Having an HVAC system helps your home from getting too hot or cold. While many homes come with these systems in place, you may need to upgrade or replace it at some point. Understanding how to properly maintain your system can really help you out when it comes to repairs.
Get all of the details regarding a broken system before calling for repair. Know the model and brand and find it’s maintenance history, if possible. This will help make sure that the contractor you hire has all the necessary information.
Know the name and type of system you currently have before looking for a repair person. This helps make sure your contractor has the information they will need.
If problems arise with the HVAC system, check the entire house before contacting someone to come for repairs. Jot down the rooms that are hot and the ones that are 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.
If your HVAC is running into problems, take a tour of the house prior to calling a professional. This information will help the repairman determine where 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. Your HVAC system may run into problems after storms if it is surrounded by debris. Overheating may be the result if you don’t.
Know what you want done before you hire a contractor. It will be hard for a contractor to give you a price estimate on the phone if they have not seen your current system. It will be more hard if you can’t figure out what they need to do.
Each spring it’s time to clean the inside of your condenser unit, including the fan and the sensitive coil. Before you get started, cut the power. Next, remove the grill, take the blades and clean them gently, then clean the actual unit.
Clean your fan blades and coils prior to summertime. Clean the outside of your external condenser unit.
Lubricate your fan condenser if it has oil ports. These ports are typically covered with caps made of metal or rubber. Put 10 drops of lightweight, non-detergent SAE oil in each port. Be careful not to use too much.
Clean your outdoor condenser unit. You don’t know when things are going to pile up, especially after a windy or rainy storm, and that can ruin your system. It can also cause the unit to overheat and break down.
Your HVAC unit requires regular maintenance at least two times per each year. Your system should be inspected in Spring and Fall. Even if you don’t think anything’s wrong, it’s still worth an inspection.
Don’t get grass clippings pile up against your outside unit. Aim your grass in a direction from your unit. This also applies when you are taking care of the leaves in the yard.
Try to have your HVAC system looked at every year, because regular maintenance will go a long way in energy efficiency. The contractor should oil the parts that move and check the motor and freon levels. This ensures your system runs smoothly.
Sae 20 Oil
When you are away from home, adjust your thermostat to a money saving temperature. Even though the house will get hotter, it won’t get too bad if the unit is off. The unit will use a large amount of electricity to combat the heat during the day when the house is empty.
Lubricate your condenser at least once a year. You will notice these ports as they have a rubber or metal cap. Use SAE 20 oil that is non-detergent and lightweight, detergent-free SAE 20 oil, but make sure to avoid overfilling them.
Put a bit of time into researching various HVAC specialists; you’re more likely to choose the right one for the job. Inquiring with the Better Business Bureau is always a good idea, as is looking for online review sites where previous customers can post their experiences. Doing all of this will make sure you hire the best company for your HVAC needs.
Put outdoor condensers in places with shade.
All contractors charge differently for their services, so get at least four or five quotes before hiring a particular person. You will be likely to save some cash if you take the time to call around before you decide. Ideally, you should call five to six contractors to get a good idea of what a reasonable rate is.
Make sure your HVAC systems is checked at least twice a year. This should be checked often for debris and the spring.
To improve the efficiency of your HVAC unit, put a radiant barrier up inside the attic of your home. This helps block the heat from outside, and will reduce the energy needed for cooling your home during the summer. You may suddenly find that the attic even looks like a great option for another bedroom!
Air conditioners sometimes ice up at times. The drain line may also freeze over. If you notice this, put your thermostat over to fan. You can call a HVAC professional, but switching to the fan setting should start to melt the ice.
Know which direction the house faces so that your HVAC system operates more efficiently. Block the sun in the morning with trees around your home. If there’s less heat inside your home, your AC will work less.
Companies that are well established have a better record than those that haven’t been. Hiring a newer contractor who is just starting out can be risky.
You need to check your windows and outside doors to make certain your HVAC runs well. Make sure seals are tight to avoid exterior air seeping in and interior air seeping out. It is wise to hire someone to test them out, and this often costs nothing.
Contractors are responsible for their own charges and fees, so make sure to get multiple quotes.You can save quite a lot of cash simply by doing your homework. You may want to call at least five contractors to determine what you should be paying.
Measure the area that needs cooling before buying a unit. You can easily calculate this by using the formula: 20 BTUs per square footage of space. If you are cooling more than one room, sum their areas.
Are you considering purchasing a new HVAC system? You will need to think about a few things into account. Systems have a rating based on how effectively they can cool and heat an area. You are better off purchasing a bigger unit rather than a bit too small.
Find a HVAC company that knows its stuff. The best HVAC companies do their best to maintain their appointments and get to their customers quickly. Someone skilled in their profession should be able to come out and give you answers right away. Once the technician figures out what’s wrong, they can help resolve the problems in a timely and cost-effective manner.
Check the ducts to find any leaks if your unit seems to not be working efficiently. If you do have leaks that are repaired, you’ll find that fixed leaks are worth the money.
When you hire a contractor, make sure you ask for some references. Be sure previous customers got the service and value they expected. This will keep the scam artists away, but this only works by actually following up on the references.
Figure out which direction your home is facing so your HVAC system more efficient. The less heat inside the house, the fewer occasions you have to use your air conditioner.
The best HVAC contractors will also provide a number for emergency services that is available to call 24 hours of the day. They must be able to reach your home at any time, in any weather.
Make sure they have tight seals to keep 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.
Understand the costs beforehand with your HVAC unit. The contractors can overcharge later for items like material and fee costs and charges. Having a solid written contract will help you avoid any issues like this.
Hvac System
Make sure any quote you get has a heat-loss calculation included. This will help you to figure out how many BTUs the new system needs to have to keep a home comfortable. Windows and doors need to be inspected for drafts, insulation checked for efficiency and the interior dimensions of the house should also be considered.
Replace the air filter monthly to keep your HVAC system every month. This is the simplest thing that you can do to keep your HVAC system running in tip top shape.
Whether you are repairing your existing unit or installing a new system, consider a programmable thermostat. These newer thermostats will help you to save more money on electricity because you can program them to shut off anytime you want them to.
Pick HVAC companies that know what they’re doing and works quickly to solve the problem. The most reliable companies will ensure that their technicians will always be on schedule and keep appointments. A knowledgeable technician will also easily diagnose any potential faults with your HVAC. After they know what the problem is, they should be able to get the work done quickly for your sake.
Make certain that a new HVAC has the Energy Star on it. These are qualified energy products that meet strict efficiency guidelines. The standards are set forth by the EPA. Agency for Environmental Protection. Saving money on utility bills means a little bit of research.
Not only is an HVAC unit a fantastic investment, it can ensure your home is comfortable inside regardless of the weather. The suggestions above should provide you with a good starting point for your consideration if you’re in the market to buy an HVAC system. They can assist you in making a smart decision that will make you happy for years to come.
It’s a fact that 66% or so of homes have ducts that are leaky. These can add up to a quarter of the utility costs you have. Making certain these are sealed will minimize the electricity used by your unit.
