Helpful Hints For HVAC Novices And Pros

A well-maintained HVAC system is something you need 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 discusses what you maximize your purchase.

Each spring, clean the fan blades and coils on your condenser. Before you do anything, however, turn the power off. Then remove the grill, remove the blades and clean it from top to bottom gently.

TIP! Clean the fan blades and coils on the condenser fan every spring. Be sure to turn the power off first; you don’t want anything to move.

Turn the power off first so nothing moves. Next, pop off the grill, put the blades out and start to gently clean them along with the unit.

If you have oil ports as part of the fan condenser, annual lubrication is key. You’ll see that the ports here are closed with a rubber or metal cap. Look for an oil that is lightweight and then put about 10 drops inside the port. You don’t want to put in too much.

TIP! If the condenser fan has oil parts, then you need to lubricate it at least once per year. These ports are typically covered with caps made of metal or rubber.

Don’t get grass clippings pile up against your outdoor condenser. Aim your grass cuttings in a different direction from the unit. This also applies to leaf blowing and any other yard work that results in the yard.

A shady spot is always a good choice for the placement of your outdoor compressor. When it draws in air for cooling, it will be more efficient because it will not need to work as hard to cool down the air.

TIP! Look for shade when placing a compressor outdoors. When it draws in air for cooling, it will be more efficient because it will not need to work as hard to cool down the air.

Put outdoor unit in the shade if you are installing them.

To increase the efficiency of your HVAC unit, be sure to keep it in the shade. The air in the shade is cooler and can help save on energy costs.

TIP! You can boost the efficiency of your HVAC unit by replacing it with a new energy efficient one or moving your old one to a shady outside location. This will ensure cool air is sucked in, meaning less cooling must be done by the unit.

Have the HVAC serviced twice per year. This should be done in the fall and the spring.

If you can, use double-paned windows instead of single-paned ones. They help cool air remain inside your home, effectively cutting back on how much you have to run your air conditioner. This also helps retain heated air during the colder months.

TIP! If you can, install double-paned windows throughout your home. Double pane windows help minimize your air conditioning use in the summer by keeping the cooler air inside your home.

It is a good idea to swap out single pane windows for double panes. This also helps keep it warm in the colder months.

A programmable thermostat can help you save money on your air conditioning bill. Programmable thermostats can reduce your power HVAC energy costs by as much as ten percent, just by dialing back your thermostat ten or fifteen percent up to eight daily hours. You can often control it from your mobile phone!

TIP! Installing a programmable digital thermostat can help save money. A programmable thermostat can save you up to ten percent on your cooling and heating costs by simply turning the thermostat back ten to fifteen percent for eight hours a day.

Install a programmable thermostat to save money on cooling your home. Some of these thermostats can even be controlled from your smart phone or other device.

To help keep your energy costs down, have your heating and cooling system serviced at least once a year. The motor should be checked, the parts oiled and the freon levels inspected. This will keep you energy efficient and comfortable.

TIP! Regularly having your HVAC system serviced can help keep your heating and cooling bills down. The service will include motor inspection, oiling of moving parts, and a freon level check.

During your service visit, professionals can help by inspecting the system’s motor, the moving parts will be oiled and the freon levels will be checked These easy to do things are going to allow your system to run at its peak performance.

If you are going to be gone during the day or on vacation, turn the temperature up on your air conditioning unit. Your home will become somewhat warmer during this time. The longer the unit stays on, the more it ends up costing you in energy bills.

TIP! If everyone is out, turn the air conditioner off. When it’s off the house will get hot, but only by a certain amount.

Never allow your home reach a dangerously hot inside. Air conditioners can only really cool a home down about 20 degrees Fahrenheit within a reasonable amount of time. If the temperature in your home rises to 100 degrees F or higher, you will only be able to cool it down to 80. This is not a healthy environment to live in.

