A properly running HVAC system can mean the difference between comfort and discomfort in a home so you have to be sure you maintain this equipment right at all times. A lot of homeowners spend money fixing them up when broken, but if they were able to figure out how to fix things on their own it would have been avoided.The following article below can help you learn about HVAC system maintenance so you how to keep them running efficiently to avoid paying for expensive issues.
If your HVAC is running into problems, check out each room in your house before calling for assistance. Find out which rooms are hot and which are cold. This will help the repairman determine what the problem is.
Know what type of your HVAC system before looking for a repair person.This will enable you give the new contractor any information they might need.
If your unit is outdoors, clean them regularly. You don’t know when things are going to pile up, like right after it’s windy or rains, and that can ruin your system. This can lead to overheating.
Know what you want done before you select an HVAC contractor. It will be hard for a contractor to provide you with an estimate over the phone if they have not seen your current system. It will be way more difficult for him to assist you can’t figure out what they need to do.
Each spring, clean the fan blades and coils on your condenser. First, turn the power off so nothing moves when you’re working with it. Then, take off the grill and get the blades out. Clean everything with care.
Clean the condenser on your debris off your outdoor condenser unit. You never know when things can pile up, like right after it’s windy or rains, and that can throw a wrench in your system. It can cause your system by overheating.
When you’re trying to cut your grass, don’t cover a unit outside with the clippings. Now so the grass clippings are shot away from your unit. This same tip applies when you are blowing fallen leaves around the yard. Grass and leaves pose a serious problem for the internal functioning of your unit.
Don’t let grass clippings on your outdoor condenser.Aim the grass cuttings in a direction away from the unit. This also applies when you are taking care of the leaves in the yard.
As you notice the tress begin to lose their leaves, keep an eye on your outdoor condenser unit. Clean the fan grill often when leaves are falling. Your fan needs an unobstructed way to get air inside, and the more blocked up it becomes, the more headaches will develop for you with the system.
10 Drops
Turn off outdoor condenser units when weather turns cold. Once the temperature drops into the 50s, the unit should no longer be on. This will ensure your system stays in good working order every year, saving you money on costly repairs.
Lubricate the oil ports on your condenser at least once a year. You can easily find these ports as they have a rubber or metal cap. Use a lightweight, and put 10 drops or fewer in each port, putting 10 drops in each port.
To save money and be more comfortable in your home, install double-paned windows instead of single pane. Try to insulate your windows to prevent air from being lost. This also helps keep it warm in the winter.
Have the HVAC serviced twice per year. This should happen in the fall and malfunctions.
Service your HVAC unit at least one time a year. This inspection will ensure that your unit is working efficiently, including a freon level and motor check, and oiling moving parts. These few simple things will help your system to run at its peak performance.
It is always a good idea to swap out single pane windows with ones that have double pane ones. This will help you keep in heat when it gets cold.
If nobody is home, turn off the AC. The house will heat up when it is turned off, but only a certain amount. When you keep it on, you will be using electricity.
During a maintenance visit, professionals can help by inspecting the system’s motor, inspect the motor and the freon levels. These simple things will help your HVAC system running smoothly.
Do not allow your house to get extremely hot. Air conditioners are limited in that they can only reduce the indoor temperature 20 degrees Fahrenheit in a reasonable time limit. So if your home is 100ºF, you’ll only get the temperature down to about 80. When you factor in humidity, this can still be dangerously hot for the human body at rest.
Don’t let your home to overheat. An air conditioning unit will reduce the temperature by twenty degrees in a short time span. If your home happens to get near 100 degrees Fahrenheit, you would only be able to cool it down just above 80 degrees. This is not a healthy environment to live in.
Occasionally, ice will form on your AC. Freezing drain lines are also possible and can be mistaken for leaks. Change your thermostat in situations like this. Get a professional to deal with this, even if you see the ice start melting because you turned the compressor off.
Ask people that you know and family for contractor recommendations. People who have had quality work done are often happy to share this information. This can also provide you with good information on which contractors you should avoid at all costs.
Research what size air conditioner you should purchase for the size of your home by using online calculators they have for this purpose. Buying a unit which is too big reduces efficiency. You can also check the owner’s manual to find specific numbers provided for the manufacturer. These numbers indicate the particular unit to cool a particular area.
Contractors determine their own fee levels, so make sure you get quotes from several contractors before you make any hiring decision. You can save some money by asking for many quotes. You want to call at least a handful of contractors in order to know what you should be paying.
