HVAC service and contracting isn’t something too many people are familiar with. This can make it hard to choose a good HVAC system an issue for most homeowners.
Always make sure you are up-to-date about your HVAC unit. Learn the brand, model, and if you have it, the maintenance history. The contractor will likely need all of this information.
Be sure to clean debris from external condenser units regularly. You never know when things can pile up, like right after it’s windy or rains, and that can ruin your system. It could overheat and cause your system to malfunction by overheating.
Clean your outdoor condensers often. Debris quickly gathers here, even more so if there is a storm. This can cause major issues with your system. If you do not, the unit may get too hot and cause additional problems.
Don’t get grass clippings pile up against your outdoor condenser. Aim your grass cuttings in a different direction from your unit. This applies to leaf blowing and any other yard work that results in debris.
Clean the coils on the condenser fan from time to time. First, turn the power off so nothing moves when you’re working with it. Remove the grill and the blades, and then you can give them all a gentle clean.
Your outdoor HVAC unit may suffer when trees lose their leaves. Make sure the fan’s grill is cleaned frequently when the leaves begin to fall. The fan needs unobstructed air flow, and if debris is blocking this air flow, you will end up with many headaches with the unit.
Try to prevent debris from getting in your HVAC unit. When you see nearby trees shedding their leaves, clean the fan grill on your unit constantly. An obstruction, such as a leaf, prevents the maximum amount of cool air from entering the system.
10 Drops
If the fan on your condenser includes oil ports, they must be lubricated annually. These are usually covered with rubber or metal caps. Your oil should be an SAE 20. This particular oil is very lightweight and it only requires about 10 drops per port.
Lubricate your condenser at least once a year. You will see rubber or metal cap covering them.Use a lightweight, and put 10 drops or fewer in each port, putting 10 drops in each port.
When choosing the area for placing an outdoor compressor device, place it in a shady area. The cooler air that the unit can suck in, the less work it will need to do to further cool the air.
Put outdoor unit in the shade.
Turn off your outdoor condenser when it becomes cold out. Once the temperature drops into the 50s, the unit should no longer be on. This can keep your system working for years and save you a lot on repairs.
It is a good idea to replace single-paned windows for double panes. This same effect also keeps warm in during the winter months.
Research the companies that you consider using. It can be helpful to check out the online reviews of previous customers and it is always wise to check their reputation as listed on a Better Business Bureau website. Doing all of this will make sure you hire the best company for your HVAC needs.
During your service visit, they will inspect the motor of the system, oil the unit’s moving parts and ensure the unit has proper freon levels. These few simple things will keep your HVAC system running smoothly.
Air conditioners sometimes ice up. The drain line might also freeze over. If this is something that’s happening to you, change the setting on your thermostat to the fan setting and this will disable the compressor. You should still call a professional to help regardless.
Don’t let your home temperature get dangerously high. An AC unit is really only able to reduce the temperature by twenty degrees in a short time span. 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.
It can be confusing to figure out what the correct HVAC system size is for your home, but you can solve this with the help of a sizing calculator. If you purchase a unit that’s too large, it will not be efficient since it’ll cool the same. To get the right information, look in the manual to find out the rating the manufacturer gives the unit for cooling.
Research and check the companies before hiring them. Check with different references to determine the BBB and online reviews as well. These simple steps will help to ensure your decision is a wise one.
Every contractor out there is responsible for setting up their own fees, so get several quotes before hiring anyone. You should save some money this way. To get the best picture and get an idea of what rates are reasonable, call five or six different contractors.
Air conditioners sometimes ice up at times. The drain line might also freeze up.If you see this happen, switch your thermostat to fan only to disable the compressor. You should leave the repair to a professional, even if switching it to its fan setting starts making the ice melt.
A radiant barrier improves the efficiency of your HVAC. This type of barrier will help to block heat, which in turn will help your system work less at cooling your home. If it’s done right, the attic can become another useful living space.
Look for calculators online to truly understand what size of unit is necessary for your room or home. Look at the manual to determine the manufacturer website for this information.