Occasionally, ice will form on your AC. There are also occasional freezes in the drain line, which are often confused for plumbing leaks. If this is something you notice, switch the thermostat in your home to fan only so the compressor is disabled. It is best to call a professional in to fix this particular issue, even though the switch to fan setting should cause the ice to start melting.

TIP! Occasionally, ice will form on your AC. The drain line also occasionally freezes, which can be misdiagnosed as a plumbing leak.

Research and check the companies before hiring them. Check them out at the BBB and look for reviews as well. Doing all of this can help you choose wisely..

Prior to hiring any HVAC contractor, you should ask how long their business has operated. Companies that are around awhile have a better record than those that haven’t been. If you choose to hire a new contractor, you may be risking things.

TIP! Check any company you are considering to see how long it has been around. Companies that are established have been proven, and you can use their track record to to determine if they provide good service.

Fan Setting

Ask around so you can find a reputable HVAC contractor. Those who have had a great experience should have no issue giving you this info. You can also get company names that you should stay away from.

TIP! Ask your friends and relations for their HVAC contractor recommendations. If a person had a good experience with a company, they are likely to share it.

Air conditioners sometimes ice up at times. The drain line might also freeze up.If this is something that’s happening to you, immediately put your thermostat on the fan setting to turn off your compressor. You should call a pro to fix this problem, but switching to the fan setting should start to melt the ice.

Turn to online reviews if you’re not sure how you should hire to perform HVAC maintenance. In many cases you will find local review sites where previous customers will share the experience they had with companies they used. This is useful for finding people that you wish to work with and those that you don’t.

TIP! Check the Internet for reviews on those who fix or install HVAC systems. Lots of sites exist where customers can leave feedback and reviews.

There are now different online sites that other customers talk about their reviews. This is an awesome way to find decent people to hire.

Are you looking into getting a new heating/cooling system? You should first think about several things. Systems are rated by the amount of area the system can heat and cool effectively. It is better to purchase a slightly larger than needed unit, rather than a slightly smaller than needed unit.

TIP! Have you been thinking about buying a new HVAC system? You may want to consider the following. Systems have a rating based on how well the system is able to cool or heat an area well.

Think about getting a radiant barrier in your attic so your HVAC system. It will make sure you won’t have to use more energy to keep your home cool when it’s hot outside. You may even find that you can use the attic space if it is done right.

Make sure that your ducts are not leaking. Your local energy company may do such testing at a reduced cost or maybe even for free. When you get leaks repaired, you may see that the testing pays for itself.

TIP! Be sure to test for leaks in the ducts if your system seems inefficient. A local utility company often performs free duct testing.

Are you looking into getting a new HVAC system? There are things to consider. Systems have a rating based on how well the system is able to cool and heat an area well. You are better off purchasing a unit rather than a smaller one.

Determining the direction in which your house faces can help make the HVAC system efficient. You can help keep your home cool with the strategic placement of trees. The less heat inside the house, the less time that the AC has to work.

TIP! Which way does your home face? Consider where to place trees to reduce the morning sunlight on your home. If there is less heat coming into your home, then your air conditioning unit won’t have to work as hard.

Figure out which direction your home is facing so your HVAC system more efficient. The less your home is heated, the fewer occasions you have to use your air conditioner.

Obstructions often cause a clicking noise in a compressor. The issue may be debris hitting the fans of the cooling system. Simply get rid of the debris to get rid of the issue. Do this before calling for assistance.

TIP! If you hear clicking inside your HVAC unit, look for an obstruction. Sometimes there is debris that gets in the fan’s way.

Square Footage

Make sure your windows and doors are efficient. Be sure that they seal tightly so that no interior air seeps out or exterior air gets inside. A professional can easily have this tested for you, and oftentimes, this service is free.

TIP! Your doors and windows need to be as efficient as the HVAC system you use. Make sure that their seals are tight and that they do not allow air to seep in or out.

Measure the area you wish to cool before buying a unit. You generally need about 20 BTU per square footage of the room.If you have multiple rooms to cool, get their square footage added together.

