This article can be a big help you understand everything about the HVAC system.
Be aware of the type of system that is installed in your home prior to calling a contractor to fix it. Get information on the make and model, plus if you have information on the history of maintenance, that will help, too. 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.
Clean your fan and coils each spring to ensure that your condenser fan operates at it’s best. Clean off any leaves or debris from your condenser unit regularly.
If your HVAC doesn’t seem to be working properly, check things out yourself prior to calling in a technician. Figure out which rooms are hot and cold. If you do this, it will be a great help to the future contractor, who will now be able to quickly locate the problem issue.
Turn the power off so you don’t get hurt or break something. Then, take the grill off, pull the blades out, and begin cleaning the unit and them gently.
By the end of spring, the fan blades and coils of your condenser should be thoroughly cleaned, so operation can proceed with greater efficiency. Always make sure you shut off the power before you do any work on the unit other than superficial cleaning. In addition, be sure to get rid of any leaves or other debris that may have accumulated on the outside condenser.
Don’t get grass clippings pile up against your outside unit. Aim your grass cuttings in a different direction away from your unit. This applies to leaf blowing and any other yard work that results in debris.
Regularly remove debris from outside condenser units. Debris quickly gathers here, even more so if there is a storm. This can cause major issues with your system. Left unchecked, your unit is more likely to break down.
Sae 20 Oil
Be careful when doing yard work that you do not get debris on or in your unit. Now so the grass clippings are shot away from your unit. This same tip applies when you are blowing fallen leaves around the yard. Grass and leaves pose a serious problem for the internal functioning of your unit.
Lubricate your condenser at least once each year. You will notice these ports have a rubber or metal caps covering them. Use SAE 20 oil that is non-detergent and lightweight, detergent-free SAE 20 oil, putting 10 drops in each port.
Lubricate your fan condenser at least once a year. Most of these ports have some sort of protective cap covering them. Get an oil that is SAE 20 and put about 10 drops into each port, but don’t overfill it.
Put outdoor units in the shade.
When choosing the area for placing an outdoor compressor device, place it in a shady area. When your unit takes in cool air, it takes less energy to tool the air, thus boosting efficiency.
Be sure you have the HVAC system checks. This should be checked often for debris and the spring.
Putting in a programmable thermostat is a smart way to cut back on air-conditioning costs. A programmable thermostat can save you up to ten percent on your cooling and heating costs by simply turning the thermostat back ten to fifteen percent for eight hours a day. Additionally, these items can be controlled remotely through your computer.
Don’t let your house get overly hot. Air conditioners cannot sufficiently cool your home down 20 degrees or so within a reasonable time period. If your home become 100F or more, you’ll only cool down to still above 80. This is not a healthy environment to live in.
Regular maintenance of your unit should be performed annually. The contractor should oil the parts that move and check the motor and freon levels. Doing this simple task can ensure that your system will be running for years with no problem!
Research and check the reputation of companies that you consider using. Check with the BBB and look for your situation. These simple steps can help make a better decision.
Keep your air conditioner off when people aren’t home to save you money. With the system off, the house will only heat up to a certain temperature. The longer the unit stays on, the more it ends up costing you in energy bills.
Look for air conditioner sizing calculators online to help you determine the size of unit is necessary for your room or home. Look at the manual to determine the manufacturer website for this information.
Do not let your house get dangerously hot. Your average AC unit can only reduce the temperature in your home by about 20 degrees in a normal span of time. So, if your home temp reaches 100 degrees, your air conditioning will only bring that temp down to about 80 degrees. Depending on how humid the environment is, that is not a healthy temperature for the human body when it rests during sleep.
Companies that are around awhile have track records 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.
When you want a HVAC contractor who is reliable, you need to spend some time in researching the background and reputation of several potential companies. Check reputations at the BBB, and read online reviews to gauge customer satisfaction. This will help you make the best choice.
There are a number of great sites out there that give people the opportunity to leave comments about how they received. This will be an excellent way to locate people you find a top notch professional.
Air conditioners occasionally freeze up, literally. The drain line may also freeze up. If this happens, turn the thermostat so it is on fan only mode, which will disable the compressor. If the issue persists, call in help.
Contractors determine their own fee levels, so make sure you get quotes from several contractors before you make any hiring decision. You can save tons of money by asking for price quotes. You may want to call at least five contractors in order to know what you should be paying.
Find an air conditioner calculator online to determine what models are best for you. If you buy a unit that’s too large, it won’t be energy efficient for your needs. Check the manufacturer’s handbook to see what amount of space the unit can effectively cool.
Think about getting a radiant barrier in your attic so support the efficient functioning of your HVAC system can run better. It blocks outside heat from coming in which will make sure you won’t have to use more energy to keep your unit stays hot or cold as it should be. You may even use your attic as part of your living space if it is done right.
Before you go out there and hire an HVAC contractor, find out the length of time they’ve been in the industry. Firms that have been in business for a long time are easier to assess. It’s a risk to hire a new one.
Check the ducts to find any leaks if you you feel your existing system is not be working efficiently. When you have leaks repaired, the testing will pay for itself in energy savings.
If you don’t know who to call to maintenance, repair, or install your HVAC, search for reviews online. There are a lot of sites these days that let customers talk about their experiences with contractors. This can help filter out the people you would like to work with.
With the right information, even an HVAC system is simple enough to understand. This can help you determine when to call a repairman, when to choose a new system and what to look for in a system. Use the guideline above to help you make those important decisions.
Check around and get a number of quotes prior to hiring a contractor. Getting several quotes will ultimately help you save lots of money. Call around 5 contractors so that you can get the best deal possible.
