It is not easy for homeowners to know where to go when their heating or cooling system isn’t working properly. To keep yourself from having a problem with this, it is worth taking the time to learn about the subject. This article was written to help homeowners to find the proper help they need for their HVAC unit.
Know the name and type of your HVAC system before looking for a repair person. Find out the brand and model and, if possible, dig out the maintenance history. If you have to have someone come out to repair the unit, you will be able to help the contractor understand more about what is going on.
Know the name and type of your HVAC system you currently have before looking for a repair person. This helps make sure your contractor has the information they will need.
If your HVAC is running into problems, check out each room in your house before calling for assistance. Notice the temperature in each room. Are some cooler or hotter than others? This will allow a contractor to quickly figure out what the issue is and how it can be fixed fast.
If your HVAC is giving you problems, take a tour of the house prior to calling a professional. This will help the repairman determine where the problem is and how to fix it.
Understand what you want before talking to a contractor. It will be difficult for an HVAC contractor to provide you with an estimate on the phone without knowing what your current setup is. If you can’t explain anything to them, this will be even more difficult. So, you should know this beforehand.
Clean the fan blades and coils come spring. Clean the outside of your external condenser unit regularly.
Clean the debris off your outdoor condenser unit. Things pile up after storms and damage your system. If you do not, the unit may get too hot and cause additional problems.
Your HVAC system could suffer when your trees begin dropping their leaves. Make sure you clean out your fan grill is cleaned often once nearby trees start shedding their leaves. The fan must stay clear in order to function, and if it gets blocked, it could cause your system to break down.
Make sure that you do not cover your outdoor components with grass clippings when you are trimming the grass. Have the grass shoot in the opposite direction. Do the same when blowing snow or leaves.
10 Drops
If you have oil ports as part of the fan condenser, annual lubrication is key. You’ll see that the ports here are closed with a rubber or metal cap. Your oil should be an SAE 20. This particular oil is very lightweight and it only requires about 10 drops per port.
Lubricate the oil ports on your condenser once a year. You can easily find the ports have a rubber or metal cap covering them. Use a lightweight, and put 10 drops or fewer in each port, putting 10 drops in each port.
You need to have a contractor review your unit twice a year. This should be done in the fall and again in the spring. Even if you do not detect a problem, you can identify and fix any potential problems when you have it checked.
Put your outdoor condensers in the shade.
If possible, your single pane windows should be replaced with double-paned ones. 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.
Have your HVAC system checked twice a year at the least. This should be checked often for debris and again in the spring.
Equipping your home with a programmable thermostat can be an excellent way to cut utility costs. These convenient thermostats may shave ten percent or more off of your bills, because they significantly cut energy use when you’re not around. Some newer programmable thermostats have computerized controls you can access from your personal computer, laptop or mobile media device.
Turn off outdoor condenser when it’s getting cold. This means that you should be done when the temperature drops below 60ºF to avoid damage. This will help keep the system running efficiently for many years.
If you’re away from home during the day, raise the temperature setting on your air conditioner to save money. When you turn the air conditioner off, the house may heat up a little but only a certain amount. Leaving it on for the entire day means that it is struggling to keep things cool, something that takes lots of energy.
It is a good idea to swap out single pane windows with ones that have double pane ones. This same effect also helps keep it warm air in the winter.
Never let your home reach a dangerously hot temperature. A simple AC unit will usually only cool the home around 20 degrees within a short period of time. If your home gets above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, you’ll only cool down to still above 80. This won’t be a healthy environment to live in.
A programmable thermostat can help save money on your air conditioning costs. Some programmable thermostats can even be controlled from a PC or computer.
Use an online sizing calculator to help you calculate the proper size of the air conditioning unit you should purchase. If you purchase a unit that’s too large, it will not be efficient since it’ll cool the same. Check the manual it comes with for the information you need.
Never allow the temperature in your home to rise to a dangerously hot temperature. Air conditioners only cool down 20 degrees or so within a reasonable time period. If the temperature in your home rises above 100 degrees, it will only cool off to about 80F. This won’t be a safe and comfortable temperature for you to sleep in.
Before you hire any HVAC company, ask them how long they’ve been open for business. Fly-by-night companies are those you want to avoid. You will be taking a risk if you hire a newer contractor.
