Everyone who owns an HVAC knows that proper maintenance is important. A poorly functioning HVAC system that does no function properly can cost a lot of money. The following tips will help you care for your HVAC and repairs.
If problems arise with the HVAC system, check the entire house before contacting someone to come for repairs. Determine which rooms feel cold and which feel hot. You can then relay this information to the technician so that they can more easily figure out what the problem is.
Know what type of system you currently have before looking for a repair person. This will help you give your chosen contractor any information they might need.
Clean the condenser coils and fan at the beginning of the year to help the unit run efficiently. Turn off your power before doing any job like this. Also, it is important to clear the outside condenser unit from any debris that maybe trapped inside.
If problems arise with the HVAC system, do a tour of your house before you call in help. This will help the contractor determine what the problem is and how to fix it.
If the condenser for your HVAC system is located outside, make sure you clear away any debris that might settle in or around it. Excess debris can really affect your system’s quality. This can lead to overheating.
Turn the power off first so you don’t get hurt or break something. Next, pop the grill off, pull out the blades and start cleaning them and the unit itself off gently.
If the fan condenser on your unit has ports for oil, make sure you lubricate it once a year. Most of these ports have some sort of protective cap covering them. Buy an SAE 20 product that is lightweight, and then put no more than ten drops into the ports.
Don’t let grass clippings on your outdoor condenser.Aim your grass cuttings in a different direction from your unit. This applies to leaf blowing and any other yard work that results in the yard.
Find a place that is shaded for your compressor. The cooler air entering the unit will require less work to get to the proper temperature.
Put your outdoor condensers in the shade.
To boost the efficiency of your HVAC system, you should put your unit in a shady place. This will help ensure that the AC is pulling in cooler air, reducing the amount of work it has to do and saving you money.
Turn off any outdoor condenser units when the weather turns cold. This should be done when the weather falls under 60 degrees Farenheit.This simple tip will help keep the system working for years and save you a lot on repairs.
When colder weather arrives, switch off all outdoor condenser units. If the temperature outside is less than 60ºF, be sure to turn off the unit so that you don’t damage it. This simple tip will help keep the system running efficiently for many years to come.
It is always 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 during the winter months.
Use an online sizing calculator to help you calculate the proper size of the air conditioning unit you should purchase. If you purchase something too large, you will be throwing away money. Check the manufacturer’s handbook to see what amount of space the unit can effectively cool.
A programmable thermostat is a simple way to help you save money on your air conditioning bill. Some of these thermostats can even be controlled from a computer.
Check any company you are considering to see how long it has been around. Companies that are around awhile have a better record than those that haven’t been. Hiring an inexperienced contractor can be risky.
Don’t ever let your home get overly hot. An air conditioning unit is really only able to reduce the temperature by twenty degrees in a fair time. If your home gets above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, it will only reduce it to 80 or more. This is not a healthy environment to live in.
Search online for reviews to find an HVAC customer you can trust. Many online sites permit customers to let others know about their experiences with various services and contractors. This will tell you who is great and who isn’t.
Research and check the companies that you consider using. Check them out at the BBB and online reviews posted by former customers. Doing all of this makes it more likely that you choose wisely..
Your HVAC system can run more efficiently if your attic has a radiant barrier. This blocks heat from entering your home, which lowers how much energy is needed to keep it cool in the warm months. This can also help you make the attic useful again.
Look for 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.
Are you considering purchasing a new heating and cooling system? You need to think about a few important things. Systems are given ratings by how effectively they can cool and heat an area. Therefore, you may want to opt for a larger unit.
Speak with family and friends to get a recommendation for a reputable HVAC unit.People who’ve had quality work done are usually more than willing to tell of it. This can also provide you should avoid.
Make sure that your ducts are not leaking. A local utility company often performs free duct testing. If it isn’t free, then it is still cheaper than an HVAC specialist in most areas. You’ll see the test pays for itself once all leaks are fixed.
Do you want to buy a quality HVAC? There are a number of things you must consider first. Systems get rated according to how large an area they effectively heat or cool. You are wise to err on the side of a bigger unit rather than a bit too small.
