The comfort of a home has a lot to do with whether or not it is being heated and cooled properly. That is why it is important to keep your HVAC has to be in tip top shape. If you aren’t taking care of your system, it can lead to expensive repairs and an uncomfortable way of living. Here are some suggestions to help you started.
If the condenser for your HVAC system is located outside, make sure you clear away any debris that might settle in or around it. The dirt could pile up and harm your system. It can get overheated, which will cause problems with the whole system.
Know what type of your HVAC system before calling someone to fix it. This helps make sure the contractor has the information they will be sufficiently prepared.
Leaves falling from trees can wreak havoc with your HVAC unit. Cleaning your unit is very important for its effectiveness. A blocked unit can quickly become a broken unit.
If your HVAC system us giving you issues, look around your home before calling in people to help. This information will help the contractor determine what the problem is and how to fix it.
If the condenser fan has oil parts, then you need to lubricate it at least once per year. A rubber or metal cap is typically placed over such ports. Use a lightweight oil and do not overfill them.
Know what you want done before you select an HVAC contractor. It will be difficult for a contractor to provide you a price estimate over the phone without knowing what your current system. It will be way more hard if you over the phone without the information readily available.
You need to have a contractor review your unit twice a year. This should be done in Fall and Spring to prepare it for the extreme months. Even if you don’t think anything’s wrong, it’s still worth an inspection.
Clean the debris on 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 your unit.
A programmable thermostat can really help you out when it comes to your power bills. In fact, you can save as much as 10 percent on both heating and cooling when you turn your thermostat by by 10-15 percent for at least 8 hours daily. There are also some programmable thermostats that can be controlled with a computer or other web-connected advice.
Don’t get grass clippings on your outdoor condenser. Aim the grass cuttings in a direction away from the unit. This also applies when you are taking care of the leaves in the yard.
To help lower cooling costs when not at home, make sure the air conditioner is turned off. You may want to turn your unit off if your house will not become extremely hot or cold. Leaving the system on all day will cost a lot of money in terms of electricity.
Leaves and debris can wreak havoc with your system. Make sure you clean out your fan grill is cleaned often once nearby trees start shedding their leaves. The fan needs to have an unobstructed path for air to enter the unit, and if it is clogged, it could cause your system to break down.
Sometimes, air conditioners collect ice. The drain line can freeze, making you think it’s a plumbing leak. Try switching to fan-mode and disabling your compressor to test whether the water is a leak or melting ice. If the issue persists, call in help.
10 Drops
There are plenty of online tools, such as sizing calculators, which can help you find the best unit to cool your home. If you buy something too large it won’t be efficient as it cools the same. Check the manual it comes with for the information you need.
Lubricate your condenser once a year. You can easily find the ports covered with rubber or metal cap. Use a lightweight, and put 10 drops or fewer in each port, putting 10 drops in each port.
Before you go out there and hire an HVAC contractor, find out the length of time they’ve been in the industry. Companies that are around awhile have a better record than those that haven’t been. It’s a risk to hire a new one.
Be sure to have the HVAC system checks. This should be done in the fall and malfunctions.
You can always search the Internet when you aren’t entirely sure who you should call for proper HVAC repair or maintenance. There are a lot of sites these days that let customers talk about their experiences with contractors. This is a good way to locate contractors that do good work and ones that are poor.
During the service check, they will inspect the motor of the system, the moving parts will be oiled and the freon levels will be checked These simple things will keep your HVAC system running smoothly.
Are you thinking of getting a cooling and heating system that’s new? There are things you must consider first. For example, the ratings on most systems describe how much space they can work to cool or heat. Getting a unit that’s a little larger than you need will be better than getting one that’s smaller.
Research and check the companies before hiring them. Check with the BBB and online reviews posted by former customers. These simple steps can help make the smartest and most informed choice.
Obstructions often cause a clicking noise in a compressor. This may be because debris is restricting the movement of the fan blades. You just have to take out the obstruction and the problem is solved. Take a look before calling a service technician.
Air conditioners tend to ice up.The drain line might also freeze up.If you see this happen, switch the thermostat in your home to fan only so the compressor is disabled. You can call a HVAC professional, even if switching it to its fan setting starts making the ice melt.
You can’t get the most out of your HVAC unit, unless you have efficient windows and doors installed. Be sure their seal is tight so no exterior air gets in or interior air gets out. You can hire a professional to test them all for you and often this testing is free.
Contractors charge different rates, so make sure to get multiple quotes. You can save a lot of money when you call different companies for price quotes. Call at least four or five different HVAC specialist to find the best deal possible.
Replace the air filter as often as possible. This is an easy and essential thing to do. It is a small cost to do this.
Hopefully, this article has helped you understand more about your HVAC system. Follow regular maintenance procedures in order to avoid malfunctions. Use the above tips to make sure it keeps working properly.
Find a HVAC company that knows its stuff. A sign of a great company is one that arrives on time for their appointment. They should be able to diagnose issues quickly. They should offer you answers which can be implemented right away.
