You might not pay attention to your HVAC system until it doesn’t work. It can be hard to find a failing system. The tips here will ensure you do that and much more!
Prior to choosing an HVAC customer, try to have an idea of what you want done. It’s hard to get an estimate since they haven’t look at your system. In addition, you need to be able to tell the contractor what you have already tried. So, know this information in advance.
Know the name and type of system before looking for a repair person. This helps make sure the contractor has the information they will be sufficiently prepared.
If the condenser for your HVAC system is located outside, make sure you clear away any debris that might settle in or around it. After a wind or rain storm things may pile up, causing problems with your system. It can cause your system to malfunction by overheating.
If you have some problems with the HVAC system, tour your home before calling a technician. This will help the contractor determine what the problem is and how to fix it.
Try to prevent debris from getting in your HVAC unit. The grill on the fan can become cluttered with debris, which will cause a serious operating deficiency. An obstruction, such as a leaf, prevents the maximum amount of cool air from entering the system.
Don’t get grass clippings pile up against your outdoor condenser. Aim the grass cuttings in a different direction away from your unit. This applies to leaf blowing and any other yard work that results in debris.
Double pane your windows to prevent drafts. They help cool air remain inside your home, effectively cutting back on how much you have to run your air conditioner. It keeps heat in during the winter, too.
10 Drops
One way to save some money with A/C is by having a programmable thermostat installed. In fact, you can save as much as 10 percent on both heating and cooling when you turn your thermostat by by 10-15 percent for at least 8 hours daily. Additionally, some models of programmable thermostats actually allow you to control them remotely from your office computer or cell phone.
Lubricate your condenser at least once each year. These ports are often covered with 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.
Do not allow your home to reach excessive levels of heat during the summer. It takes quite a while to cool a home by more than 20 degrees. If you have your home at above 100 degrees then you can only get it to about 80 or above. This isn’t a very safe condition for a homeowner to sleep in, especially when the humidity levels are considered.
Have the HVAC system inspected twice a year at the least.This should be done in the fall and the spring.
Shop around before hiring an HVAC contractor. Check with different references to determine the best one for your situation. Taking these steps will help ensure that you make a wise decision.
It is always a good idea to replace single-paned windows with ones that have double pane ones. This also helps retain heated air in during the colder months.
Occasionally, ice will form on your AC. Freezing drain lines are also possible and can be mistaken for leaks. If this happens, put your thermostat over to fan. You should call a pro to fix this problem, even if switching it to its fan setting starts making the ice melt.
A programmable thermostat can help save money on air conditioning bill. Some of these thermostats can even be controlled from a PC or computer.
Check any company you are considering to see how long it has been around. A company that has been in business for a long time will have a solid track record, and you can use this to figure out if you should spend your money with them. Hiring a new company will be riskier.
During the service check, the contractor will oil parts, inspect the motor and the freon levels. This maintenance means that your system run better.
Are you looking at purchasing a HVAC system? There are a number of things to think about first. Systems have ratings according to the total area they effectively heat or cool. It is better to purchase a slightly larger than needed unit, rather than a slightly smaller than needed unit.
Research and check the companies before hiring them. Check with the best one for your situation. This is what you have to do in order to make the right choice.
If your system isn’t working as it should, test its ducts for leaks. The local utility may be able to test for you, and their services are frequently free or low cost. When these leaks are fixed, the testing will pay for itself in energy savings.
Air conditioners tend to ice up.The drain line might also freeze up.If you notice this, 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.
Figure out which direction your home faces in order to make your HVAC system more efficient. If you have trees placed in strategic areas, you can block the sunlight in the morning. The cooler your home already is, the less work your AC will have to do.
Look for air conditioner sizing calculators online to help you determine the size of unit is necessary for your home. Look in the manual to determine the manufacturer website for this information.
If you want your HVAC to run well, you need to have doors and windows that work well with things too. All should be tightly sealed with no air getting inside or out. Ask a contractor to test them for you.
Speak with someone close to you to see if they can recommend someone good to service their HVAC contractor. People that have gotten great work done are usually more than willing to share this information. This can also a great way to get names of businesses that you should avoid at all costs.
