If you’re planning on working with your HVAC system, you are in the right place. This article has some basics about HVAC systems. Take some time to read carefully and you will so fine.
Keeping the outside condenser clean of debris and leaves will improve the system’s efficiency. Except when you do superficial cleaning, you need to always make sure the power is off on the unit. Remove leaves and debris from the outdoor unit.
Know what type of your HVAC system you currently have before looking for a repair person. This will enable you give your chosen contractor any information they might need.
Clean the fan blades and coils on the condenser fan every spring. First, turn off the power so that nothing will move as you are working on it. Next, pop the grill off, put the blades out and start to gently clean them along with the unit.
If your HVAC system us giving you issues, check the entire house before contacting someone to come for repairs. This will help the repairman determine where the problem is.
Try to prevent debris from getting in your HVAC unit. Cleaning your unit is very important for its effectiveness. The fan needs to be able to get proper air inside without any blockages, and extra blockage can later develop into more serious problems.
Know what you need before you select an HVAC contractor. It will be hard for a contractor to give you a price estimate over the phone if they have not seen your current setup is. It will be way more hard if you don’t know what’s wrong.
If the condenser fan has oil parts, then you need to lubricate it at least once per year. You can easily find the ports as they have a rubber or metal cap. Use a lightweight oil and do not overfill them.
Clean any debris on your condenser unit. You never know when things can pile up, like right after it’s windy or rains, and that can ruin your system. It can cause your system by overheating.
If you need to decide the best place to put your outdoor compressor unit, consider putting it in a location that is in the shade. The cooler air entering the unit will require less work to get to the proper temperature.
Don’t let grass clippings on your outside unit. Aim the grass cuttings in the other direction. This also applies to leaf blowing and any other yard work that results in the yard.
Check your unit at least twice each year. The fall and spring are the optimal times for this maintenance. This will help you to avoid problems.
Be sure to have the HVAC system checks. This should happen in the fall and malfunctions.
One great way to save some cash when you’re working on keeping a home cool is to install a thermostat that’s programmable. 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. Plus, some models allow you to control them over the internet or from a smartphone.
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 can keep your system working well throughout the years and save you a lot on repairs.
Regular maintenance of your unit should be performed annually. During service the technician will check the motor and refill the system fluids. All of these little jobs will add up to big savings in energy use, with the improved efficiency.
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 recommended size for air conditioners.
If you want to ensure you choose a trustworthy HVAC contractor, invest a little time in researching a few different companies, checking out their reputations. Inquiring with the Better Business Bureau is always a good idea, as is looking for online review sites where previous customers can post their experiences. Taking these steps will help ensure that you make a wise decision.
Companies with proven track record that you can use to decide if they are worth the time and money. Hiring an inexperienced contractor who is just starting out can be risky.
If you are purchasing an AC unit, there are calculators on the Internet that can help you figure out the right size. A unit that is bigger than you need simply isn’t efficient. Check your manual to figure out what the rating is from the manufacturer to be sure you’re getting the right information.
Ask people that you know and family for contractor recommendations. People who have been happy with work they have had great service are normally more than happy to recommend their contractors. This can also provide you should avoid.
If your system isn’t working as it should, test its ducts for leaks. This is a job your local utility provider may do for you inexpensively or even free of charge. Having these repaired is worth the cost of testing if you had to hire a contractor to do the job.
Contractors are responsible for their own charges and fees, so make sure that you acquire multiple estimates. You can save tons of money when you call different companies for price quotes. You want to get quotes from at least five contractors to determine what reasonable rates are.
Determining the direction in which your house faces can help make the HVAC system efficient. Strategically placed trees can block sunlight and help keep the home cooler without the use of an AC unit. If there is less heat in the home from sunlight, then the HVAC will require less work to actually cool the home.
Figure out the direction your home faces in order to make your HVAC system more efficient. The less heat, the fewer occasions you have to use your air conditioner.
You can’t get the most out of your HVAC unit, unless you have efficient windows and doors installed. All should be tightly sealed with no air getting inside or out. A professional can easily have this tested for you, and oftentimes, this service is free.
