A quality HVAC system can make one’s home really enjoyable. However, if the system fails, it can cause a lot of headaches. Learning how to maintain your unit minimizes the tips below.
Get all of the details regarding a broken system before calling for repair. You need to know who manufactured the product and the item number. Also, get the maintenance records from your files if you have them. In this way, you can be sure your repair person has all vital information.
Know what type of system before calling someone to fix it. This will ensure that you can give your chosen contractor all the information they might need.
Inspect the temps in your home before you call a service to help you with any HVAC issues you’re having. Make a list of the rooms which are comfortable and which just aren’t. Figuring this out will the contractor to diagnose the issues and quickly get to work on fixing it.
Clean the debris on your condenser unit. Debris can pile up after a storm, and this can foul up the inner workings of your system.It will damage the system to malfunction by overheating.
What do you need done? Know this before calling a contractor. It is going to be hard to get a price estimate on the phone if the current system isn’t something they’ve seen. It’s even harder if you’re not able to explain what you’ve done. Learn this information to start with.
Don’t let grass clippings on your outdoor condenser.Aim the grass cuttings in a different direction from the unit. This also applies to leaf blowing and any other yard work that results in the yard.
Clean the condenser coils and fan at the beginning of the year to help the unit run efficiently. Prior to working on or cleaning the unit, be sure to turn off the power. Keep the exterior of the condenser unit free of debris.
Leaves falling from trees can damage your system. Make sure the fan’s grill is cleaned frequently when the leaves begin to fall. The fan must be unobstructed to work properly, and if debris is blocking this air flow, it could cause your system to break down.
If your condenser units are outisde, make sure any debris is cleaned from them regularly. Your HVAC system may run into problems after storms if it is surrounded by debris. It could overheat and cause a disaster with your unit.
Lubricate the oil ports on your condenser at least once a year. These are often covered with rubber or metal cap. Use a lightweight, detergent-free SAE 20 oil, but make sure to avoid overfilling them.
If your fan condenser has oil ports, you must lubricate it once per year. You’ll find these ports are covered with a metal or rubber cap. Your oil should be an SAE 20. This particular oil is very lightweight and it only requires about 10 drops per port.
Have your HVAC system checked twice a year at least yearly. This should be checked often for debris and again in the spring.
Put your outdoor unit in places with shade. This will ensure cool air is sucked in, meaning less cooling must be done by the unit.
Install a thermostat to save energy costs. Some of these thermostats can even be controlled from your smart phone or other device.
Make sure that your AC is turned off when you are not using it. Your home will become somewhat warmer during this time. 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.
Never allow the temperature in your home to get dangerously hot inside. Air conditioners only cool a home down 20 degrees or so within a reasonable time period. If your house’s interior temperature hits 100 degrees Fahrenheit, cooling it will only drop the temperature to 80 degrees F. This won’t be a safe and comfortable temperature for you to sleep in.
Avoid allowing your home to ever get exceedingly hot. AC units will only cool a house down 20 degrees. If the temperature in your home rises to 100 degrees F or higher, cooling it will only drop the temperature to 80 degrees F. This isn’t a very safe condition for a homeowner to sleep in, especially when the humidity levels are considered.
Research the companies before hiring them. Check them out at the BBB and online reviews as well. Doing these things beforehand will allow you make a smart decision.
Research what size air conditioner you should purchase for the size of your home by using online calculators they have for this purpose. If you purchase something too large, you will be throwing away money. Any unit’s manual will be able to give you an accurate idea for the size of the unit versus your home.
Air conditioners tend to ice up.The drain line may also freeze over. If this is something you notice, put your thermostat over to fan. You should call a pro to fix this problem, but switching to the fan will make the ice melt.
Think about getting a radiant barrier in your attic so your HVAC system can run better. This mechanism will prevent outside heat from coming in, reducing your energy consumption when cooling. It it’s installed properly, you might even be able to use your attic as an extra room.
Speak with someone close to you to see if they can recommend someone good to service their HVAC contractor. People will tell you who they have had a good experience are worth calling. It’s also important to do this to learn which companies should avoid.
Check out your ductwork for leaks if your whole home isn’t being cooled or heated. You can have your utility company test for you, sometimes for free or less than an HVAC contractor would charge. The testing will pay for itself once you find and repair the leaks.
Contractors determine their own fee levels, so make sure that you acquire multiple estimates. You can save tons of cash simply by doing your homework. You may want to get quotes from at least five contractors to determine what you should be paying.
Know which direction the house faces so that your HVAC system operates more efficiently. If you strategically place trees, it’s possible to block some of the morning sunlight so your home won’t become overheated. If there is less heat in the home from sunlight, then the HVAC will require less work to actually cool the home.
Do you want to buy a new cooling system? There are things you need to keep in mind. Systems have ratings according to how large an area they can effectively heat or cool. 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 bit too small.
If you HVAC unit is clicking, immediately check for any type of obstruction. Sometimes there is debris that gets in the fan’s way. Get rid of the debris and this will no longer be an issue. Have a look at the fan prior to putting in a call for service.
Figure out which direction your home is facing so your HVAC system can work better. The less heat, the fewer occasions you have to use your air conditioner.
It is important that you know the measurements of the area you need to cool. Typically, 20 BTUs are required per square foot. If you have multiple rooms to cool, be sure to add their square footage together.
If you hear a clicking noise coming from the HVAC unit, look for blockages right away. Often it is being caused by debris that’s hitting the fans in your cooling system. Look at it before you call up a technician.
Replace the air filter to keep your HVAC system working well. It’s a simple thing to do to keep it running properly. It is a small cost to do this.
Replace the air filter monthly to keep your HVAC system every month. This is an easy thing that you can do and it will keep your unit running well.
Before you decide on the location of your air conditioning unit, take a look at the air flow direction. 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.
If you’re stuck with putting it in a corner, be sure to buy a unit which allows for the air flow direction to be changed away from the wall.
Ask any potential contractor about their experience. Have they done this type of job before? Although it is certainly possible for an inexperienced contractor to do the job right, it is best not to flirt with danger.
Cover your condenser unit for protection in the winter.This simple cover keeps the condenser operating longer when it is not in use. Use the fan instead to avoid putting strain on the unit.
Make sure that your contractor can be reached at all times. They need to be able to come to you when they are needed, even if when the weather gets to be extreme.
Always check any references that are given to you receive for an HVAC contractor.
When it’s winter time, get your condenser unit covered so it can be safe. This will increase the life of your condenser. Also, don’t use the compressor at all if the temperature outside is below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid placing a strain on your unit by using the fan instead.
This will help you to figure out how many BTUs the BTU your system needs to have to keep a home comfortable.
Do not forget to check the references of a HVAC contractor. You might be shocked at what you find. It only takes a couple minutes to call, so be sure and do it.
These energy products are guaranteed to meet strict efficiency guidelines. These guidelines have been set up by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). They are called the environment and human health. Taking the time to fully research various units may help you get long-term savings on energy costs.
Any time that you are given a quote for HVAC work, it’s vital that you them to do a heat-loss calculation, too. 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 also count the number of doors and windows, check your insulation, and measure the amount of internal space in your home.
Now that you have the information from the above article, it is easy to see the importance of keeping your HVAC system well maintained. Bad things can happen, so keep your eye out. Use the tips in this article to ensure this does not happen.
Sixty-six percent of houses have leaky ducts. These can add up to a quarter of the utility costs you have. It is inexpensive and easy to seal up ducts. You may even be able to do it on your own. You will see lower electric bills.