If you hear a clicking in the HVAC unit at home, see if there are any obstructions right away. This may be because debris is restricting the movement of the fan blades. Get rid of this obstruction and that should take care of the problem. Prior to placing a service, it is worth taking a look.
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 tests will pay for themselves.
When choosing the proper air conditioner size, measure the area that needs cooling. Generally, 20 BTU per square foot is ideal. Make certain that you calculate using all of the rooms the unit will be treating.
Figure out which direction your home is facing so your HVAC system can work better. The cooler your home already is, the less time that the AC has to work.
If there’s only one thing that you do in terms of HVAC maintenance monthly, it should be to replace your air filter. This will maximize the production of your HVAC. It is a small cost to do this.
Make certain they are tightly sealed so air can’t seep in. You can get these tested at little to no charge by a professional to test them all for you and often this testing is free.
Think about which way the air flows when installing a air conditioner. If you must position it in a corner, be sure you can change the direction of air flow to avoid having it hit the wall.
Pick an HVAC companies that understands the unit and works quickly to solve the problem. The best companies make sure their technicians stay on schedule and keep appointments. The technicians should also be able to diagnose problems in your HVAC unit quickly. After they know what the problem is, it should be taken care of right away.
Never hire a contractor before asking about the work experience they have when it comes to dealing with HVAC units. You need to be sure that they’re able to do the work and have done it before. While there is no guarantee a less experienced worker will not perform the job correctly, you don’t want to take any chances.
Ask any potential contractor about their experience prior to hiring them. You need to know that they have the sort of work on your particular system.
When you hire a contractor, always ask for references. Be sure previous customers got the service and value they expected. You will be able to avoid any scammers out there, as long as you follow up on references.
Cover your condenser in the weather becomes less than optimal. This simple cover keeps the life of your condenser operating longer when not in use. Use the fan instead to avoid straining the unit.
Ensure that you have a written contract of the work to be completed. There are dishonest contractors out there that will overcharge you. Avoid issues such as these by procuring a written contract.
This calculation will ascertain what the best sized unit for your home or business.
Your HVAC will perform better during the winter if you protect the condenser with a cover. This will help your condenser last longer when not being used. Also, don’t use the compressor at all if the temperature outside is below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Use the fan.
These units are more efficient and meet the strict guidelines set for efficiency. The units are evaluated by the EPA. They are in charge of protecting the EPA for short.Taking time to look into these units may help you save a significant amount of money.
Ask if heat-loss calculation is included when an HVAC contractor is offering you an estimate. This tells you the number of BTUs your system requires to keep the environment of your home comfortable. They need to count your windows, doors, check the insulation, and measure how much space your home has in it.
You may be surprised to discover that as much as 66% of households have ducts that leak. These leaky ducts can add up to one fourth of your total utility costs you have. Sealing the ducts is easy and cheap to do yourself, and it can significantly decrease your electrical bill yearly thereafter.
About two-thirds of homes have ducts that leak. These can cost you as much as twenty five percent of what you pay for utilities. Making certain these are sealed will minimize the electricity used by your unit.
Keep your system running efficiently by cleaning the heating ducts from time to time. Check your ducts weekly. Damaged ducts could increase the energy bill by wasting air that is warm.
Make sure your owner’s manual in handy when your unit is being operated. The manual offers quite a few suggestions to use for your specific unit, and it may become necessary to look it over if you notice a serious problem. If your manual got lost or misplaced, you can get a new one from the manufacturer.
The condenser needs to be properly taken care of in cold weather. This may be accomplished by placing a thick cover on it.
Make certain that your HVAC company gives you written estimates before any work is done. It is important that it is in writing and not a verbal estimate. You never know when someone will try and change the terms of a verbal agreement. This ensures that you know the job is being done right. Get a few estimates from different people and pay attention to what each is offering. Avoid companies with prices that sound too good to be true.
Always get estimates in writing when dealing with an HVAC company. You need these estimates written down for you. There are quite a few jobs that require you to get written estimates of the cost. This ensures that you receive good deal on your service. Compare all of the estimates you receive.
Do you better understand the job of your HVAC system now? Do you understand simple maintenance techniques and how to keep your system operating year-round? Regular maintenance will make sure your operating costs are lower in the long term. Use these tips whenever you encounter a problem.
