It is frustrating to need work done to your HVAC system when it is super hot or super cold. Learning as much as you can about your HVAC system will help you choose the right company. Read on to find out more about the information that you need.
It is important to have some knowledge of your present system and needs before calling a contractor. This is necessary so that they can give you a quote before doing any work. In addition, you need to be able to tell the contractor what you have already tried. So be aware of this information ahead of time.
Know the name and type of your HVAC system before calling someone to fix it. This will ensure that you to give your chosen contractor any information they need.
Every spring you should clean the coils and fan blades on your condenser fan. Before you do so, shut off the power to ensure that none of the parts will move while you work on it. Secondly, pop the grill off, take the blades off and clean them as well as the actual unit.
Clean your condenser’s fan blades and coils each spring to ensure that your condenser fan operates at it’s best. Clean the outdoor condenser unit regularly.
Cover your unit when you are mowing the lawn. Aim the grass clippings in the other direction. This also applies when you blow leaves, so be very careful near your exterior HVAC units when you move debris.
Clean the debris on your outdoor condenser units. Debris can pile up after a storm, and this can foul up the inner workings of your system.It could overheat and cause your system to malfunction by overheating.
If the fan condenser on your unit has ports for oil, make sure you lubricate it once a year. You’ll find these ports are covered with a metal or rubber cap. Choose a SAE 20 oil whch is lightweight and non-detergent and place 10 drops or less into each port, ensuring it doesn’t overfill.
Don’t get grass clippings pile up against your outside unit. Aim the grass cuttings in a different direction from the unit. This also applies when you are taking care of the leaves in the yard.
It’s a good idea to put your outdoor compressor in a shady area. When your unit is bringing in cool air, it will not have to work as hard to cool the air as it moves it inside, boosting efficiency.
Your outdoor HVAC unit may suffer when your trees start to lose their leaves. Make sure the unit’s fan grill is cleaned frequently when the fall. The fan needs to have an unobstructed path for air to enter the unit, and if it is clogged, you’ll have a lot of headaches eventually.
To boost the efficiency of your HVAC system, you should put your unit in a shady place. Your air conditioner won’t have to work so hard if the air is sucks in is already cool.
Put your outdoor units in places with shade.
It is very important that your HVAC system is serviced two times a year. Ideally, you should have it looked at in the spring and fall so you know everything is set for the hot and cold months. You should have it looked at even if no problems are occurring; there could still be a problem or potential problem.
A programmable thermostat is a simple way to help save money on air conditioning bill. Some programmable thermostats can even be controlled from a PC or computer.
To save money and be more comfortable in your home, install double-paned windows instead of single pane. Having a double pane window helps limit your need for air conditioning during the summer months. Likewise, in the winter more hot air stays inside during the cold season.
Air conditioners sometimes ice up at times. The drain line might also freeze up.If this is something you notice, put your thermostat over to fan. You should leave the repair to a professional, even if switching it to its fan setting starts making the ice melt.
Service your HVAC unit at least one time a year. This visit will include a motor inspection and checking the freon. Your unit will last longer this way.
Look for air conditioner sizing calculators online to help you determine the size of unit is necessary for your room or home. Look in the manual to determine the recommended size for air conditioners.
When everyone is gone, turn your AC off. The house will only heat up to a certain point. When the AC is left running, your power bill will go up quite a bit.
Companies that have been around for longer have a proven track records typically provide better service. Hiring a new contractor means taking a considerable risk.
Never allow your home to get dangerously hot inside. It is only possible for an air conditioner to lower the temperature in a home by 20 degrees F in a short time. This means that if the weather is above 100 degrees, then you’ll still be baking in 80 degree weather at first! Depending on humidity levels, this isn’t even a safe temperature for a human body to sleep at to recover from summer heat.
Think about having a radiant barrier installed in your attic so support the efficient functioning of your HVAC system can run better. It will serve as a barrier between your home cool when it’s hot outside. You may even find that you can use your attic space if it is done right.
Always take the time to check out the reputation of any HVAC contractor before you consider hiring them. You may also want to check with the BBB for information. Taking these steps will help ensure that you make a wise decision.
Do you wish to buy a new HVAC system? There are things you need to keep in mind. Systems have a rating based on how effectively they can cool and heat an area well. You are better off purchasing a bigger unit rather than purchasing one that is a smaller one.
To know how large of an air conditioner you need, look for a calculator online. If you purchase a unit that’s too large, it will not be efficient since it’ll cool the same. Any unit’s manual will be able to give you an accurate idea for the size of the unit versus your home.
Figure out the direction your home faces in order to make your HVAC system more efficient. The less heat in your home, the less time that the AC has to work.
Make certain the HVAC company you choose has a proven track record. Obviously, a company with a longer history and a positive reputation is the better choice. Hiring a new contractor comes with an element of risk.
Measure the living area you wish to cool before buying a unit. You will need 20 BTU per square foot of the room. If you need to cool multiple rooms, just add their total square footage.
If you don’t know who you should contact to do your HVAC maintenance or any installations, look online to see if you can find reviews. There are a lot of sites these days that let customers talk about their experiences with contractors. This will help you to sort out the good from the bad.
Replace the air filter monthly to keep your HVAC system every month. This is the simplest thing that you can do to keep your unit running at maximum efficiency.
Each contractor establishes his own fees, so before you hire one, obtain a few estimates. If you make a few calls before you decide, it can result in great savings. Get in touch with more than a few contractors to best understand the going rate.
If you have to place it in a corner of your home, use one that doesn’t blow into the wall.
Check the ducts to find any leaks if you you feel your existing system is not up to snuff. The local utility company may be able to do this for you at a cost lower than what a contractor would charge you. Once leaks have been fixed, you will save substantial money on heating and cooling costs.
Ask any potential contractor about their experience prior to hiring them. You need to verify they have done the type of experience needed to work you require.
When you hear an odd clicking noise coming from your HVAC unit, you should immediately begin to look for any obstructions. The issue may be debris hitting the fans of the cooling system. All you have to do is get this debris out of there to fix the problem. Before you call a technician, look at it yourself.
Always make sure to get references before hiring any contractor.
Replace the air filter to keep your HVAC system working well. This is an easy thing to do and it will keep your HVAC system running well. It is a small cost to do this.
There are dishonest contractors that try to charge you more later for such things like material fees and fuel charges. Having a signed contract can help to avoid any issues like this.
When placing your AC unit, think about the direction the air will flow. When it’s being put into a corner, you have to be able to direct the air out into free space.
Cover your condenser in the weather becomes less than optimal. This will ensure that your unit is sustained when you’re not using it. Use the fan instead to avoid straining the condenser unit.
Ask for references from any contractor you’re considering. You must know whether or not their customers have had an issues, and this includes trouble with the quote they were given or workers not showing up on time. Make certain to follow through and contact the references provided.
Always check any references that are given to you receive for an HVAC contractor.
You should ask the contractor if they included heat-loss calculations inside their initial quote. They can figure out how may BTU will be required to keep your house comfortable. The contractor should also count the number of doors and windows in your home, as well as check insulation, and measure the internal space.
The prospect of having to engage the services of an HVAC professional can be daunting without the right information. Still, a little research goes a long way. Hopefully you now feel prepared to hit the ground running the next time you have an issue with your systems.
Buy an Energy Star HVAC unit to save money. These are qualified energy products that meet strict efficiency guidelines. These standards are determined by the United State Environmental Protection Agency. They are there to ensure these HVAC units operate as they are advertised. Investing in a search for the most energy efficient unit will pay off in considerable long-term savings on utility bills.
