This article can help to those that are looking to familiarize yourself with the subject.
Check out the system that you have before you call a professional. Write down the brand and the model and have all maintenance records on hand. Your contractor will appreciate this information.
Know what type of system you currently have before looking for a repair person. This will help make sure that the contractor the necessary information.
If you are having issues with your HVAC, do a tour of your house before you call in help. Figure out which rooms are hot and cold. This information will help the contractor determine where the problem is and how to fix it.
Clean any debris that accumulates on your condenser units. You never know when things can pile up, especially after a windy or rainy storm, and that can ruin your system. It can cause your system by overheating.
Clean the fan blades and coils in your condenser each spring. For safety, always turn the power off first. Remove the grill and carefully clean the blades and surrounding areas.
Don’t get grass clippings pile up against your outside unit. Aim your grass in a direction from your unit. This also applies to leaf blowing and any other yard work that results in the yard.
Make sure that you do not cover your outdoor components with grass clippings when you are trimming the grass. Direct the grass clippings in a direction away from the HVAC 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.
Lubricate your condenser if it has oil ports. You will notice these ports have a rubber or metal cap covering the ports. Use a lightweight, detergent-free SAE 20 oil, but make sure to avoid overfilling them.
The HVAC unit in your home can become damaged from falling leaves. Clean outdoor units often to remove leaves. 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.
Have the HVAC system inspected twice a year. This should be done in the fall and the spring.
If there are oil ports on your fan condenser, lubricate it annually. Most of these ports have some sort of protective cap covering them. Use a lightweight, detergent-free SAE 20 oil, putting 10 drops in each port.
During the visit, the serviceman will inspect the unit’s motor, the moving parts will be oiled and the freon levels will be checked These few simple things are going to allow your system to run at its peak performance.
Find a place that is shaded for your compressor. The cooler air that the unit can suck in, the less work it will need to do to further cool the air.
Research and check the companies that you consider using. Check with the BBB and online reviews of potential companies online. This will help you have to do in order to make a contractor that is of high quality.
It is very important that your HVAC system is serviced two times a year. Check into it twice a year before you head into the hot and cold months. Even if you don’t notice anything wrong, you can check it out to figure out what the potential issues are.
Air conditioners tend to ice up.The drain line may also freeze over. If this is something you notice, change the setting on your thermostat to the fan setting and this will disable the compressor. You should call a pro to fix this problem, but switching to the fan will make the ice melt.
Turn off your outdoor condenser when it becomes cold out. To avoid damage, units should be turned off when temperatures are below 60 degrees. Your system will work longer for you this way.
Look for calculators online to help you determine the size of unit you need for your room or home. Look at the manual or on the recommended size for this information.
If possible, your single pane windows should be replaced with double-paned ones. Having double pane windows allows your air conditioning unit to be run much less during the summer, because the cool air is kept inside the home. This also helps retain heated air during the colder months.
Ask for helpful information when you can find a HVAC contractor. People will tell you who they have had quality work done are worth calling. This will also be used to see who you should be avoided.
Getting a programmable thermostats can be a terrific way to realize savings. This will help you to keep the temperature at optimal levels. Also, you can find a thermostat that is controllable from a computer or smart phone.
There are plenty of online websites that let customers share their service experiences. This is a good way to locate contractors to work with.
Service your hearing and cooling systems once each year. When it’s checked out, the motor will be inspected, moving parts well oiled and the level of freon adjusted if necessary. This will keep you energy efficient and comfortable.
Think about having a radiant barrier installed in your attic so your HVAC system can run better. It blocks outside heat from coming in which will serve as a barrier between your home cool when it’s hot outside. You could even find that you can use your attic space more effectively.
Don’t let your home get way too hot to where it’s dangerous. Your average AC unit can only reduce the temperature in your home by about 20 degrees in a normal span of time. If you have your home at above 100 degrees then you can only get it to about 80 or above. While it depends on the humidity, this is not safe for a human to sleep in to recover from the heat of the summer.
