The comfort of your home has a lot to do with whether or not it is being heated or cooled properly. This is why your HVAC system is constantly checked and you ensure it is properly working. Without proper care, you will be uncomfortable while you wait for an expensive repair. Here are some tips to help you started.
Each spring, try cleaning the fan blades and coils on the condenser fan. Before you get started, cut the power. Next, pop the grill off, put the blades out and start to gently clean them along with the unit.
Know the name and type of system you currently have before calling someone to fix it. This will enable you know that you’re able to give your chosen contractor the information that can help them.
Keep your outdoor units free of debris when you are mowing the lawn. Turn your lawnmower in the opposite direction. This applies when you are taking care of the leaves in the yard.
Know what you want done before you hire a contractor. It will be hard for an HVAC contractor to provide you a price 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 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 the air which goes in, the less work the unit will have to do.
Clean your condenser’s fan blades and coils each spring to ensure that your condenser fan operates at it’s best. Clean the outside of your condenser unit.
Your HVAC unit requires regular maintenance at least two times per each year. Most homeowners choose to have their unit inspected during the spring and the fall months. This helps prepare for the coming weather changes of summer and winter. Even if nothing seems wrong, checking it out can help you find and fix potential issues.
Be sure to clean external condenser units. You never know when things can pile up, like right after it’s windy or rains, and that can throw a wrench in your system. It can cause your system by overheating.
During cold weather , be sure to turn off outdoor condenser units. If it’s less than 60 degrees outside, turn the unit off. This helps your system remain in good working order.
Turn the power off first so you don’t get hurt or break something. Next, pop off the grill, put the blades out and start to gently clean them along with the unit.
Installing double paned windows can save a lot of money over single panes, so upgrade if you are able. Double pane windows can minimize the use of your air conditioner in hot weather since they keep the indoor air cooler. Conversely, they keep warm air in during the winter.
Sae 20 Oil
Equipping your home with a programmable thermostat can be an excellent way to cut utility costs. If you adjust it to keep the house a little warmer or a little cooler during the time you are sleeping, you may see your energy bill go down by as much as ten percent. There are also some programmable thermostats that can be controlled with a computer or other web-connected advice.
Lubricate your fan condenser yearly if it has oil ports. You can easily find these ports as they have a rubber or metal cap. Use SAE 20 oil that is non-detergent and lightweight, detergent-free SAE 20 oil, putting 10 drops in each port.
Never allow the temperature in your home to rise to a dangerously high level. It is only possible for an air conditioner to lower the temperature in a home by 20 degrees F in a short time. If your home happens to get near 100 degrees Fahrenheit, then you will only be able to reasonably cool to around 80. If humidity is high, this temp is still unsafe for people.
Put your outdoor condensers in places with shade.
Some air conditioners can ice up. The drain line can freeze, making you think it’s a plumbing leak. If this happens, put your thermostat over to fan. Once you know the problem, contact a local HVAC professional and let them know what’s going on in your system.
Have the HVAC system serviced twice a year. This should be done in the fall and malfunctions.
To know how large of an air conditioner you need, look for a calculator online. If you purchase something too large, you will be throwing away money. Look at the manual to determine the recommended size for air conditioners.
Turn off your outdoor condensers you have when it’s getting cold. This should turn it off to prevent damage if the weather falls under 60 degrees Farenheit. This can keep the system running and can save you money on repairs.
Use an HVAC company that has been in business for a while. The older they are, the more likely it will be for you to find out their history, which will help you gauge their quality. Hiring a contractor who is just starting out can be risky.
During your service visit, the system motor will be inspected, inspect the motor and the freon levels. These easy to do things are going to allow your HVAC system running smoothly.
Talk to others that you have in your life to see if they can recommend an HVAC contractor to you. Those who have had this work done will know the best options. This is also a great way to get names of companies that should be avoided.
Research the companies before hiring them. Check them out at the BBB and online reviews posted by former customers. These simple steps can help ensure you make a better decision.
If you need recommendations for an HVAC contractor, check online. There are a number of great sites out there that let customers talk about how they were treated by services. This is useful for finding people that you wish to work with and those that you don’t.
