It is frustrating to have a failing HVAC system when the weather is at it’s peak.Learning about your HVAC systems in advance will help you fix them or maintain them. Read this article to get started on to do that.
Before calling anyone to repair your system, know what system you have. Know the model and brand and find it’s maintenance history, if possible. The contractor will likely need all of this information.
If you have some problems with the HVAC system, do a tour of your house before you call in help. This will help the contractor determine what the problem is and how to fix it.
Before you choose someone to do HVAC work, figure out what they need to do for you. It is going to be hard to get a price estimate on the phone if the current system isn’t something they’ve seen. It will be even harder if you cannot explain what you have done. It’s important to know this beforehand.
Know what you want done before you select an HVAC contractor. It will be hard for an HVAC contractor to give you with an estimate on the phone without knowing what your current system. It will be more hard if you over the phone without the information readily available.
Be sure to regularly clean debris from external condenser units. Debris can pile up after a storm, bringing potential damage with it. It can also cause it to overheat.
Clean the condenser on your debris off your outdoor condenser unit. You don’t know when things are going to pile up, like right after it’s windy or rains, and that can throw a wrench in your system. It can cause it to overheat.
Avoid showering your outdoor unit with grass clippings when you mow the lawn. Direct the clippings away from the equipment. This includes grass clippings and leaves.
Lubricate the oil ports on your fan condenser at least once each year. You will notice these ports as they have a rubber or metal cap. Use a lightweight, detergent-free SAE 20 oil, but make sure to avoid overfilling them.
The operation of your HVAC system can be in danger when the tree leaves begin to fall. At least twice a week, you need to clean the grill of your fan. You can head off future problems that can be caused by blockages by making sure there is a free flow of air to your fan.
Your HVAC unit requires regular maintenance at least two times a year. This should happen in the fall and malfunctions.
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. Put about ten drops or less of a good non-detergent SAE 20 oil into each port.
Turn off any outdoor condensers you have when it becomes cold out. This means that you should be done when the weather falls under 60 degrees Farenheit. This simple tip will help keep the system running efficiently for years to come.
Put outdoor units in the shade if you are installing them. This will help you save on your energy bill.
A programmable thermostat can help you out when it comes to your power bills. Some programmable thermostats can even be controlled from a PC or computer.
Be sure to have twice annual HVAC system checks. 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 you don’t notice anything wrong, you can check it out to figure out what the potential issues are.
During a maintenance visit, they will inspect the motor of the system, oil the unit’s moving parts and ensure the unit has proper freon levels. These few simple tasks will help keep your system to run at its peak performance.
If you are a home owner, replace whatever single pane windows you have with more efficient double-paned versions. You can reduce your energy costs from energy leaking out through your windows by installing window that are double-paned. Likewise, heat is better retained during the winter.
Don’t let your home get way too hot. Air conditioners are limited in that they can only really cool your home down 20 degrees or so within a reasonable time limit. 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.
Have a smart thermostat installed. It changes the temperature so the system isn’t in use when it’s cooler outside or no one is home. Take advantage of the convenience of the ability to control many programable thermostats from your favorite electronic device.
Research the reputation of companies before hiring them.Check with the BBB and online reviews of potential companies online. These steps will help ensure you make the smartest and most informed choice.
Don’t let your home get too hot. Air conditioners can cool a home by just twenty degrees in a short time. If the temperature in your home rises above 100 degrees, you will only be able to cool it down to 80. When you factor in humidity, this can still be dangerously hot for the human body at rest.
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 someone who does not have a contractor with little experience.
Research the companies that you consider using. Inquire with the BBB and look elsewhere for other reviews from customers. Investing the time to check out potential contractors can save you money and headaches.
Ask friends and family for their HVAC contractor recommendations. People who have had a good experience are usually willing to tell of it. This can also help you should avoid.
Occasionally, air conditioners ice up. You may even mistake the frozen drains as an issue for a plumber. If this is something that’s happening to you, change the setting on your thermostat to the fan setting and this will disable the compressor. Once you know the problem, contact a local HVAC professional and let them know what’s going on in your system.
There are now different online sites now that other customers to share their reviews. This is useful for finding people that you wish to work with and people that may not work well with you.
Find an air conditioner calculator online to determine what models are best for you. If you make the mistake of purchasing a unit that is too large, it will not cool efficiently. Read over the owner’s manual to see the manufacturers suggestions as to the cooling capacity of the unit for the most accurate information.
Are you thinking about buying a new heating and cooling system? There are a number of things you should consider. Systems are given ratings by how well the system is able to cool or heat an area. You are wise to err on the side of a unit that is slightly too large for your needs than purchasing one that is a smaller one.
Every contractor out there is responsible for setting up their own fees, so get several quotes before hiring anyone. Save yourself some money by calling around before you make your final decision. You may want to get quotes from at least five contractors in order to know what you should be paying.
Figure out the direction your home is facing so your HVAC system more efficient. The less amount of heat inside of your home, the less work your AC will have to do.
Are you looking into getting a new heating/cooling system? You will need to take a few things into account. Systems get rated according to how large an area they can effectively cool and heat. You should buy a little bigger than necessary unit over a little smaller than necessary unit.
Make sure they are tightly sealed so air inside. You can also hire a professional to test them.
Decide which way your house faces to make sure your HVAC system can work its best. Consider where to place trees to reduce the morning sunlight on your home. The less amount of heat inside of your home, the fewer occasions you have to use your air conditioner.
Square Footage
The most important thing to do to your HVAC system each month is replace the air filter. It’s easy and has a huge impact on performance. The filters are only a couple dollars, so it is a small monthly investment.
Measure the living area that needs cooling before buying a unit. You generally need 20 BTU for each square footage of room space. If you are cooling more than one room, combine their square footage in your calculations.
Avoid using any contractor for HVAC repairs or installation, unless they provide you with a 24-hour number for emergency situations. You should have the ability to get them out to your home, whether it is the midst of a horrible heat wave or a snow storm.
Pick an HVAC business that is fast and knows what to do. The most reliable companies will ensure that their technicians will always be on schedule and keep appointments. The technicians should also know what to do to figure out what’s going wrong with an HVAC in no time. After they know what the problem is, they should then know how to deal with the problem.
To save some cash, try picking an Energy Star HVAC unit. Energy Star units must meet certain guidelines. These guidelines have been set up by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. This is vital if you want to cut your costs. Investing in a search for the most energy efficient unit will pay off in considerable long-term savings on utility bills.
If you can only put the unit in the corner, try buying a unit that lets you change its air flow direction away from your wall.
Up to 66 percent of homes have ducts that leak. Leaky ducts will add significantly to your power bill each month. It’s easy to seal up any ducts, and you should notice a big difference in your bills.
Ask a contractor about their experience.You need to know that they have the type of experience needed to work on your particular system.
Choose a contractor who installs Energy Star units. Anything carrying the Energy Star logo has met guidelines for efficiency as established by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This will help you save more on your bills year round.
There are dishonest contractors that will try to overcharge you. Having a solid written contract will help you avoid issues like this.
Your heating ducts should be properly cleaned out on your HVAC unit to ensure it is working efficiently. Make sure to look at the ducts often and fix anything that you see wrong. A broken duct will allow the warm air to escape, causing your power bill to rise.
Getting an HVAC professional is vital to your installation process. Still, a little research goes a long way. Hopefully, you’re now ready to tackle any issues that come up with your HVAC system.
The condenser unit needs to be properly taken care of in cold weather. Just cover it with a thick top. Do not keep this unit on when the temperature is too cold.
