You may think anything to do with HVAC is really complex. This is because so much information is available on the technical nature of these systems.
When you start making calls to get someone to help with your HVAC system, it’s a good idea to know what system you have before that phone call. Get information on the make and model, plus if you have information on the history of maintenance, that will help, too. This will let you know that you’re able to give the contractor the information that can help them.
Know what type of system you currently have before looking for a repair person. This will ensure that you can give your chosen contractor any information they might need.
Tour your home before calling a contractor. Notice the temperature in each room. Are some cooler or hotter than others? That will help your repairman figure out where the problem is, and how he can fix it easily and quickly.
Know what you want done before you hire a contractor. It will be hard for an HVAC contractor to give you a price estimate over the phone if they have not seen your current setup is. It will be way more difficult for him to assist you can’t figure out what they need to do.
Before you hire an HVAC contractor, have some sort of idea of the work that needs to be done. It’s hard for these contractors to give phone estimates without seeing the current system you have. It’s even harder if you’re not able to explain what you’ve done. Be sure to find this out ahead of time.
Clean your condenser’s fan and coils come spring. Clean the outside of your external condenser unit regularly.
Help the outside condenser fan run efficiently by cleaning the coils and fan blades before the summer starts. Shut off power before working or cleaning your system. Also, be sure to clear leaves and debris from your condenser unit.
Clean the debris on an external condenser unit. 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 could overheat and cause your system to malfunction by overheating.
If there are condenser units as part of your HVAC system, clean them often as they tend to have lots of debris. Leaves and debris can accumulate quickly, particularly following storms, and that can cause problems for your system. Overheating can occur, which often spells disaster for your system.
Turn the power off first so nothing moves. Next, pop off the grill, put the blades out and start to gently clean them along with the unit.
Clean the fan blades and coils on the condenser fan every spring. Before you do anything, however, turn the power off. Remove the grill and carefully clean the blades and surrounding areas.
Your HVAC units might suffer when your trees lose their leaves. Make sure the fan’s grill often once nearby trees start shedding their leaves.The fan must not have anything in the way so that air can flow into it, and if it gets blocked, you will have to contend with problems.
If trees are losing leaves around your home, this can impact your HVAC unit. At least twice a week, you need to clean the grill of your fan. When blockages restrict the flow of air to the fan, you could end up with serious issues on your hands.
Sae 20 Oil
Your HVAC unit requires regular maintenance at least two times per each year. This should be done in the fall and again in the spring. Even if you don’t notice anything wrong, you can check it out to figure out what the potential issues are.
Lubricate your fan condenser at least once each year. You will notice these ports have a rubber or metal cap covering the ports. Use SAE 20 oil that is non-detergent and lightweight, detergent-free SAE 20 oil, putting 10 drops in each port.
When the weather starts to cool down, make sure you turn off outdoor condenser units. If the temperature drops to under 60 degrees, you risk damage to the unit if you leave it on. This can keep your system working for years and save you a lot on repairs.
Be sure you have the HVAC system checks. This should be checked often for debris and again in the spring.
Replace single pane windows by installing double pane, if possible. Double pane windows will allow you to use less air during the summer because cooler air will stay in your house. When it is cold in the winter months, these same windows will keep the warm air inside as well.
It is always a good idea to swap out single pane windows with ones that have double panes. This also help you keep in heat when it gets cold.
Make use of a thermostat when you are installing an HVAC. It may save you as much as 10 percent of your overall utility bill if you turn your thermostat down by 10-15 degrees for a portion of the day. In addition, some models make things really easy on you, allowing you to adjust them from the computer.
Companies that have been around for longer have a proven track records typically provide better service. It is riskier to hire someone who does not have a contractor with little experience.
You should have your HVAC system inspected at least once, but preferably twice, per year. When they visit to service the unit they’re going to inspect the motors, oil the parts that move, and see how much freon is in your system. Those things are going to help your system at peak performance.
Ask your friends and relations for contractor recommendations. People will tell you who they have used and if they are often happy to share the name of their contractor. This will also be used to see who you to avoid undesirable companies.
Do not allow your home to reach excessive levels of heat during the summer. It is only possible for an air conditioner to lower the temperature in a home by 20 degrees F in a short time. So, if your home temp reaches 100 degrees, your air conditioning will only bring that temp down to about 80 degrees. With high humidity, this is an unsafe temperature even for sleeping.
Think about having a radiant barrier installed in your attic so 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 and the outside. You could even use the attic space more effectively.