Look for air conditioner sizing calculators online to truly understand what size of unit you need for your room or home. Look at the manual to determine the manufacturer website for this information.
Try installing a type of radiant barrier in the attic for to have a more efficient HVAC system. It will serve as a barrier between your home and the outside. If done right, you can even start using the attic as living space.
Companies that are well established 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 contractor with little experience.
Look for leaks in the ducts if your system isn’t working right. Often, utility companies will test them free of charge. If a leak is found, the money spent on finding and repairing the leak will pay for itself.
There are a number of great sites now that let customers talk about how they were treated by services. This is a good way to locate contractors that you wish to work and ones that are poor.
Understand where the air flows in your home and use that information to determine where to put your AC unit. If you can only put it into a corner, try buying a unit that lets you change its air flow direction away from your wall.
If the HVAC unit makes a clicking noise, immediately start looking for any obstructions. Often the issue is some sort of debris that’s hitting fans in your cooling system. Take a look before calling a technician out.
Prior to hiring any HVAC contractor, you ought to ask about their level of experience. Make sure they are experienced doing the kind of work that you need. While a worker with less experience may be capable of doing a good job, you will be taking a risk.
Make certain they have tight seals to keep air can’t seep in.You can also hire a professional to test them.
Does your contractor provide you with an all-day emergency hotline? This includes during extreme weather.
Pick HVAC business that understands the unit and works quickly to solve the problem. The best companies will ensure that their technicians will always be on time. The technicians need to also be able to diagnose problems in your HVAC unit quickly. Once they know what’s wrong, they should be able to fix it as fast as they can.
When it’s winter time, get your condenser unit covered so it can be safe. It prolongs the lifespan. Additionally, it’s important to remember not to utilize the compressor if your outside temperatures drop below 69 degrees. Turn on the fan and avoid straining the unit.
If you’re stuck with putting it in a corner, make certain that the air does not point towards a wall.
Check all references given to you from an HVAC contractor. Don’t assume that references given are automatically legitimate. It does not require much of your time.
Ask a contractor about their experience.You need to verify they have the sort of work you require.
You can save money by choosing an Energy Star approved HVAC unit. These products are held to a high standard of efficiency. The EPA regulates the guidelines for the star. The EPA is the Environmental Protection Agency. Choosing an Energy Star system will save you money over the life of the unit.
Always make sure to get references from a HVAC contractor.
Sixty-six percent of houses have leaky ducts. This equals up to 25% of your energy bill. It is not difficult to seal your ducts, and you will see a noticeable change in the amount you pay for electricity.
Any HVAC contractor or installer should have a 24-hour emergency hotline. They must be able to reach your home at any time, be it in the middle of a heatwave or in the worst snowstorm of the year.
Energy Star units are the best choice when purchasing a new unit. If they have Energy Star logo, then you know that the product has met the standards set for energy efficiency set forth by the EPA. The end result should be you seeing a money saved each year on your energy bills.
This determines the number of BTUs your system should be.
Keep your condenser protected when it’s getting colder. You can do this by putting a thick cover over the top of it. Don’t use this unit if you’re working in temperatures below around 60 degrees because your system won’t work that well below temperatures like this.
You may be surprised that as much as 66% of households have ducts that are leaky. This will kick up your utility bills.Sealing up your ducts is cheap and easy, and it is something you can do yourself, and it can reduce your electricity bills significantly every year thereafter.
Make sure that you keep all owner’s and operator’s manuals about your HVAC system in a convenient place. It can educate you regarding the system and how to handle issues with it. You can get a replacement manual from the manufacturer if you need one.
Use a contractor that makes use of Energy Star equipment. This ensures efficiency that your system has met the product is more efficient than those without it. This will help you save more on energy all year.
Keep your system operating efficiently and enjoy clean air by cleaning the heating ducts from time to time. Look often at the ducts regularly so you can make sure they are in good shape. Damaged ducts can raise your energy bill.
Hvac System
Now you know just how to get a quality HVAC system. Avoid letting it fail by regularly maintaining the system. Use these tips to keep your HVAC system from failing when it should be running smoothly. It’s not really a tough job at all!
