The level of your home has a great deal to do with the temperature that it maintains. This means that it is of utmost importance your HVAC system needs to be in top shape.If you’re not able to take care of it, you can expect costly repairs and miserable living conditions. Here are some great tips to help you started.
Be sure to regularly clean debris from external condenser units. The dirt could pile up and harm your system. Left unchecked, your unit is more likely to break down.
Know what type of your HVAC system you currently have before calling someone to fix it. This will enable you to give the contractor any information they might need.
Be sure to clean the fan blades and coils of the condenser fan. Before you do so, shut off the power to ensure that none of the parts will move while you work on it. Then, take off the grill and get the blades out. Clean everything with care.
Be sure to clean debris from external condenser units. You never know when things can pile up, especially after a windy or rainy storm, and that can ruin your system. It can cause it to overheat.
When choosing the area for placing an outdoor compressor device, place it in a shady area. If your unit is sucking in cooler air, it will have less work to do to cool that air as it sends it inside which boosts efficiency.
10 Drops
If at all possible, install double-paned windows in your home instead of those with a single pane. Having double pane windows allows your air conditioning unit to be run much less during the summer, because the cool air is kept inside the home. This will also help you keep in heat when it gets cold.
Lubricate your condenser at least once each year. These are usually covered with rubber or metal cap. Use SAE 20 oil that is non-detergent and lightweight, and put 10 drops or fewer in each port, putting 10 drops in each port.
Make certain you properly investigate any company prior to hiring them. Check with different references to determine the best one for your situation. Take these steps to ensure you make wise choices.
Have your HVAC system checked twice a year at least yearly. This should happen in the fall and malfunctions.
Try finding online A/C sizing calculators to figure out the ideal size for a unit for the house or a room. If you purchase something that is too big, it won’t be cost effective to run. Check the manual to see what the manufacturer rates the unit to cool for accurate information.
Turn off any outdoor condenser units when the weather turns cold. This means that you should be done when the temperature drops below 60ºF to avoid damage. This can ensure your system working for years and save you a lot on repairs.
Consider how long a given HVAC company has been in existence before giving them your business. Companies that have been around for longer have a proven track record that you can use to decide if they are worth the time and money. Hiring a contractor who is just starting out can be risky.
Install a thermostat you can program to save energy costs. Some can even be controlled from a PC or other device.
Talk to others that you have in your life to see if they can recommend an HVAC contractor to you. If they know a good contractor, they will surely guide you right. You are likely to also hear about negative experiences.
During your service visit, the contractor will oil parts, inspect the motor and the freon levels. These easy to do things are going to allow your system running smoothly.
The Internet can really help you out when it comes to finding someone to work on your HVAC unit. There are plenty of online websites that give people the opportunity to leave comments about the service they received. This is a great way to find people you want to work with and those you don’t want to work with.
Do not allow your house to get dangerously hot. An AC unit is really only able to reduce the temperature of your home approximately twenty degrees in a fair time. If your home become 100F or more, you will only be able to cool it down to 80. This is not a healthy environment to live in.
A radiant barrier is an awesome device which will help improve the efficiency of your HVAC unit. It blocks heat from the inside out, lowering the amount of energy needed to cool your home in the summer. If you do it right, you may be able to expand your living space into your attic.
Look for calculators online to help you determine the size of unit you need for your room or home. Look at the manual to determine the manufacturer website for this information.
Are you looking at purchasing a HVAC system? There are a number of things to think about first. Systems are given ratings by how effectively they can cool and heat an area. If your home falls in size between two units, select the one that is larger.
Ask your friends and relations for contractor recommendations. People will tell you who have used and if they are often happy to share the name of their contractor. This will also let you to avoid undesirable companies.
Check for duct leaks if your unit seems to not be working efficiently. You can have your utility company test for you, sometimes for free or less than an HVAC contractor would charge. When you repair the leaks, you’ll see that the tests paid for themselves.
There are many sites that other important service. This is useful for finding contractors that you wish to work with and those that you don’t.
Your HVAC system will be more efficient if your doors and windows are efficient as well. Be sure that they seal tightly so that no interior air seeps out or exterior air gets inside. You could have a professional run a test for you, and sometimes this testing is done at no charge.
Contractors charge different rates, so make sure to get multiple quotes. You can save a great deal of money if you make several calls prior to reaching a final decision. Call at least four or five different HVAC specialist to find the rates are.
Measure the living area you wish to cool before going air conditioner shopping. This calculation will tell you how many BTU’s you need. If you have a lot of rooms to keep cool, get their square footage added together.
Do you need a new cooling and heating system? There are many things you must consider first. Systems have ratings according to how large an area they can effectively heat or cool. You are better off purchasing a unit rather than purchasing one that is a smaller one.
The most important thing to do to your HVAC system each month is replace the air filter. It is the easiest way to take care of it. Also, this will not cost a lot of money.
If your HVAC system is clicking, check immediately for any debris that may have accumulated in it. Often the issue is some sort of debris that’s hitting fans in your cooling system. Check it out yourself first before calling a repairman.
Choose an HVAC contractor who know what he is doing and works quickly. The most reliable companies make sure their technicians stay on schedule and keep appointments. A licensed technician should also have no problem diagnosing any potential faults with your HVAC unit quickly. Once the technician figures out what’s wrong, they can help resolve the problems in a timely and cost-effective manner.
This article has given you some excellent basics on keeping your HVAC system maintained correctly. Avoid letting it fail by regularly maintaining the system. Prevent your home’s temperature from getting uncomfortable by using this advice.
When you engage a contractor, request references. You should know that the contractor does exactly what he says he’s going to do, and there are no hidden costs involved. You can find out whether the company and their employees are honest and good workers this way.