Each month, you need to get a new air filter and install it in your unit. That’s the easiest thing to do so your unit continues running in good shape. Filters are cheap, and changing them regularly adds up to long term savings.

TIP! If there’s only one thing that you do in terms of HVAC maintenance monthly, it should be to replace your air filter. This is a very simple job and it keeps the system running at maximum efficiency.

Pick HVAC business that know what they’re doing and can work quickly. The most reliable companies make sure their technicians stay on schedule. A licensed technician will also easily diagnose any problems with your HVAC unit quickly. Once the problem is identified, they should also know how to get them resolved efficiently and quickly.

Avoid using any contractor for HVAC repairs or installation, unless they provide you with a 24-hour number for emergency situations. You want a company that will be there when you need them.

TIP! When you need to find a contractor to handle your HVAC work for you, make sure that the one you choose has a phone number they will answer 24-hours per day. A good company will have repairman available in any weather situation.

Always request references prior to hiring any contractor.

The services you are paying a contractor to do should be clearly spelled out in your contract. Unfortunately, there are a few unscrupulous contractors that will tack un-discussed charges onto your bill. This is why getting estimates in writing is so important.

TIP! The services you are paying a contractor to do should be clearly spelled out in your contract. Some contractors attempt to add charges on later for things such as material fees and fuel charges.

Any HVAC contractor you hire should have an emergency number available to customers around the clock.They owe it to you to show up to fix anything, be it in the middle of a heatwave or in the worst snowstorm of the year.

You need a cover for your condenser during the cold months. In this way, you can extend the life of the unit. Also, you shouldn’t use your compressor if the temperature outside drops to below 60 degrees. Avoid placing a strain on your unit by using the fan instead.

TIP! A thick cover over the outdoor condenser will protect it from serious damage during the cold, winter months. This simple cover keeps the condenser operating longer when not in use.

Always check any references that you by an HVAC contractor.

Follow through on the references provided by the contractor. You may be horrified by what you find. Calling a person and checking him out takes just a couple of minutes, so go ahead and do it.

TIP! Always follow up on any references provided to you by a prospective HVAC contractor. Just because they give you a list doesn’t mean they’re legitimate.

This will tell you how many BTUs your system requires to keep the environment of your home comfortable.

Purchase an Energy Star HVAC unit. Qualified energy products such as these are efficient due to the fact that they must meet stringent guidelines. These standards are determined by the United State Environmental Protection Agency. Environmental Protection Agency generally. You will save money by paying attention to these details.

TIP! An Energy Star system is really the way to go when it comes to your HVAC. These are more efficient than other units.

Consider have a programmable thermostat. This lowers your heating and cooling bills as it constantly adjusts your system rests while you are comfortably warm asleep in bed.

Find an HVAC professional who uses Energy Star items. This ensures efficiency that is required by the EPA. That means they’ll save you a ton on your utility bills.

TIP! Seek out HVAC contractors who only use products that carry the Energy Star label. Products with the Energy Star symbol meet energy guidelines set by the EPA.

These energy products are guaranteed to meet strict efficiency guidelines. These standards are put in place by the United State Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). They are in charge of protecting the EPA for short.Taking time to look into these units may help you save a significant amount of money.

Be sure to protect your condenser as the weather turns colder. A nice cover will help protect the condenser from the weather. If the temperature dips under 60 degrees, don’t implement the unit because it won’t be effective.

TIP! Keep your condenser protected when it’s getting colder. This can be done by placing an insulating cover on it.

Look for an HVAC contractors that uses Energy Star equipment and equipment. This ensures efficiency that the EPA standards for efficiency. This will help you can save a bit of money on the bills when it comes to your cooling and heating costs.

TIP!

Hvac System

TIP!

As mentioned earlier, a good HVAC system is a vital component to any home, so keeping everything up to par is critical. Thankfully, the tips you just read will help save you from costly repairs. But it is your responsibility to take your HVAC system seriously and keep it in good shape.

TIP!