You think anything to do with HVAC is really complex. This is due to the fact that a lot will go into these things.
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. Write down the make, model, and any maintenance history. This will let you know that you’re able to give the contractor the information that can help them.
Clean your condenser’s fan and coils come spring. Clean the outdoor condenser unit regularly.
Cleaning the blades and coils will help the system run better. If you are doing more than a light surface cleaning, make sure that the power is shut off to the HVAC unit. Also, make sure you remove any debris or leaves from the condenser unit outside.
Clean the debris that accumulates on your condenser units. 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 a disaster with your system to malfunction by overheating.
If the outside of your home has condenser units, ensure they are constantly cleaned. After a wind or rain storm things may pile up, causing problems with your system. It could overheat and cause a disaster with your unit.
Don’t get grass clippings pile up against your outside unit. Aim the grass in a different direction away from the unit. This also applies when you are taking care of the leaves in the yard.
Each spring it’s time to clean the inside of your condenser unit, including the fan and the sensitive coil. First, turn the power off so nothing moves when you’re working with it. After you have turned the power off, you simply remove the grill and the blades to perform a gentle cleansing.
10 Drops
If you can choose the place where your outdoor compressor goes, pick a spot with lots of shade. In this way, it will be cooling air that is already somewhat cooled. This saves energy.
Lubricate the oil ports on your fan condenser once each year. You will notice these ports have a rubber or metal caps covering the ports. Use SAE 20 oil that is non-detergent and lightweight, and put 10 drops or fewer in each port, putting 10 drops in each port.
Turn off outdoor condenser units when weather turns cold. Once the temperature drops into the 50s, the unit should no longer be on. You will save in repair bills and increase the efficiency of your system.
Install a programmable thermostat you can program to save energy costs. Some of these thermostats can even be controlled from a PC or other device.
To help keep your energy costs down, have your heating and cooling system serviced at least once a year. During the service check, the system motor will be inspected, the moving parts will be oiled and the freon levels will be checked This maintenance means that your system will operate optimally.
During the visit, they will inspect the motor of the system, oil the different moving parts as well as check the system’s freon levels. These things will keep your system running at peak performance.
Make sure that your AC is turned off when you are not using it. When it’s off the house will get hot, but only by a certain amount. Obviously, if you leave your air conditioning set at a low temperature all day long even if you’re not home, you’ll be paying to maintain that low temperature.
Don’t let your home to become dangerously hot. Air conditioners cannot sufficiently cool down 20 degrees or so within a reasonable time period. If the temperature in your home rises to 100 degrees F or higher, it will only reduce it to 80 or more. This won’t be a safe and comfortable temperature for you to sleep in.
Air conditioners occasionally freeze up, literally. The drain line also occasionally freezes, which can be misdiagnosed as a plumbing leak. If this happens, disable the compressor by switching the thermostat to run the fan only. If the issue persists, call in help.
Research the companies before hiring them. Check them out at the BBB and online reviews as well. Doing these things beforehand will allow you make a smart decision.
If you need a HVAC contractor, try and get recommendations from family and friends. You should be able to find someone that has had a good experience. This will also let you know which companies to stay away from.
Look for calculators online to truly understand what size of unit you need for your home. Look in the manual to determine the manufacturer website for air conditioners.
Your HVAC system can run more efficiently if your attic has a radiant barrier. It blocks heat from the inside out, lowering the amount of energy needed to cool your home in the summer. If this is done properly, it will help extend your living space.
There are many sites out there that other customers share experiences of different services. This is an excellent method of finding contractors that you wish to work with and those that you don’t.
You can usually have free duct testing performed if you are concerned about your HVAC system not running properly. You can have your utility company test for you, sometimes for free or less than an HVAC contractor would charge. If you do end up paying, you’ll find that fixed leaks are worth the money.
Contractors determine their own fee levels, so make sure that you acquire multiple estimates. You can save a great deal of money if you make several calls prior to reaching a final decision. You may want to call at least a handful of contractors in order to know what you should be paying.
For top efficiency, figure out what direction your home faces. When you determine the parts of your home that get the most sunlight, you can consider strategic landscaping that includes shade trees to somewhat reduce your home’s exposure to heat from direct sunlight. The less amount of heat inside of your home, the fewer occasions you have to use your air conditioner.
