HVAC services are not things that many people know a lot about. This can be disturbing when a cooling or heating issue pops up.
Before you contact people to assist you in getting your system fixed, know what kind of system you’re working with in the first place. Know the model and brand and find it’s maintenance history, if possible. This will ensure that you can give your new contractor all the information they need.
Know the name and type of system before looking for a repair person. This will help you to give your chosen contractor the necessary information.
If the condenser for your HVAC system is located outside, make sure you clear away any debris that might settle in or around it. Particularly after bad weather, you should inspect your unit. It could get too hot, leading to even more problems.
If you are having issues with your HVAC, take a tour of the house prior to calling a professional. This will help the repairman determine what the problem is and how to fix it.
Make sure clippings don’t get on your outdoor units when your mowing your lawn. Make sure the grass does not get in your unit. Also do this when blowing leaves or shoveling snow.
Know what work you want done before you hire a contractor. A contractor cannot give an over-the-phone estimate without looking at your system. It will be more hard if you can’t figure out what they need to do.
Have your HVAC serviced at least yearly. The spring and autumn times are the best time to have it checked. Even if nothing seems wrong, checking it out can help you find and fix potential issues.
Clean any debris that accumulates on an external condenser units. Debris can pile up at rates that increase during rainy or windy weather, bringing potential damage with it. It can cause your system by overheating.
Outdoor condenser units need to be turned off when the weather turns cold. Avoid damaging the unit by turning it off when the outdoor temperature drops below 60 degrees. This will keep your system in working order year after year, saving you a ton on repairs.
Leaves and debris can wreak havoc with your system. Make sure the fan’s grill is cleaned often during the leaves begin to fall. The fan must not have anything in the way so that air can flow into it, and if it gets blocked, you will have to contend with problems.
Installing double paned windows can save a lot of money over single panes, so upgrade if you are able. You can reduce your energy costs from energy leaking out through your windows by installing window that are double-paned. Likewise, in the winter more hot air stays inside during the cold season.
Lubricate the oil ports on your condenser at least once a year. You can find these ports have a rubber or metal caps. Use a lightweight, and put 10 drops or fewer in each port, but make sure to avoid overfilling them.
Have a smart thermostat installed. It changes the temperature so the system isn’t in use when it’s cooler outside or no one is home. You can often control it from your mobile phone!
Put outdoor condensers in places with shade.
If you’re away from home during the day, raise the temperature setting on your air conditioner to save money. This will save you money on your energy bills. If it is on all day, it is trying to maintain a cool temperature constantly, using a great deal of electricity to fight the heat.
Make sure you have your HVAC systems is checked at least twice a year. This should be checked often for debris and the spring.
Don’t let your home get overly hot. Expect an air conditioning unit to drop the temperature down 20 degrees within a short amount of time. The temperature will only reduce to about 80 if your home heats up to 100 degrees. Depending on the humidity level, this temperature isn’t considered a safe sleeping temperature for the human body to be able to recover from the summer heat.
Turn off any outdoor condenser units when weather turns cold. This means that you should be done when the temperature drops below 60ºF to avoid damage. This helps your unit is working order.
Put a bit of time into researching various HVAC specialists; you’re more likely to choose the right one for the job. Check them out at the BBB and look for reviews posted by former customers. Doing these things beforehand will allow you to make a smart decision.
It is always a good idea to replace single-paned windows with ones that have double pane ones. This will also help you keep in the winter.
Some air conditioners can ice up. There are also occasional freezes in the drain line, which are often confused for plumbing leaks. If you see this, immediately put your thermostat on the fan setting to turn off your compressor. Once you know the problem, contact a local HVAC professional and let them know what’s going on in your system.
Never allow your home reach a dangerously hot inside. Air conditioners can only cool a home down about 20 degrees Fahrenheit within a short time. If the temperature in your home reaches 100 degree Fahrenheit, then you will only be able to reasonably cool to around 80. This is not a healthy environment to live in.
Before you hire any HVAC companies, find out how the amount of time they’ve been in business. Firms that have been in business for a long time are easier to assess. Otherwise, you are taking a huge risk with the person you hire.
Research and check the companies before hiring them. Check with different references to determine the BBB and look for reviews of potential companies online. This is what you to choose a smart decision.
Turn to online reviews if you’re not sure how you should hire to perform HVAC maintenance. Many online review sites provide an avenue for this information. This is an excellent method of finding contractors that you are interested in dealing with as well as those that you want to avoid.
Air conditioners sometimes ice up at times. The drain line may also freeze over. If this is something you notice, switch your thermostat to fan only to disable the compressor. You should leave the repair to a professional, but switching to the fan will make the ice melt.
Do you need a new cooling system? You need to think about a few important things. The rating given to a system tells how much are it can cover. It is better to purchase a slightly larger than needed unit, rather than a slightly smaller than needed unit.
Look for air conditioner sizing calculators online to truly understand what size of unit you need for your home. Look at the manual or on the recommended size for this information.
Check out your ductwork for leaks if your whole home isn’t being cooled or heated. You can call in your local utility company to do the testing for you, often for free or at a lower cost than a contractor. When these leaks are fixed, the testing will pay for itself in energy savings.
No one wants to deal with an HVAC unit that isn’t working correctly. But, by studying in advance, things can go much more smoothly. With some knowledge close at hand, problems can be solved efficiently and quickly.
You should know the facing direction of your home for the most effective placement of the HVAC system. Block the sun in the morning with trees around your home. The cooler your home already is, the less work your AC will have to do.