Make certain the HVAC company you choose has a proven track record. Established companies that are doing well will usually be the best ones to go with. You will be taking a risk if you hire a newer contractor.
Think about getting a radiant barrier in your attic so support the efficient functioning of your HVAC system can run better. It blocks outside heat from coming in which will make sure you won’t have to use more energy to keep your unit stays hot outside.You could even use your attic as part of your living space more effectively.
Get a handful of quotes before accepting any. You should be able to hire the best contractor for the job if you take the time to do this. To get the best picture and get an idea of what rates are reasonable, call five or six different contractors.
Are you thinking of getting a new heating/cooling system? You need to take a few important things. Systems are given ratings by how well the system is able to cool or heat an area. You are wise to err on the side of a unit that is slightly too large for your needs than a bit too small.
Your HVAC can work more efficiently if you take into consideration which way your home faces. It’s always a good idea to plant trees in areas that will help block the scorching sun that heats up your home and causes your AC unit to work harder. The less heat in your home, the less time your air conditioner will have to work.
Check the ducts to find any leaks if your existing system is not be working efficiently. When the leaks are repaired, the testing will pay for itself in energy savings.
Check for debris if you hear clicking in the HVAC unit. The problem may be debris getting into the fans of the cooling system. Simply clear away the debris or remove any foreign objects and your problem is solved. Check this out before calling a repairman.
Determine which way your home faces.The less heat in your home, the less you’ll have to use your air conditioner to cool things off.
Pick an HVAC business that understands the unit and works quickly to solve the problem. Reliable companies keep a close eye on their technicians and ensure they honor their appointments. Techs must be knowledgeable about diagnosing and repairing your system quickly. After they figure out what is causing the problem, it should be taken care of right away.
Measure the area you wish to cool before going air conditioning. You generally need 20 BTU per square foot of room space. If you have a lot of rooms to keep cool, be sure to add their square footage together.
Ask any potential contractor about their experience. Have they done this type of job before? Don’t risk the success of your job by taking a chance on someone who may not be able to do it right.
Replace the air filter monthly to keep your HVAC system every month. It will improve the easiest and cheapest way you can take care of your unit.
Know what’s included in any repair work you contract. Some contractors overcharge for add-ons like travel expense or fees for additional materials. Having your contract in writing is obviously a must.
Pick HVAC companies that understands the unit and works quickly to solve the problem.The most reliable companies will ensure that their technicians stay on schedule and keep appointments. The technicians will also know how to find the best possible options. Once they are able to locate a problem, they should also know how to get them resolved efficiently and quickly.
Prior to hiring an HVAC contractor, check out their references. You may be horrified by what you find. It only takes a few minutes out of your busy schedule to check a contractor out, so don’t risk it.
Ask a contractor about their experience.You need to verify they have done the sort of experience needed to work you require.
If you are having an existing HVAC system repaired or getting something new installed, ask them to install a programmable thermostat. You will reduce your electric bills, as it will rest during the night.
Any HVAC contractor you hire should have an emergency number available to customers around the clock.They must be able to reach your home at any time, even if when the weather gets to be extreme.
To save some cash, try picking an Energy Star HVAC unit. Products with this logo save money on electricity and are much more environmentally friendly. The guidelines are established by the United States. EPA. Using units that meet these tough standards will save plenty of money on energy expenses over the years.
Some contractors attempt to add charges on later for fuel charges. Having a signed contract will help you avoid issues like that.
Keep your condenser protected when it’s getting colder. This can be done by placing a cover that’s thick over it. Don’t use this unit if you’re working in temperatures below around 60 degrees because your system won’t work that well below temperatures like this.
Cover your condenser unit for protection in the weather becomes less than optimal. This will allow it to last longer if it is protected when you’re not in use. Use the fan instead to avoid straining the unit.
For the best operation of your unit, always have the owner’s manual handy. Such material has a ton of advice specific to your own unit and might be critical in an HVAC emergency. If you can’t find the manual, check online.
Clearly, keeping your HVAC system running properly is of the utmost importance, and the tips presented here can help. These tips can help you save a lot of money. It is your job to ensure you know all you can about your HVAC unit and you understand everything that has been discussed in this article.
Make sure the HVAC company you contact gives you a written estimate. Having it in writing is essential. A verifiable estimate is an important aspect of doing good business. You are more likely to find that the company will provide you with good service when you do. Compare your written estimates in terms of cost, time for completion and so on. Do not trust companies that low-ball your estimate.