Are you thinking about buying a new HVAC system? You need to know some things first. The rating given to a system tells how much are it can cover. You are better off purchasing a unit that is slightly too large for your needs than purchasing one that is a bit too small.
Contractors determine their own fee levels, so make sure that you acquire multiple estimates. You can save quite a bit of money by asking for many quotes. You may want to get quotes from at least a handful of contractors in order to know what reasonable rates are.
Your doors and windows need to be as efficient as the HVAC system you use. They have to have a tight seal, stopping air from going in or out. Testing for energy efficiency may be free, if you are interested in hiring a professional to find out.
Think about getting a radiant barrier in your attic so support the efficient functioning of your HVAC system. 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 or cold as it should be. You could even find that you can use the attic space more effectively.
Measuring the space you want to cool is the first step to figure how large of an air conditioner you need. You can figure out the unit you need by calculating 20 BTU per square foot. If the unit will be cooling several rooms, combine their square footage in your calculations.
Do you need a quality HVAC? There are things to consider. Systems are given ratings by how well the system is able to cool and heat an area well. You are better off purchasing a bigger unit rather than a bit too small.
When deciding where to place your AC, condition the direction of air flow. If you must position it in a corner, be sure you can change the direction of air flow to avoid having it hit the wall.
Check the ducts to find any leaks if your existing system is not be working efficiently. When you have leaks repaired, the tests will pay for themselves.
Always get some references before hiring any contractor. You want to be able to ask if what was expected is what the homeowner got, such as being on time and on budget. You can avoid scam artists, yet only when you actually check up on references.
Figure out which direction your home is facing so your HVAC system more efficient. The less your home is heated, the less time your air conditioner will have to work.
Know what’s included in any repair work you contract. Some contractors attempt to charge you later for items like materials and fuel. Having a written contract will let you avoid these types of issues.
Make sure they have tight seals to keep air inside. You can hire someone to test them.
To keep your HVAC unit from having trouble, make sure to give proper protection to the condenser with the help of a cover. This simple cover keeps the condenser operating longer when not in use. The unit’s compressor should never be on when the temperature is 60 degrees or below. Use the fan instead to avoid putting strain on the condenser unit.
Pick an HVAC business that understands the unit and knows what to do. The best companies keep the technicians will always be on time. The technicians will also know how to find the problem quickly. After a quick diagnosis, it’s just a matter of time before they have it back and running properly.
It is always essential to contact the HVAC contractor’s references. Just because they give you a list doesn’t mean they’re legitimate. Never hesitate to spend a few moments making calls to check out someone.
Ask any potential contractor about their experience prior to hiring them. You need to verify they have the sort of work you require.
You want to find a contractor that can provide you with an Energy Star unit. When a product line carries the famous ENERGY STAR logo it has met the difficult standards and guidelines that the EPA has set forth. Which means lower cooling and heating bills for you!
Always get references prior to hiring any contractor.
Make sure your HVAC ducts are cleaned often so that the system works properly. Inspect the ducts frequently to ensure there are not dents, debris or punctures. Warm air can be wasted and your bill will sky rocket.
Any HVAC contractor or installer should have a 24-hour emergency hotline. They need to be able to come to a home when needed, no matter what.
Protect the condenser unit when it gets cold. Buy a cover to keep it safe. If the temperature dips under 60 degrees, don’t implement the unit because it won’t be effective.
Always check any references that are given to you receive for an HVAC contractor.
When handling your HVAC system, 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 your manual has become lost, you can often find or request a copy on the website of the manufacturer.
No homeowner wants to face a broken HVAC unit. The smartest homeowners will study their HVAC system prior to a problem ever occurring. These tips will help you get the job done right.
Get an estimate in writing from the company you hired for your HVAC. It pays to get things in writing. There are lots of jobs that require gathering estimates for jobs necessities. This ensures that you know the job is being done right. Compare all of the deals that you are offered. A company whose estimate is too low and too good to be true probably is.