Are you considering purchasing a new HVAC system? There are a number of things you should consider. Systems have ratings according to how large an area they effectively cool and heat. You are wise to err on the side of a bigger unit that is slightly too large for your needs than purchasing one that is a smaller one.
If you hear clicking inside your HVAC unit, look for an obstruction. Often the issue is some sort of debris that’s hitting the fans in the cooling system. Simply get rid of the debris to get rid of the issue. Look carefully at it before you call up a service technician.
Check for duct leaks if you you feel your existing system is not be working efficiently.If you do have leaks that are repaired, the money spent on finding and repairing the leak will pay for itself.
The HVAC system is only one piece in an efficient home. You must also consider the quality of your windows and doors. Your windows and doors should be able to stay tightly sealed so air doesn’t get in or out. It is wise to hire someone to test them out, and this often costs nothing.
Determine the direction that your home faces in order to establish efficient HVAC operation. The less amount of heat inside of your home, the easier time the air conditioner in your home will have.
You should replace the filter on your HVAC system once every month. It is the easiest and cheapest way you can take care of it. Filters are relatively cheap, so it does not cost much to do this.
If there’s a clicking in your HVAC unit, see if there is any debris in it. Often it is being caused by debris hitting fans in the cooling system. Look at it before you call up a technician.
Choose an HVAC contractor who know what he is doing and works quickly. Companies that are most reliable stick to the appointment time they give you. These techs should be able to figure out what is up with an HVAC rather quickly. After diagnosis, they should then know how to deal with the problem.
Measure the area that needs cooling before going air conditioner shopping. You can figure out the unit you need by calculating 20 BTU for each square foot of room space. If you have multiple rooms to cool, just add their total square footage.
Ask a contractor about their experience prior to hiring them. It is best to match the job you have to a company with that kind of experience. While you may not know if a worker with no experience will work well or not, it’s not a good idea to take a chance with this.
Replace the air filter to keep your HVAC system every month. It is the efficiency of your unit.
Be certain you know what the HVAC work costs include. There are dishonest contractors out there that will overcharge you. This is why getting estimates in writing is so important.
Ask a contractor about their experience.You need to know that they have done the type of experience needed to work on your particular system.
Use a fully-enclosing cover to protect your condenser unit in the winter. This will help your condenser last longer when not being used. Additionally, do not use it when the temperature dips below 60. Do this by simply turn on the fan so that you don’t cause the unit unnecessary strain.
Always make sure to get references prior to hiring any contractor.
When in the process of installing new HVAC equipment or getting repairs done, see if you can have a programmable thermostat installed. You will reduce your electric bills, as it will rest during the night.
Any HVAC contractor you hire should have an emergency hotline. They need to be able to come to a home when needed, in any weather.
Look for a unit that has the Energy Star emblem. It will be much more efficient if you do. These are set by the U.S. They are there to ensure these HVAC units operate as they are advertised. Spending your time looking over these types of things can help you to save quite a bit later on.
This will tell you how much BTU your new system will be used.
You might be surprised to discover that as many as two-thirds of all homes have ducts that are leaky. These can cost you as much as twenty five percent of what you pay for utilities. Sealing up your ducts is cheap and easy, you can even do it yourself, and it can reduce your electricity bills significantly every year thereafter.
Consider a programmable thermostat installed.This device can save you a great deal of money on your bills because your settings to ensure optimal performance.
You want to find a contractor that can provide you with an Energy Star unit. These systems meet strict efficiency guidelines set by the EPA. Energy Star products help save you money on your utility bills.
Keep your HVAC system operating efficiently by cleaning the heating ducts. Look often at the ducts regularly so you can make sure there is nothing wrong with them. Damaged ones raise your heating bill and waste warm air.
Always have the owner’s manual on hand when doing anything with your HVAC unit. The manual contains a lot of the information you need and may be helpful should a serious issue arise. If you no longer have your manual, it is usually possible to get it from the manufacturer.
Make sure that you know where the owner’s manual is anytime the system in a convenient place. The manual will be very useful.
Always get written estimates in writing. You need these estimates written down for you. There are quite a few jobs that you to get multiple estimates of the cost. This helps you get the best service. Compare all of the deals that you receive.
Familiarizing yourself with HVAC technology is hopefully something this article helped you accomplish. Motivate yourself to start using what you’ve learned. You will be glad you did when everything begins to make sense to you!
