How are you to know what type of system to purchase? What size do you purchase? What features will you need? It can be hard to figure out each day.
Before you call someone to help you fix your system, be sure to know what sort of system you have in place. You need to know who manufactured the product and the item number. Also, get the maintenance records from your files if you have them. The contractor will likely need all of this information.
Know the name and type of 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 that can help them.
What do you need done? Know this before calling a contractor. Discussing the problem is simplified if you understand what has happened with the unit. If you can’t explain anything to them, this will be even more difficult. So, figure out this information before anything else.
Clean your fan and coils each spring to ensure that your condenser fan operates at it’s best. Clean the outside of your condenser as well.
Your outside condenser fan can be helped to run better by you cleaning the fan blades and coils prior to summer starting up. Be safe and turn off the power supply before working on your HVAC unit. Clean the outdoor condenser as well.
Be sure to regularly clean debris from external condenser units regularly.You never know when things can pile up, like right after it’s windy or rains, and that can throw a wrench in your system. It can cause your unit.
Cover your unit when you are mowing the lawn. Aim the grass clippings in the other direction. The same goes for when you blow leaves, so make sure your are careful when moving any debris in the vicinity of your HVAC devices.
Turn the power off first so nothing moves. Next, pop off the grill, put the blades out and start to gently clean them along with the unit.
It’s a good idea to put your outdoor compressor in a shady area. The cooler air entering the unit will require less work to get to the proper temperature.
Lubricate your fan condenser yearly if it has oil ports. They are usually fitted with a rubber or metal cap on them. Use a lightweight, and put 10 drops or fewer in each port, but make sure to avoid overfilling them.
It is always a good idea to swap out single pane windows for double pane ones. Double-pane windows keep inside air cooler, allowing you to reduce AC usage in the summertime. They help in the winter, too, keeping the heat in.
Have the HVAC system serviced twice a year. This should happen in the fall and malfunctions.
Putting in a programmable thermostat is a smart way to cut back on air-conditioning costs. You have greater control over the temperature settings with these. Take advantage of the convenience of the ability to control many programable thermostats from your favorite electronic device.
Turn off any outdoor condenser when it becomes cold out. This should turn it off to prevent damage if the weather falls under 60 degrees Farenheit. This can keep your unit is working well throughout the years without the cost of repairs.
To help keep your energy costs down, have your heating and cooling system serviced at least once a year. This inspection will ensure that your unit is working efficiently, including a freon level and motor check, and oiling moving parts. Small problems can occur in any of these areas and lead to serious issues if ignored for too long.
It is a good idea to swap out single pane windows for double pane ones. This also helps retain heated air during the winter.
If there isn’t anyone at home, then there’s no need for the AC unit to be running and wasting electricity. 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.
Install a thermostat to save energy costs. Some of these thermostats can even be controlled from a computer.
To choose a HVAC contractor, it is important to check their reputations. Check them out at the BBB and look for reviews posted by former customers. Doing all of this will make sure you hire the best company for your HVAC needs.
Don’t let your home temperature get too hot. An air conditioning unit is really only able to reduce the internal temperature of your home approximately twenty degrees in a fair time. If your house’s interior temperature hits 100 degrees Fahrenheit, it will only reduce it to 80 or more. This won’t be a safe and comfortable temperature for you to sleep in.
Occasionally, ice will form on your AC. The drain line may also freeze up. If you see this, try switching your thermostat to just the fan so that it disables the compressor. You should leave the repair to a professional, but switching to the fan setting should start to melt the ice.
Research the reputation of companies before hiring them.Check with the best one for your situation. These simple steps will help make a wise one.
Use an online sizing calculator to help you calculate the proper size of the air conditioning unit you should purchase. If you purchase something that is too big, it won’t be cost effective to run. Look at the manual to determine the recommended size for air conditioners.
Air conditioners tend to ice up.The drain line might also freeze up.If this happens, disable the compressor by turning your thermostat to the fan only setting. You should call a pro to fix this problem, but switching to the fan setting should start to melt the ice.
Use an HVAC company that has been in business for a while. Someone that has been in the business for a while probably isn’t going to scam you. It is always risky to hire a contractor with little experience.
Companies that are well established have track records that haven’t been. Hiring a contractor can be risky.
Check reviews online to find professional help. Many websites allow consumers to share their experience with a service. This is a great way to find people you want to work with and those you don’t want to work with.
There are now different online sites now that let customers talk about their service experiences. This is useful for finding people that do good work and ones that are poor.
Each contractor establishes his own fees, so before you hire one, obtain a few estimates. If you make a few calls before you decide, it can result in great savings. You should try to contact 5 to 6 contractors to find out what price you can reasonably expect to pay.
A radiant barrier improves the efficiency of your HVAC unit.It blocks outside heat from coming in which will make sure you won’t have to use more energy to keep your unit stays hot or cold as it should be. You may even use your attic space more effectively.
For greater efficiency, put a radiant barrier in your attic. It blocks the heat from inside, reducing how much energy you need to cool down your home during summer. If this is installed correctly, it will give you the ability to actually use your attic as extra space to live in.
Determine which way your home faces.The cooler your home already is, the less time your air conditioner will have to work.
Are you looking into getting a new heating/cooling system? There are things you must consider first. The systems are generally rated based on the area they cover. It’s always better to buy something just a little bit bigger, as opposed to trying something too small.
Many homeowners find themselves confused when it comes to what specific type of HVAC system is needed for their location. The advice provided here can make that decision a little easier. Take the time to review these tips again, and use them when you are making your final selection so that your home becomes comfortable and enjoyable all year round.
Make your HVAC work efficiently when you consider what way your home faces. If you have some trees that are placed in good spots, you can be sure they block the sunlight during the morning. The less your home is heated, the less you’ll have to use your air conditioner to cool things off.