Measuring the space you want to cool is the first step to figure how large of an air conditioner you need. Typically, 20 BTUs are required per square foot. Calculate the total square footage of all rooms if you will use the air conditioner to cool more than one room.
Think about having a radiant barrier in your attic so your HVAC system. It will serve as a barrier between your home cool when it’s hot outside. You may even use your attic space more effectively.
If you do only one thing for HVAC maintenance, it ought to be replacing the air filter. It’s easy and has a huge impact on performance. Filters only cost a couple of dollars, which is not that much.
Check for duct leaks if you you feel your unit seems to not be working efficiently. When the leaks are repaired, you’ll see that the tests paid for themselves.
Be sure the HVAC contractor you pick is fast and knowledgeable. Companies that are most reliable stick to the appointment time they give you. The technicians will be able to help you and offer the best possible options. Also, they should be able to service it quickly.
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.
Consider what potential direction your air conditioner’s flow will have when choosing where to put it. If you have no choice but to put it in the corner, be sure to buy a unit which allows for the air flow direction to be changed away from the wall.
Square Footage
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. Make sure they are experienced doing the kind of work that you need. Though it is possible that a newer contractor will be just fine, you may not want to take the risk.
Measure the living area you wish to cool before going air conditioning. You can easily calculate this by using the formula: 20 BTU for each square footage of room space. If you need to cool multiple rooms, be sure to add their square footage together.
Be sure to get a written agreement from your HVAC repair person. Some contractors will attempt to overcharge you on material fees and other charges. Getting a contract that’s written and solid can assist you because you’ll avoid these kinds of issues.
Pick an HVAC business that know what they’re doing and can work quickly. The most reliable companies make sure their technicians will always be on schedule. A knowledgeable technician will also easily diagnose any problems with your HVAC unit quickly. After a quick diagnosis, it’s just a matter of time before they have it back and running properly.
During the winter months, you will want to cover your condenser unit to protect it. When the condenser is not being used, the cover will help it to last much longer. However, if the temperature manages to drop beneath 60 degrees Fahrenheit, then you should cease use of the condenser all together. Just use the fan so that you do not stress the unit.
If it has to be placed in a corner, buy one that lets the air flow to be redirected so that it is not flowing towards the wall.
Call the provided references when hiring a new contractor. Often people skip this step, but it is important to follow through and check references. It only takes a short amount of time to contact someone, so it is important that you do that right away.
Always make sure to get references from a HVAC contractor.
Heat-loss calculations are important when getting an estimate. This factors in the amount of BTU your heating system will consume when regulating the temperature in your house. They need to consider all doors and windows, insulation and room sizes.
There are contractors out there that will try to overcharge you later for things like fuel charges and material fees. Having a signed contract can help avoid issues like this.
If you are having an existing HVAC system repaired or getting something new installed, ask them to install a programmable thermostat. You will realize real savings when the system is allowed to rest at night while you are asleep.
Cover your condenser unit for protection in the weather becomes less than optimal. This can help your condenser last longer when it is not in use. Use the fan instead to avoid straining the condenser unit.
For the most efficient operating of your HVAC system, schedule regular cleaning of your unit’s heating ducts. Always inspect your heating ducts to ensure all the connected parts are there, and no dents or punctures are present. Damaged ducts can raise your heating bill and waste warm air.
This determines the number of BTUs needed to maintain comfort in your system has to be.
Keep your owner’s manual near you at all times when you are operating your unit. You can find great information about how to take care of your unit, and this could come in very handy. You can get a replacement manual from the manufacturer if you need one.
You may be surprised to discover that as many as two-thirds of all homes have ducts that leak.These can lead to as much as a quarter of what you pay for utilities. Sealing your ducts is both easy and cheap, you can even do it yourself, and it can reduce your electricity bills significantly every year thereafter.
Make sure that your owner’s manual is handy when you use the unit. The manual will help you out if you’re dealing with problems.
Be sure to ask for written HVAC company are in writing. It is important to get your agreement in writing and not a verbal estimate. There are quite a few jobs that require you to get multiple estimates for to see what they take. This can ensure you are getting a good service. Compare various elements of the deals that you are offered.
Hopefully, you now understand more about HVAC systems in general. If you have a system in need of repair or replacement, you know what you need to do. Refer back to this article as necessary to make sure that you’re on the right track.
