You think that anything to do with HVAC is complicated. This is probably because you don’t have the technical nature of these systems.
Get all of the details regarding a broken system before calling for repair. Know the model and brand and find it’s maintenance history, if possible. Your contractor will appreciate this information.
Know the name and type of your HVAC system you currently have before looking for a repair person. This will enable you know that you’re able to give your chosen contractor the information they might need.
If you’ve been having trouble with an HVAC system, look around your home before calling in people to help. While you are walking through the house, gauge which rooms are the coolest and which are the warmest. This will help your contractor quickly determine where the issue lies and how to get it fixed quickly and easily.
If your HVAC is running into problems, check things out yourself prior to calling in a technician. This will help the repairman determine where the problem is and how to fix it.
Clean the fan blades and coils prior to summertime. Before you clean the unit, be sure to turn off the power. Take away all of the debris as well.
Clean the debris on your condenser unit. You don’t know when things are going to pile up, especially after a windy or rainy storm, and that can ruin your system. It could overheat and cause your system to malfunction by overheating.
Clean any debris that accumulates on an external condenser unit. Excess debris can really affect your system’s quality. Left unchecked, your unit is more likely to break down.
Your HVAC units might suffer when your trees begin dropping their leaves. Make sure the fan’s grill often during the fall. The fan must not have anything in the way so that air can flow into it, and if it is clogged, you will end up with many headaches with the unit.
Avoid showering your outdoor unit with grass clippings when you mow the lawn. When you work with your lawn mower, make sure it spits the grass to the side opposite of your unit. Also do this when blowing leaves or shoveling snow.
10 Drops
Get your HVAC unit serviced two times per year. This should be checked often for debris and malfunctions. Even if you do not detect a problem, you can identify and fix any potential problems when you have it checked.
Lubricate your condenser if it has oil ports. You can find the ports as they have a rubber or metal caps. 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.
It is always a good idea to swap out single pane windows for double pane ones. Try to insulate your windows to prevent air from being lost. This will help you save a lot of money.
Put your outdoor condensers in places with shade.
Equipping your home with a programmable thermostat can be an excellent way to cut utility costs. It may save you as much as 10 percent of your overall utility bill if you turn your thermostat down by 10-15 degrees for a portion of the day. Some can even be controlled from a computer.
It is always a good idea to replace single-paned windows for double panes.This same effect also helps retain heated air in during the winter months.
Service your HVAC unit at least one time a year. When they come out for a service visit, expect inspections of freon levels and the motor, and they will oil all the moving parts. These easy to do things are going to allow your system to run its best.
During the service check, they will inspect the motor of the system, oil the different moving parts as well as check the system’s freon levels. These simple things will help keep your HVAC system running smoothly.
If everyone is out, turn the air conditioner off. This will save you money on your energy bills. If the A/C is on when you’re gone, it’ll be working hard constantly.
Never allow your home to get dangerously high level. An air conditioning unit is really only cool your home by 20ºF quickly. 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 won’t be a safe and comfortable temperature for you to sleep in.
Problems with an air conditioning unit happen when it ices up. This can also happen on the drain line. If you see this, immediately put your thermostat on the fan setting to turn off your compressor. If the issue persists, call in help.
Research and check the companies that you consider using. Check with the BBB and online reviews of potential companies online. Doing all of this can help you make a better decision.
Use an online sizing calculator to help you calculate the proper size of the air conditioning unit you should purchase. If you purchase a unit that’s too large, it will not be efficient since it’ll cool the same. Check your manual to figure out what the rating is from the manufacturer to be sure you’re getting the right information.
Air conditioners tend to ice up.The drain line may also freeze over. If this happens, put the fan on to shut the compressor off. You should leave the repair to a professional, even if switching it to its fan setting starts making the ice melt.
Check any company you are considering to see how long it has been around. The older they are, the more likely it will be for you to find out their history, which will help you gauge their quality. If you choose to hire a new contractor, you may be risking things.
Look for air conditioner sizing calculators online to help you determine the size of unit you need for your home. Look in the manual to determine the manufacturer website for this information.
Measuring the space you want to cool is the first step to figure how large of an air conditioner you need. You can easily calculate this by using the formula: 20 BTUs per square footage of space. Add the square footage for multiple rooms together.
Companies that are around awhile have track records that can help you decide if they’re worth your money and time.It is always risky to hire a long history.
Replace your air filters every month. It’s a simple thing to do to keep it running properly. A new air filter is only a couple of bucks at your local hardware store.
Contractors charge different rates, so make sure you get quotes from several contractors before you make any hiring decision. You can save tons of money this way. You want to get quotes from at least a handful of contractors in order to know what reasonable rates are.
Think about which direction air is going to flow from an air conditioner unit when you pick out where to put it. If it must be in a corner, make certain that the air does not point towards a wall.
A radiant barrier is an awesome device which will help improve the efficiency of your HVAC. It ensures that your home cool when it’s hot outside. You could even find that you can use the attic space if it is done right.
When you get someone to work on your HVAC, make sure you know what the total cost includes. Some contractors overcharge for add-ons like travel expense or fees for additional materials. Avoid issues such as these by procuring a written contract.
Do you wish to buy a new HVAC unit? You could keep a few important things. Systems get rated according to how large an area they effectively heat or cool. 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.
Use a fully-enclosing cover to protect your condenser unit in the winter. This will help it to last longer. Never use the compressor when the temperature outside is below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Instead, just use the fan if need be.
Determine the direction that your home faces in order to establish efficient HVAC operation. The cooler your home already is, the less time that the AC has to work.
Opt for a programmable thermostat when getting your HVAC. This sort of device will save you a lot of money in terms of energy because it allows your system some downtime while you are warm in your bed.
Understanding how to work with the HVAC unit should be more apparent to you know. Without proper motivation, it is difficult to begin, so remember that before you get involved. You won’t be sorry you did, especially when it clicks in your mind!
Opt for an HVAC unit with the Energy Star rating. These products are manufactured to the strict standards only qualified energy products meet. These are set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Using units that meet these tough standards will save plenty of money on energy expenses over the years.