If you hear a clicking in the HVAC unit at home, immediately check for any type of obstruction. Often it is being caused by debris that’s hitting fans in your cooling system. Check the fan and coil before you waste time contacting a repairman.
The very least you should be doing to care for your HVAC system is making sure to change out the old filter, and replacing it with a new one every single month. This is such a simple thing that takes little time, and it can save you money by helping to keep your system running longer. Filters only cost a couple of dollars, which is not that much.
Measure the living area that needs cooling before going air conditioner shopping. You will need about 20 BTU per square foot in the room. If you are cooling more than one room, combine all the square footage.
Pick a contractor who gets back to you quickly and understands the job. Many reliable companies ensure techs keep their appointments to stay on schedule. The best workers can take a look at your system rather quickly and diagnose the trouble. After diagnosis, they should then know how to deal with the problem.
Any HVAC contractor or installer should have a 24-hour emergency number available to customers around the clock. They should be able to get to your home whenever you need them there, no matter how extreme the weather or what time of day it may be.
Before hiring a contractor to work on your HVAC system, you should inquire about the type of experience they have. The contractor should be experienced in handling the kind of work that you require. This will help to maximize their productivity.
Some contractors attempt to charge you after the work is complete for fuel or extra material. A contract that covers the basics will really help you if something like this possible problem.
Always request references when you are considering a HVAC contractor. Previous customers can provide information about timeliness of job completion and if the contractor stayed within their budget. You will be able to avoid any scammers out there, as long as you follow up on references.
Cover your condenser when the winter. This will increase the life of your condenser considerably. Use the fan instead to avoid straining the unit.
Does your contractor provide you with an all-day emergency hotline? They must be able to reach your home at any time, in any weather.
Always follow up on any references that you by a prospective HVAC contractor.
Sometimes an HVAC specialist will offer references for other professionals. You should still do the necessary research to clear the name first. You might be shocked at what you find. It doesn’t take long to check out someone’s references, so do it.
This determines the number of BTUs your system has to be.
Any contractor that is giving you a quote should do a calculation on heat-loss. This will help determine the amount of BTUs you will need in your new system in order to keep the temperature in your home comfortable. They should be counting windows and doors, checking insulation, and measuring your home’s internal space as well.
Consider a programmable thermostat installed.This will help you a lot of money in terms of energy because it allows your system some downtime while you are warm in your bed.
Talk to your contractor about putting in a smart 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 might be surprised that as many as two-thirds of all homes have ducts that leak. These can add up to a quarter of your home’s utility costs you have. It is easy and cheap to fix the ducts yourself, and you will see a noticeable change in the amount you pay for electricity.
To save money on your bills, choose an HVAC system that bears the Energy Star label. Energy Star units must meet certain guidelines. These are put in place by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Agency for Environmental Protection. By taking the extra time to look into this information could help with long-term energy and money savings.
Seek a HVAC contractors who only use products that carry the Energy Star label. This rating means that your system has met the EPA standards for efficiency. This will help you save more on your heating and cooling bills year round.
Look for HVAC contractors that use Energy Star equipment and products. This ensures efficiency that is required by the EPA. This helps save you money on your energy bills during the year.
Keep your condenser protected in cold weather. This can easily be done by placing a thick cover on the condenser unit.
Be sure to protect your condenser as the weather turns colder. Use a thick cover. Do not implement this unit if the temperature outside dips below 60 degrees, as your system will not be as effective below this temperature.
Keep the owner’s manual for your unit nearby at all times whenever you while you’re working on any kind of unit. The information contained within this manual is going to give you quite a few things to learn about the unit you have and will be very useful.
Try to get an estimate before purchasing an HVAC. Don’t ever make a verbal contract. Comparing estimates is a must. It will ensure that you get treated fairly. Compare written estimates in terms of price, completion time, etc. Steer clear of extremely low estimates, since they work may not be up to par.
HVAC is not difficult to understand when you have the right information. It’s just something you need to take your time with so you don’t break anything on accident or something of that nature. Keep your home running efficiently by taking care of your HVAC system.