Research the reputation of companies that you consider using. Check with different references to determine the BBB and online reviews as well. These steps are going to help to ensure your decision is a better decision.
Search online for reviews to find an HVAC customer you can trust. There are quite a few sites now that allow customers to share their experiences with different services. This can help filter out the people you would like to work with.
Companies that are around awhile have track records that can help you decide if they’re worth your money and time.It is always risky to hire someone who does not have a contractor with little experience.
Before you hire a contractor, make sure you get different quotes. You will be likely to save some cash if you take the time to call around before you decide. You may want to get quotes from at least five contractors in order to know what you should be paying.
Speak with someone close to you to see if they can recommend someone good to service their HVAC contractor. People that have had quality work done are usually more than willing to share the information they know about it. This will also help you know which companies to stay away from.
Are you thinking about buying a new HVAC system? If so, you must consider a number of things. Systems are given ratings by how effectively they can cool and heat an area. If you are debating the size of the unit, always get one that is just a little bigger rather than one that is a little too small.
There are many sites that other customers share experiences of different services. This is an excellent method of finding contractors that you are interested in dealing with as well as those that you don’t.
Your HVAC system will run more efficiently if your windows and doors are energy efficient. Be sure that they seal tightly so that no interior air seeps out or exterior air gets inside. A good professional can test this for you, and they might even do it for free.
Contractors are responsible for their own charges and fees, so make sure to get multiple quotes.You can save tons of money if you make several calls prior to reaching a final decision. Call around 5 contractors so that you can get the rates are.
Consider what kind of experience a company has before you consider hiring any contractor for HVAC work in your home. The best contractor for the job will have ample experience working with HVAC systems similar to the one you are using. Don’t risk the success of your job by taking a chance on someone who may not be able to do it right.
If you can only put the unit in the corner, be sure you can change the direction of air flow to avoid having it hit the wall.
Always get some references prior to hiring any contractor. You need to know if previous clients have gotten what they needed, like timely service within their budget. References ensure you don’t end up with a scammer.
Ask any potential contractor about their experience prior to hiring them. Make sure they are experienced with the kind of work that you need.
Your HVAC will perform better during the winter if you protect the condenser with a cover. When the condenser is not being used, the cover will help it to last much longer. Also, when it’s less than sixty degrees outside, you shouldn’t use the compressor. Use the fan instead to avoid putting strain on the condenser unit.
Always get references before hiring any contractor.
You can save money by choosing an Energy Star approved HVAC unit. These units are energy efficient and meet the strict guidelines set for efficiency. The rules are created by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The research you do now can save you money down the road.
Some contractors will attempt to charge you on material fees and fuel. Having a signed contract will let you avoid these types of issues.
You may be surprised that as much as 66% of households have ducts that leak. This equals up to 25% of your energy bill. Sealing the ducts is something you can do easily and cheaply, and it can significantly decrease your electrical bill yearly thereafter.
Cover your condenser when the winter. This can help it last longer when not in use. Use the fan instead to avoid straining the condenser unit.
Make sure to periodically clean your heating ducts on the HVAC unit to keep it heating efficiently and providing fresh, clean air. Look at the ducts regularly so you can make sure they are in good shape. Damaged ones raise your electric bill.
Consider a programmable thermostat installed.This can save you a great deal on your bills because your system rests while you are comfortably warm asleep in bed.
When the weather begins to grow colder, you must protect the outside condensing unit from the cold. Try putting a cover on it that will help it to stay warm. Don’t install a condenser unit if it’s under sixty degrees outside. If you do, the system won’t be as effective.
These are energy products that meet strict guidelines set for efficiency. The units are established by the U.S. They are in charge of protecting the EPA for short.Taking time to fully research various units may help you save a significant amount of money.
If you are working on an HVAC system, then it’s only smart to keep the manual nearby. It can educate you regarding the system and how to handle issues with it. If you lost your manual, you can request it on the manufacturer’s website.
No one can deny that it is disastrous to face life with a broken air conditioner in the heat of summer or a failed heating system in the cold of winter. However, if they were prepared for something like that happening, it won’t be so bad. The tips you learned here can help you to make a great HVAC choice when the time comes.
