It is not easy for homeowners to know where to turn when their heating or cooling system begins to fail. To prevent the situation from becoming disastrous, it is helpful to read up on the topic in advance. This article was put together to help conscientious homeowners learn how to hire the proper help they need for their HVAC unit.
Always make sure you are up-to-date about your HVAC unit. Know the model and brand and find it’s maintenance history, if possible. This will help make sure that the contractor you hire has all the necessary information.
Know the name and type of system before calling someone to fix it. This will help you give the contractor the necessary information.
If your HVAC doesn’t seem to be working properly, check things out yourself prior to calling in a technician. Figure out which rooms are too cool or warm. This will help your contractor quickly determine where the issue lies and how to get it fixed quickly and easily.
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 where the problem is and how to fix it.
Keeping the outside condenser clean of debris and leaves will improve the system’s efficiency. Before you do clean the coils and fan blades, always take the precaution of turning off all power to the unit. Clean off any leaves or debris from your external condenser unit.
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.
Clean the condenser on your debris regularly. The dirt could pile up and harm your system. Overheating could occur, which will be problematic.
Don’t let grass clippings pile up against your outside unit. Aim the grass cuttings in the other direction. This also applies when you are taking care of the leaves in the yard.
Put outdoor units in the shade if you are installing them. As your air conditioner sucks in cool air, little will have to be done to cool it any further, saving you a ton on your energy bills.
Install a thermostat to save money on cooling your home.Some programmable thermostats can even be controlled from your smart phone or other device.
Equipping your home with a programmable thermostat can be an excellent way to cut utility costs. With this device installed, it can help you save money on your energy bills by you having the power to regulate the temperature throughout the day. Take advantage of the convenience of the ability to control many programable thermostats from your favorite electronic device.
Don’t let your home temperature get way too hot to where it’s dangerous. Air conditioners can only really cool a home down 20 degrees or so within a reasonable time period. If your home happens to get near 100 degrees Fahrenheit, you will only be able to cool it down to 80. This won’t be a safe and comfortable temperature for you to sleep in.
Turn your AC off if no one is at home. When you turn it off, the house heats up, but only to a certain threshold. If the A/C is on when you’re gone, it’ll be working hard constantly.
Research and check the companies before hiring them. Check with different references to determine the BBB and online reviews as well. This is what you make a smart decision.
Don’t let your home get too hot. An air conditioner can only cool your home by 20ºF quickly. Assuming the temperature in your home rises to a hundred degrees, you will only be able to reduce that by twenty degrees. Taking into consideration the humidity level, this may not even be adequate for the human body to recover from excessive heat while sleeping.
Air conditioners sometimes ice up at times. The drain line may also freeze over. If you see this, switch the thermostat in your home to fan only so the compressor is disabled. If this doesn’t work, call in help.
To choose a HVAC contractor, it is important to check their reputations. The BBB is always great when you are looking for references or online reviews. Doing this can help you make a better decision.
Ask around so you are looking for a reputable HVAC contractor. People who have been happy with work they have had great service are usually willing to tell of it. This will also help you from getting scammed.
Prior to hiring any HVAC contractor, you should ask how long their business has operated. You are more likely to get good service this way. Working with someone that does not yet have a reputation in the business is a bit riskier.
Think about having a radiant barrier 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 home cool when it’s hot or cold as it should be. You could even use the attic as part of your living space if it is done right.
Turn to online reviews if you’re not sure how you should hire to perform HVAC maintenance. Lots of sites exist where customers can leave feedback and reviews. This can help filter out the people you would like to work with.
Figure out which direction your home is facing so your HVAC system more efficient. The less heat inside the house, the less work your AC will have to do.
All contractors charge differently for their services, so get at least four or five quotes before hiring a particular person. If you make a few calls before you decide, it can result in great savings. Never settle for a price until you’ve called at least five contractors to gain a realistic idea of a fair price.
If there’s a clicking in your HVAC unit, look for an obstruction. Often the issue is some sort of debris hitting the fans in the cooling system. Check the fan and coil before calling a professional.
If the system you’re using now isn’t working great, then check the ducts for some leakage. Often, utility companies will test them free of charge. When you have leaks repaired, the testing has paid for itself.
Make certain they are tightly sealed so air inside. You can hire a professional to test them.
Determine which way your home faces in order to establish efficient HVAC operation. Trees placed in the right places can keep the sun from heating your home too much. The less heat in your home, the less time your air conditioner will have to work.
Replace the air filter monthly to keep your HVAC system every month. It will improve the easiest way to take care of your unit.
If you do only one thing for HVAC maintenance, it ought to be replacing the air filter. It is the easiest way to take care of it. Many chain stores sell filters for under $5.00, and that low price is worth it.
If you have to place it in a corner of your home, be sure you can change the direction of air flow to avoid having it hit the wall.
Think about the air flow coming out of the air conditioner and where you want to place it for maximum comfort. Make sure you have plenty of air flow control options if you are forced to install the unit in a corner.
Usually your HVAC system will stop working during the bitter days of winter season or the sultry days of summer. However, homeowners who are educated in basic heating and cooling maintenance can overcome many of the issues that may arise during trying times. These tips are very simple, but they can help you avoid expensive fees by teaching you to handle the maintenance yourself.
When you hire a contractor, always ask for references. You want to be able to ask if what was expected is what the homeowner got, such as being on time and on budget. That way, you can avoid scammers more easily.
