You may think that HVAC is a very complicated topic. This is probably because you don’t have the fact that a lot will go into an HVAC system.
Before choosing an HVAC contractor, think of what you wish to have done. A contractor cannot give an accurate estimate without looking at your system. They need to come look at the unit. Know this stuff ahead of time.
Know what type of your HVAC system you currently have before calling someone to fix it. This will enable you know that you’re able to give your chosen contractor the information that can help them.
Your outside condenser fan can be helped to run better by you cleaning the fan blades and coils prior to summer starting up. Except when cleaning the outside, turn the unit off when performing any type of maintenance. In addition, always remove all debris such as leaves from the outside condenser unit.
Turn the power off first so you don’t get hurt or break something. Then, pop off its grills, pull the blades out, and gently clean them as well as the unit itself.
If the condenser fan has oil parts, then you need to lubricate it at least once per year. These ports are typically covered with caps made of metal or rubber. 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.
Grass Clippings
If you are choosing where to place your outdoor compressor device, try to put it in a place where there is plenty of shade. If you have a unit taking in air that’s cooler, it won’t have to work so hard to cool air that it sends to your home.
Don’t get grass clippings pile up against your outdoor condenser. Aim your grass clippings in a direction away from your unit. This also applies to leaf blowing and any other yard work that results in the yard.
Put your outdoor unit in places with shade. If your air conditioner is able to constantly suck in cool air, it won’t have to work overtime to cool your space, which can in turn save you money on your electricity bills.
Your outdoor HVAC units might suffer when trees lose leaves. Make sure the fan’s grill is cleaned often once nearby trees start shedding their leaves. The fan needs to have an unobstructed path for air to enter the unit, and if it becomes blocked, it could cause your system to break down.
It is a good idea to replace single-paned windows with ones that have double panes. They help cool air remain inside your home, effectively cutting back on how much you have to run your air conditioner. Your home will also stay warmer in the winter.
Put your outdoor condensers in places with shade.
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. These steps can help ensure you make the smartest and most informed choice.
Turn off outdoor condensers you have when the weather gets cold. This means that you should turn it off to prevent damage if the temperature drops below 60ºF to avoid damage. This will help keep the system running efficiently for many years to come.
Sometimes air conditioners will ice up. The drain line also occasionally freezes, which can be misdiagnosed as a plumbing leak. If you see this, immediately put your thermostat on the fan setting to turn off your compressor. Get a professional to deal with this, even if you see the ice start melting because you turned the compressor off.
During the visit, the serviceman will inspect the unit’s motor, the moving parts will be oiled and the freon levels will be checked These simple tasks will keep your system running at peak performance.
To know how large of an air conditioner you need, look for a calculator online. If you buy a unit that’s too large, it won’t be energy efficient for your needs. Check your manual to learn what it is rated by the manufacturer if you want accurate information.
Never allow the temperature in your home to rise to a dangerously hot inside. Air conditioners are limited in that they can only reduce the indoor temperature 20 degrees Fahrenheit in a reasonable time period. If the temperature in your home rises to 100 degrees F or higher, you would only be able to cool it down just above 80 degrees. This won’t be a safe and comfortable temperature for you to sleep in.
Prior to hiring any HVAC contractor, you should ask how long their business has operated. The older they are, the more likely it will be for you to find out their history, which will help you gauge their quality. Hiring a new contractor means taking a bigger risk.
Air conditioners sometimes ice up at times. The drain line may also freeze over. If you see this, disable the compressor by switching the thermostat to run the fan only. If the issue persists, call a professional.
Speak with family and friends to get a recommendation for a reputable HVAC contractor. People who have had a good experience are often happy to share the name of their contractor. This will also help you avoid bad companies.
Look for calculators online to help you determine the size of unit is necessary for your room or home. Look in the manual to determine the manufacturer website for air conditioners.
If you don’t know who you should call to repair, install and maintain your HVAC systems, check out reviews online. Many websites allow consumers to share their experience with a service. Read through them and figure out who you want to try out.
Companies that are well established have track records that haven’t been. Hiring a contractor may be taking a considerable risk.
It is always a wise move to obtain a few quotes from different contractors because prices can vary. If you make a few calls before you decide, it can result in great savings. Call around to find out what the rates are.