Sometimes, air conditioners collect ice. There are also occasional freezes in the drain line, which are often confused for plumbing leaks. If you see this, immediately put your thermostat on the fan setting to turn off your compressor. It is best to call a professional in to fix this particular issue, even though the switch to fan setting should cause the ice to start melting.
Do you want to buy a new HVAC unit? There are a number of things you must consider first. Systems have a rating based on how effectively they can cool and heat an area. You are better off purchasing a unit rather than purchasing one that is a smaller one.
Find an air conditioner calculator online to determine what models are best for you. If you buy something too large it won’t be efficient as it cools the same. You can look online or do other research to get information from HVAC system manufacturers and sellers in order to determine the best unit size for your needs.
Check the ducts to find any leaks if your existing system is not up to snuff. When these leaks are fixed, the tests will pay for themselves.
Go to people that you know and ask for recommendations when it is time for you to hire an HVAC contractor. Those who have had this work done will know the best options. This can also help you to figure out some names of businesses that you should avoid at all costs.
If you hear a clicking noise coming from the HVAC unit, check for any sort of obstructions immediately. Often the issue is some sort of debris hitting the fans in the cooling system. Look before you call up a service technician.
Are you looking into getting a new heating/cooling system? You could keep a few points in mind. Systems have ratings according to the total area they effectively heat or cool. It is always better to buy a unit that is a little bit bigger rather than one that might be slightly smaller.
Measure the area you wish to cool before going air conditioning. You can usually substitute 20 BTU per square foot in the area to be cooled. If you are cooling more than one room, combine all the square footage.
You can usually have free duct testing performed if you are concerned about your HVAC system not running properly. The local utility company may be able to do this for you at a cost lower than what a contractor would charge you. When you get leaks repaired, you may see that the testing pays for itself.
Hvac System
When considering what size AC unit your home needs, be sure to measure the immediate area you need to cool. You’ll need about 20 BTU per square foot of living space. Add the square footage for multiple rooms together.
Replace the air filter monthly to keep your HVAC system every month. This is an easy thing that you can do and it will keep your HVAC system running well.
The one thing you should always do on a monthly basis is change the air filter on your HVAC system. It is an easy thing to do yourself in order to have your system running well. The filters are only a couple dollars, so it is a small monthly investment.
Pick an HVAC business that is fast and works quickly to solve the problem. The most reliable companies will ensure that their technicians stay on schedule. A licensed technician will also easily diagnose any potential faults with your HVAC. After they figure out what is causing the problem, they resolve issues swiftly.
Pick an HVAC business that understands the unit and works quickly to solve the problem. Many reliable companies ensure techs keep their appointments to stay on schedule. These techs should be able to figure out what is up with an HVAC rather quickly. Also, they should be able to service it quickly.
Ask any potential contractor about their experience prior to hiring them. You need to verify they have done the sort of experience needed to work you require.
The next time that you have an HVAC technician at your home or business, ask them to put in a thermostat that is programmable. A programmable thermostat will save you tons on your power bills and even gives your system a chance to rest at night while everyone sleeps or is not at home.
Always make sure to get references before hiring any contractor.
Look for an HVAC system that is rated as Energy Star compliant, as that will save you the most amount of money. These qualified energy products are known to meet strict guidelines for efficiency. These guidelines are enforced by the federal government. Environmental Protection Agency. If you take the time to research these units, you can save lots of money on energy.
Cover your condenser in the winter time. This will allow it to last longer when you’re not in use. Use the fan instead to avoid straining the unit.
The heating ducts must be cleaned on a regular basis for best performance. Check out the ducts every so often to make sure they are not damaged in any way. Ducts that have some damage will make you pay more in heating because you have to pay more to keep the area warm.
This will help you to figure out how many BTUs the BTU your system needs to have to keep a home comfortable.
For the best operation of your unit, always have the owner’s manual handy. The information contained within this manual will be very useful. Replacement manuals are often available from the online website of the manufacturer.
These types of units meet strict guidelines for efficiency. These are put together by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). They are called the environment and human health. Taking time to look into these units may help you save a significant amount of money.
Look for an HVAC contractor that uses Energy Star equipment and products. This rating means that your system has met the product is more efficient than those without it. This means that in the end you can save a bit of money on utility bills.
Now you know all about the HVAC system. It’s really hard to get started with it unless you get motivated, so be sure that you take these things into account before you get started. The various issues will make more sense to you and you will find yourself pleased that you invested the time to learn.
