HVAC Do’s And Don’ts For The Average Person

Follow these tips on dealing with your HVAC system.

Know the name and type of your HVAC system before looking for a repair person. Learn the brand and the model. In this way, you can be sure your repair person has all vital information.

TIP! Before making that repair phone call, make sure you know the specifics about your particular system. Know the brand name and model number.

Turn it off so you don’t get hurt or break something. Next, pop the grill off, pull out the blades and start cleaning them and the unit itself off gently.

Before selecting a HVAC repairman, know what you need done. This is necessary so that they can give you a quote before doing any work. They need to come look at the unit. It’s important to know this beforehand.

TIP! What do you need done? Know this before calling a contractor. If you can’t describe the problem, you may not get an accurate quote.

Don’t let grass clippings on your outdoor condenser.Aim the grass cuttings in a direction away from your unit. This also applies when you are taking care of the leaves in the yard.

To make sure your condenser fan works properly, keep the fan blades and the coils clean. Turn off your power before doing any job like this. Also, be sure to clear leaves and debris from your condenser unit.

TIP! Clean your condenser’s fan blades and coils come spring. Before you do clean the coils and fan blades, always take the precaution of turning off all power to the unit.

10 Drops

If the condenser fan has oil parts, then you need to lubricate it at least once per year. You will see rubber or metal caps covering the ports. Use SAE 20 oil that is lightweight and detergent free, and put ten drops or fewer into each one. Make sure not to overfill them.

TIP! Lubricate your fan condenser if it has oil ports. Such ports tend to have coverings made of rubber or metal.

Lubricate your fan condenser once a year. These are usually covered with rubber or metal cap. Use a lightweight, and put 10 drops or fewer in each port, putting 10 drops in each port.

When it gets cold outside, it is necessary to turn off outdoor condenser units. If temps go below 60 you run the risk of damaging a unit that remains on. You’ll pay less for repairs which you follow this tip.

TIP! Turn off your outdoor condenser when it becomes cold out. If you get into temperatures that are less than 60 degrees you need the unit to be shut off so it doesn’t get damaged.

Have your HVAC serviced at the least. This should happen in the fall and malfunctions.

It is always a good idea to swap out single pane windows for double pane 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. Likewise, in the winter more hot air stays inside during the cold season.

TIP! If you can, install double-paned windows throughout your home. You can reduce your energy costs from energy leaking out through your windows by installing window that are double-paned.

Turn off outdoor condenser units when it becomes cold out. This means that you should be done when the temperature drops below 60ºF to avoid damage. This simple tip will help keep your system running efficiently for many years and save you a lot on repairs.

Consider getting a programmable thermostat for your AC. Such thermostats help you save around ten percent when it comes to energy costs. Furthermore, there are a few programmable thermostats that you can control from your computer or any other web-connected device.

TIP! Installing a programmable digital thermostat can help save money. You have greater control over the temperature settings with these.

It is a good idea to replace single-paned windows with ones that have double pane ones. This also works during the cold months to keep in heat when it gets cold.

Service your HVAC unit at least one time a year. During this service visit, they will inspect the motor of the system, oil the moving parts and check the freon levels in the system. This will keep you energy efficient and comfortable.

TIP! In order to keep energy costs down, make sure heating and cooling systems are services at least once per year. When it’s checked out, the motor will be inspected, moving parts well oiled and the level of freon adjusted if necessary.

Don’t let your house get overly hot. Air conditioners really can only cool a home by just twenty degrees in a reasonable amount of time. If the temperature in your home rises above 100 degrees, you would only be able to cool it down just above 80 degrees. This is not a healthy environment to live in.

When everyone is gone, turn your AC off. When you turn the air conditioner off, the house may heat up a little but only 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.

TIP! Turn your AC off if no one is at home. This will save you money on your energy bills.

Research and check the companies that you consider using. Check with different references to determine the BBB and look for your situation. These steps will help to ensure your decision is a wise one.

To choose a HVAC contractor, it is important to check their reputations. 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. This can help you make the right choice.

TIP! In order to select an HVAC contractor that you can trust, it pays to invest some time researching a few prospective companies and checking their reputations. Inquire with the BBB and look elsewhere for other reviews from customers.

Air conditioners sometimes ice up at times. The drain line might also freeze up.If this is something you notice, switch your thermostat to fan only to disable the compressor. You should call a pro to fix this problem, but switching to the fan will make the ice melt.

Before you hire someone from an HVAC place, figure out how long they’ve been doing this kind of work. Companies that are well established have track records that can help you decide if they’re worth your money and time. Otherwise, you are taking a huge risk with the person you hire.

TIP! How long has the contractor been in business? Obviously, a company with a longer history and a positive reputation is the better choice. Hiring a new company will be riskier.

