How on earth will you know what type of system to get? What size do you buy? What sort of features should it have? It can be hard to sort through all the new features are coming out each day.
Be aware of the type of system that is installed in your home prior to calling a contractor to fix it. Find out the brand and model and, if possible, dig out the maintenance history. This will enable you to give your chosen contractor any information they might need.
Know what type of system you currently have before looking for a repair person. This will enable you can give your new contractor all the information they need.
Clean the fan blades and coils on the condenser fan every spring. Shut the power off before you do anything. Next, pop off the grill, pull out the blades and start cleaning them and the unit itself off gently.
Clean your fan blades and coils come spring. Clean off any leaves or debris from your condenser unit regularly.
When you cut the grass, don’t cover the outdoor units with their clippings. Direct the grass clippings in a direction away from the HVAC unit. The same should happen if you are blowing leaves, so be especially careful when you are going by your exterior HVAC devices whenever you are moving debris.
Turn it off so nothing moves.Then, take the grill off, pull the blades out, and begin cleaning the unit and them gently.
If the condenser fan has oil parts, then you need to lubricate it at least once per year. You’ll find these ports are covered with a metal or rubber cap. Use a lightweight, detergent-free SAE 20 oil, putting 10 drops in each port.
Don’t get grass clippings pile up against your outdoor condenser. Aim the grass in a different direction from your unit. This also applies when you are taking care of the leaves in debris.
For maximum efficiency, place outdoor units in a shady spot. Your air conditioner won’t have to work so hard if the air is sucks in is already cool.
Put outdoor condensers in the shade if you are installing them.
When it gets cold outside, the outdoor condenser unit should be turned off. When the temperature drops beneath 60 degrees, it’s time to cut off the unit to prevent damage. This will allow your system to work well every year, and that saves you quite a bit on making repairs.
A programmable thermostat can help you save money on air conditioning costs. Some of these thermostats can even be controlled from your smart phone or other device.
If you are a home owner, replace whatever single pane windows you have with more efficient double-paned versions. During the summer, the use of double-pane windows will help keep the cool air locked inside of the home. Likewise, heat is better retained during the winter.
During a maintenance visit, the contractor will oil parts, the moving parts will be oiled and the freon levels will be checked These simple tasks will help keep your system running at peak performance.
Do not allow your home to reach excessive levels of heat during the summer. Air conditioners can cool a home by just twenty degrees in a short time. If your house’s interior temperature hits 100 degrees Fahrenheit, you would only be able to cool it down just above 80 degrees. This is not a safe and comfortable temperature for you to sleep in.
Air conditioners sometimes ice up at times. The drain line might also freeze up.If this happens, switch the thermostat in your home to fan only so the compressor is disabled. If this doesn’t work, call in help.
Research multiple contractors before choosing one. You may also want to check with the BBB for information. These steps are going to help to ensure your decision is a wise one.
Look for air conditioner sizing calculators online to truly understand what size of unit is necessary for your home. Look in the manual to determine the recommended size for this information.
Did you know an AC unit can freeze? You may even mistake the frozen drains as an issue for a plumber. Use the fan-only setting to allow the system time to thaw. You should still call a professional to help regardless.
Companies that are well established have track records typically provide better service. It is always risky to hire someone who does not have a contractor with little experience.
Use an online sizing calculator to help you calculate the proper size of the air conditioning unit you should purchase. Buying a unit which is too big reduces efficiency. Look in the manual or on the manufacturer website for this information.
Ask your friends and trust for their HVAC contractor recommendations. People will tell you who they have had a good experience are worth calling. This can also help you know which companies to stay away from.
Ask those you know for the name of a great HVAC technician, should you need one. If they know a good contractor, they will surely guide you right. This can also help you to figure out some names of businesses that you should avoid at all costs.
Are you thinking of getting a HVAC system? You will need to take a few points in mind.Systems get rated according to the total area they effectively cool and heat. You are better off purchasing a unit rather than purchasing one that is a bit too small.
To find out which HVAC company is worth hiring, make sure to use the Internet to look for reviews about any company you’re interested in. Many Internet sites let customers discuss experiences with certain companies. This will tell you who is great and who isn’t.
Figure out the direction your home faces in order to make your HVAC system can work better. If there’s less heat inside your home, then the HVAC will require less work to actually cool the home.
Consider installing a radiant barrier to your attic to help your HVAC system run more efficiently. It blocks the heat from inside, reducing how much energy you need to cool down your home during summer. It it’s installed properly, you might even be able to use your attic as an extra room.
Measure the living area that needs cooling before buying a unit. You can usually substitute 20 BTU per square footage of the area to be cooled. If the unit will be cooling several rooms, sum their areas.
If your system isn’t working as it should, test its ducts for leaks. Call your utility company if they are leaking to see about getting a test. When these leaks are fixed, the testing will pay for itself in energy savings.
If it has to be placed in a corner, get a unit that lets you direct air flow away from any walls.
If the HVAC unit makes a clicking noise, look immediately to see if there is an obstruction. Sometimes, debris will be the cause of the disturbance. That is a simple solution; just take the debris out. Prior to placing a service, it is worth taking a look.
You may feel intimidated by the options available when shopping for an HVAC. Luckily, the tips presented here will make that job easier. Be sure to keep these tips in mind when making your selection to keep your home comfortable year round.
Your HVAC system will run more efficiently if your windows and doors are energy efficient. Seal them tightly to prevent air from coming in. Talk to a professional to determine the best way to do this.