Ask around so you are looking for a HVAC contractor. People who have had a good experience are usually willing to tell of it. This is also provide you with good information on which contractors you should avoid hiring.
Are you looking into getting a new heating/cooling system? There are things you must consider first. The rating given to a system tells how much are it can cover. You are better off purchasing a unit that is slightly too large for your needs than purchasing one that is a bit too small.
Contractors are responsible for their own charges and fees, so make sure to get multiple quotes.You can save a lot of money when you call different companies for price quotes. Call around to find out what the best rates.
If you are a having trouble with your existing system, check for leaks in the ducts. A local utility company often performs free duct testing. If it isn’t free, then it is still cheaper than an HVAC specialist in most areas. When you repair the leaks, you’ll see that the tests paid for themselves.
Think about having a radiant barrier in your attic so your HVAC system. It ensures that your unit stays hot outside. You may even find that you can use your attic as part of your living space more effectively.
Replace the air filter to keep your HVAC system working well. It will improve the efficiency of your unit. The filters are only a couple dollars, so it is a small monthly investment.
Determine the direction that your home faces in order to establish efficient HVAC operation. If there’s less heat inside your home, then the HVAC will require less work to actually cool the home.
As you ponder where to install your new AC unit, think about how the air flows around the room. If it has to be placed in a corner, get a unit where the air won’t be trapped against the wall.
Make certain they are tightly sealed so air can’t seep in. You can also hire someone to test them all for you and often this testing is free.
Ask any potential contractor about their experience. It is important that you hire someone that has enough background experience to get the work done properly. Don’t risk the success of your job by taking a chance on someone who may not be able to do it right.
Measure the area that requires air conditioner shopping.You generally need 20 BTU per square foot of room space. If you have a lot of rooms to keep cool, be sure to add their square footage together.
When you hire a contractor, make sure you ask for some references. Talk to those references to find out if they were pleased with the service they received. That way, you can avoid scammers more easily.
Ask a contractor about their experience.Make sure they are experienced doing the kind of work that is needed.
Make sure you know about the cost of HVAC work when getting a contractor to work on it. Some contractors overcharge for add-ons like travel expense or fees for additional materials. A contract will really help you if something like this materializes.
Always request references when you are considering a contractor.
Did your contractor calculate your heat-loss ratio before giving you their quote? This will tell you how many BTUs will be used. They need to count your windows, doors, check the insulation, and measure how much space your home has in it.
There are some contractors out there that try to charge you more later for such things like material fees and fuel charges. Having a written contract will let you avoid any issues like this.
Consider a programmable thermostat. This will save you money on your utility bill and give your unit needed rest.
This tells you the number of BTUs your new system requires to keep your home comfortable.
About two-thirds of homes have ducts that leak. These can represent one fourth of your home’s utility costs. You can fix your ducts on your own, plus it’s simple to do and cheap, too.
Consider a programmable thermostat installed.This will help you money on your utility bill and give your unit needed rest.
Make sure your HVAC heating ducts are cleaned periodically so your system remains efficient and the air remains clean and fresh. Inspect those same heating ducts to see if there are any dents, punctures or disconnected parts. Damaged ducts waste warm air, increasing the cost of heating.
Energy Star units must be met. These are put together by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. They are in charge of protecting the EPA for short.Taking time to fully research various units may help you get long-term savings on energy costs.
Protect the condenser unit when it gets cold. One way to do this is by laying a thick cover on it. Don’t use this unit if you’re working in temperatures below around 60 degrees because your system won’t work that well below temperatures like this.
You might be surprised to discover that as many as two-thirds of households have ducts that leak. These can lead to as much as a quarter of your total utility costs. Sealing up your ducts is cheap and easy, you can even do it yourself, saving you money on your utility bills every year from then on.
Look for HVAC contractor that use Energy Star products and products. This will ensure that is required by the EPA. This helps save you money on your expenses throughout the year.
Now that you’re done with this article, you know some things about the HVAC that you didn’t know before. Without proper motivation, it is difficult to begin, so remember that before you get involved. Once things begin to click inside your mind, you won’t regret the decision.