Look for calculators online to truly understand what size of unit is necessary for your room or home. Look in the manual to determine the recommended size for air conditioners.

Check the Internet for reviews on those who fix or install HVAC systems. There are now different online sites that let customers share their service experiences. This is an awesome way to find contractors to work with.

TIP! If you don’t know who to call to maintenance, repair, or install your HVAC, search for reviews online. Lots of sites exist where customers can leave feedback and reviews.

Companies that are around awhile have track records that haven’t been. Hiring a new contractor who is just starting out can be risky.

Put a radiant barrier in your attic and what your HVAC performance improve. It ensures that your unit stays hot or cold as it should be. It it’s installed properly, you might even be able to use your attic as an extra room.

TIP! Having a radiant barrier installed in your attic is an excellent way to make sure that your HVAC runs better. It will block the heat and lower the energy necessary to keep your home cool in the summertime.

Contractors are responsible for their own charges and fees, so make sure that you acquire multiple estimates. You can save a lot of money by doing your homework. You should try to contact 5 to 6 contractors to determine what price you can reasonably expect to pay.

Have you been thinking about buying a new HVAC system? You should first think about several things. The systems are generally rated based on the area they cover. Therefore, you may want to opt for a larger unit.

TIP! Do you need a new HVAC unit? Many things must be taken into account before you purchase one. For example, the ratings on most systems describe how much space they can work to cool or heat.

Think about getting a radiant barrier installed in your attic so support the efficient functioning of your HVAC system. It ensures that your unit stays hot outside. You could even find that you can use your attic as part of your living space if it is done right.

If your system doesn’t seem to be working efficiently, check your ducts for leaks. Your local energy company may do such testing at a reduced cost or maybe even for free. Paying for the test is fine as repairing the leaks will pay for itself quickly.

TIP! You can usually have free duct testing performed if you are concerned about your HVAC system not running properly. Your utility company will usually test the unit for free or for a small fee.

Are you looking into getting a new heating and cooling system? You need to take a few things into account. Systems are given ratings by how well the system is able to cool and heat an area. You are wise to err on the side of a unit that is slightly too large for your needs than purchasing one that is a smaller one.

Get a more efficient HVAC system by looking at the way your home faces. If your home is surrounded by strategically planted trees, they can often block out the morning sunlight. A cooler home means less work for your air conditioner.

TIP! Determine the direction your home is facing to help get your HVAC system functioning efficiently. Trees block morning sunlight, stopping your home from getting too hot.

If your HVAC system is producing any type of clicking sounds, check immediately for any debris that may have accumulated in it. Often it is being caused by debris that’s hitting fans in your cooling system. Take a look before you call a service technician.

It’s important to have doors and windows that are efficient for the most efficiency for your HVAC unit. Make sure seals are tight to avoid exterior air seeping in and interior air seeping out. A professional can easily have this tested for you, and oftentimes, this service is free.

TIP! Make sure your windows and doors are efficient. Be sure that they’re sealed well so that air from the outside or inside doesn’t come in or escape.

Make certain they have tight seals to keep air can’t seep in.You can hire someone to test them all for you and often this testing is free.

Measure the area that needs cooling before buying a unit. Generally, 20 BTU per square foot is ideal. Account for all of the rooms in the house.

TIP! Measure the area that needs cooling before buying a unit. Typically, 20 BTUs are required per square foot.

Replace the air filter monthly to keep your HVAC system every month. This will help your HVAC.

Use an HVAC company who has a lot of experience in the field. Companies who understand their customers are important often require their workers to follow a schedule and show up to all appointments. They should quickly know what’s wrong with your system as well. After they figure out what is causing the problem, it should be taken care of right away.

TIP! Be sure the HVAC contractor you pick is fast and knowledgeable. Reliable companies keep a close eye on their technicians and ensure they honor their appointments.

If you must position it in a corner, be sure you’re getting a unit that has air flow coming from a direction that’s not facing the wall.

If you’re hiring a contractor, get references. You should know that the contractor does exactly what he says he’s going to do, and there are no hidden costs involved. This will help you stay away from scam artists, but only if you call those references!

TIP! Always make sure to get references from a contractor. Call and ask if their service was everything they expected, timely, and that it stayed on budget.

If you want to be comfortable in a home it’s a good idea to get a good HVAC system setup. If you don’t try to care for it on an ongoing basis, the system can break and cause you frustration. Put these tips to good use and avoid this from happening.

Ideally, your contractor should have emergency services available. Your system can go out after hours, and if you need help, you want someone who can be there at any time of the day.

TIP! Only hire a contractor to install or repair your HVAC system if they offer a 24-hour hotline for emergencies. They should be there when you need them, no matter what.