills means a little bit of research.
