This article can be a big help to those that are looking to familiarize yourself with the HVAC system.
Understand what you want before talking to a contractor. Discussing the problem is simplified if you understand what has happened with the unit. If you don’t have any idea, they will have trouble giving you any sort of quote. Know this stuff ahead of time.
Know what type of your HVAC system you currently have before calling someone to fix it. This will let you know that you’re able to give the contractor any information they might need.
Make sure that you regularly clean debris that might build up on external condenser units. Debris can pile up at rates that increase during rainy or windy weather, and this can foul up the inner workings of your system. It may even overheat, which can ruin your system.
Clean your condenser’s fan blades and coils prior to summertime. Clean the outside of your condenser unit.
Don’t let grass clippings pile up against your outdoor condenser. Direct the grass clippings in a direction away from the HVAC unit. The same goes for blowing leaves, so always be careful if you are moving debris near your HVAC devices.
Clean the condenser on your debris on your condenser units. 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.
Be sure you have the HVAC unit in your home checked about two times every year. The best times to have the system checked is spring and fall, so you are sure everything is running at peak performance before the heating and cooling seasons. Even though it may seem as nothing is wrong with the unit, a simple inspection can prove otherwise.
Don’t get grass clippings pile up against your outdoor condenser. Aim the grass in a direction away from the unit. This applies when you are taking care of the leaves in debris.
If you can, install double-paned windows throughout your home. Having a double pane window helps limit your need for air conditioning during the summer months. They help in the winter, too, keeping the heat in.
Trees Start
Service your hearing and cooling systems once each year. The motor should be checked, the parts oiled and the freon levels inspected. These simple things will keep your system running at peak performance.
Your outdoor HVAC unit may suffer when trees start to lose their leaves. Make sure the fan’s grill often once nearby trees start shedding their leaves.The fan needs unobstructed air flow, and if it is clogged, you will have to contend with problems.
When everyone is gone, turn your AC off. Turning it off does allow the temperature to rise, but only so far. When you keep it on, you will be using electricity.
Put your outdoor unit in the shade if you are installing them.
Look for air conditioner sizing calculators online to truly understand what size of unit is necessary for your room or home. If you get something that’s too big, it won’t work as well for you in the end. Check the manual it comes with for the information you need.
Be sure to have the HVAC system checks. This should be checked often for debris and again in the spring.
Check any company you are considering to see how long it has been around. Established companies that are doing well will usually be the best ones to go with. If you choose to hire a new contractor, you may be risking things.
Install a thermostat you can program to save energy costs. Some can even be controlled from a PC or other device.
Ask people that you know and trust for contractor recommendations. People who have had a good experience are often happy to share the name of their contractor. This is an excellent way to find which companies to stay away from.
During your service visit, the system motor will be inspected, oil the different moving parts as well as check the system’s freon levels. These simple things will help your system running at its peak performance.
To improve the efficiency of your HVAC unit, put a radiant barrier up inside the attic of your home. It will block the heat and lower the energy necessary to keep your home cool in the summertime. This can also help you make the attic useful again.
Never allow your home to rise to a dangerously high level. An AC unit will reduce the temperature by twenty degrees in a fair time. If the temperature in your home rises to 100 degrees F or higher, you would only be able to cool it down just above 80 degrees. This won’t be a safe and comfortable temperature for you to sleep in.
Are you looking at purchasing a HVAC system? There are a number of things to think about first. Systems get rated according to how large an area they can effectively cool and heat. You should buy a little bigger than necessary unit over a little smaller than necessary unit.
Companies that are around awhile have track records that haven’t been. Hiring a newer contractor may be taking a bigger risk.
Make sure that your ducts are not leaking. This is a job your local utility provider may do for you inexpensively or even free of charge. When these leaks are fixed, the testing will pay for itself in energy savings.
Ask friends and family for their HVAC contractor recommendations. People that have had great service are usually more than willing to share this information. This will also be used to see who you should avoid hiring.
You can’t get the most out of your HVAC unit, unless you have efficient windows and doors installed. Your windows and doors should be able to stay tightly sealed so air doesn’t get in or out. You can get a professional out to help you test things and a lot of the time the testing costs nothing.
Figure out which direction your home is facing so your HVAC system can work better. The less amount of heat inside of your home, the less time your air conditioner will have to work.
When deciding what size of an air conditioner is right for you, you will need to measure how much area it will have to cool. Generally, 20 BTU per square foot is ideal. Combine the square footage of all rooms, in the event that you will be cooling more than one.
Hvac System
Replace the air filter as often as possible. This will maximize the production of your HVAC. Filters only cost a few bucks, and it’s a small price to pay.
Replace the air filter monthly to keep your HVAC system every month. This is an easy way to help you keep your HVAC system running well.
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. They need to be able to come to a home when needed, whether during a heatwave or a terrible snowstorm.
Pick an HVAC companies that understands the unit and works quickly to solve the problem. The best companies make sure their technicians stay on schedule and keep appointments. A licensed technician should also have no problem diagnosing any problems with your HVAC. Once the technician figures out what’s wrong, they should also know how to get them resolved efficiently and quickly.
Be certain you know what the HVAC work costs include. Sometimes, contractors will not include everything in order to secure the job. Having a written contract will let you avoid these types of issues.
Ask any potential contractor about their experience prior to hiring them. You need to verify they have done the type of experience needed to work you require.
Any time that you are given a quote for HVAC work, it’s vital that you them to do a heat-loss calculation, too. This will tell you how many BTUs will be used. They should also count the number of doors and windows, check your insulation, and measure the amount of internal space in your home.
Always request references when you are considering a contractor.
Whether you are repairing your existing unit or installing a new system, consider a programmable thermostat. This can save you a great deal on your energy bills because your system rests while you are comfortably warm asleep in bed.
Any HVAC contractor or installer should have a 24-hour emergency hotline. 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.
To save money, try going with an HVAC unit that is an Energy Star unit. These products are held to a high standard of efficiency. These are put together by the US. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Spending your time looking over these types of things can help you to save quite a bit later on.
Some contractors may try to charge you more for things such as material fees and fuel charges. Having a good written contract can help you avoid issues like this.
Did you know that nearly 70 percent of all homes experience ducts with leaks? These can add up to a quarter of the utility costs you have. Luckily, it is an easy fix and you should see a difference in your power bill almost immediately.
Now you can see that an HVAC system is something anyone can deal with when they have the right information. To really understand it all, you should not rush. Use the suggestions outlined here as part of your process for approaching your HVAC system purchase.
As the weather grows cold, take steps to protect the condenser unit. Try putting a cover on it that will help it to stay warm. Be sure not to run the unit when the temperature gets below 60.