Are you looking at purchasing a cooling and heating system that’s new? There are some things you must consider first. Systems have a rating based on how effectively they can cool or heat an area. You are wise to err on the side of a bigger unit rather than purchasing one that is a bit too small.
Make certain the HVAC company you choose has a proven track record. Someone that has been in the business for a while probably isn’t going to scam you. It is riskier to hire someone who does not have a long history.
Check for duct leaks if you you feel your unit seems to not up to snuff. When you have leaks repaired, you’ll find that the testing paid for itself.
Check the Internet for reviews on those who fix or install HVAC systems. You have a choice of review sites to use. This can help filter out the people you would like to work with.
Make sure they have tight seals to keep air inside. You can get these tested at little to no charge by a professional to test them all for you and often this testing is free.
You shouldn’t rely on a single quote from one contractor to gauge the cost, because different specialists set their own price. You have the potential to save a great deal of money if you make several calls prior to reaching a final decision. Contact a minimum of five contractors so you can determine realistically what the price will be.
Measure the area you wish to cool before going air conditioner shopping. You will need 20 BTU for each square foot of room space. If you need to cool multiple rooms, just add their total square footage.
Determine the direction that your home faces. Block the sun in the morning with trees around your home. The less amount of heat inside of your home, the fewer occasions you have to use your air conditioner.
Replace the air filter to keep your HVAC system every month. This is the production of your unit remains in good operating condition.
Use an HVAC company who has a lot of experience in the field. You want one that maintains a schedule. A licensed technician should also have no problem diagnosing any potential faults with your HVAC unit quickly. When they know the issue, they ought to have it fixed quickly and efficiently.
Ask a contractor about their experience.Make sure they are experienced doing the kind of work that is needed.
Think about which direction air is going to flow from an air conditioner unit when you pick out where to put it. If you have to put the unit in a corner, use one that doesn’t blow into the wall.
Always get some references when you are considering a HVAC contractor.
Prior to engaging the services of a contractor to handle your HVAC system, be sure to find out about the kind of experience he has. He or she may not have experience working with your type of system or performing the work that you need done. It’s best to find someone who knows what they’re doing.
Cover your condenser unit for protection in the winter.This simple cover keeps the condenser operating longer if it is protected when not in use. Use the fan setting only to avoid straining the condenser unit.
When seeking an HVAC contractor, be sure to check 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.
This determines the number of BTUs needed to maintain comfort in your system should be.
You should ask the contractor if they included heat-loss calculations inside their initial quote. This factors in the amount of BTU your heating system will consume when regulating the temperature in your house. They should be counting windows and doors, checking insulation, and measuring your home’s internal space as well.
These energy devices are guaranteed to meet strict guidelines for efficiency. These guidelines are determined by the United State Environmental Protection Agency. They are called the environment and human health. Taking time to fully research various units may help you get long-term savings on energy costs.
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.
You may be surprised to discover that as many as two-thirds of all homes have ducts that are leaky. This alarming percentage is responsible for nearly one quarter of your total utility bills. Sealing your ducts is both easy and cheap, and it is something you can do yourself, and it can reduce your electricity bills significantly every year thereafter.
Choose an HVAC unit rated Energy Star efficient so you save yourself some money. These are qualified energy products that meet strict efficiency guidelines. These guidelines have been set up by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Environmental Protection Agency generally. Saving money on utility bills means a little bit of research.
Look for HVAC contractor that use Energy Star equipment and equipment. This ensures efficiency that your system has met the EPA standards for efficiency. This will help you can save a bit of money on energy all year.
As it gets colder outside, you need to get your condenser unit protected. This can easily be done by putting a thick cover on it. Also, make sure you don’t use the condenser unit when the temperature is in the 50s and below.
If you have the right knowledge, you can navigate your way through the HVAC field. Approaching your HVAC system purchase as an educated consumer will help you achieve your desired results. Use all the guidelines that have been provided as you get to work.
