Many people have HVAC systems, even though it is a critical component of their home. Learning about selecting the best HVAC professional to maintain or repair services is a smart thing homeowners can do. The article can help.
When you call an HVAC system for help, you need to be aware of what you need them to do before calling. This will make the quote process much easier. In addition, you need to be able to tell the contractor what you have already tried. It’s important to know this beforehand.
Know the name and type of your HVAC system you currently have before looking for a repair person. This will let you to give your chosen contractor the information they might need.
Clean your fan and coils when the weather begins to warm. Always shut off all power to your unit for any work beyond superficial cleaning. The outside condenser unit should be kept free of leaves and other debris.
Know what work you want done before you hire a contractor. It will be difficult for a contractor to give you with an estimate over the phone without knowing what your current setup is. It will be more hard if you over the phone without the information readily available.
If your condenser units are outisde, make sure any debris is cleaned from them regularly. Wind can pile up all sorts of debris against its grill. If you do not, the unit may get too hot and cause additional problems.
Clean your condenser’s fan and coils come spring. Clean the outside of your condenser as well.
Every spring you should clean the coils and fan blades on your condenser fan. First, turn off the power so that nothing will move as you are working on it. Then, take off the grill and get the blades out. Clean everything with care.
Turn it off first so nothing moves. Then, take the grill off, pull the blades out, and begin cleaning the unit and them gently.
If the fan on your condenser includes oil ports, they must be lubricated annually. You’ll find these ports are covered with a metal or rubber cap. Get an oil that is SAE 20 and put about 10 drops into each port, but don’t overfill it.
Don’t get grass clippings pile up against your outdoor condenser. Aim the grass in the other direction. This also applies when you are taking care of the leaves in debris.
Have the HVAC system checked twice a year at the least. This should be done in the fall and again in the spring. This will help you to avoid problems.
Your HVAC units might suffer when trees lose their leaves. 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 it gets blocked, then your system could suffer.
Update the windows in your home to double-paned if you own it. To keep your home cool, investing in double pane windows is a must. It keeps heat in during the winter, too.
Turn off outdoor condenser units when the weather turns cold. This means that you should be done when the weather falls under 60 degrees Farenheit. This can ensure your unit is working for years without the cost of repairs.
A programmable thermostat is a simple way to help save money on air conditioning costs. These convenient thermostats may shave ten percent or more off of your bills, because they significantly cut energy use when you’re not around. Some newer programmable thermostats have computerized controls you can access from your personal computer, laptop or mobile media device.
Never allow your home to rise to a dangerously hot inside. Air conditioners really can cool a home down about 20 degrees in a reasonable amount of time. If the temperature in your home rises above 100 degrees, it will only reduce it to 80 or more. This is not a healthy environment to live in.
You can keep energy costs in your home lower by choosing to have professional maintenance done on your HVAC unit. When it’s checked out, the motor will be inspected, moving parts well oiled and the level of freon adjusted if necessary. This will keep you energy efficient and comfortable.
Research the reputation of companies that you consider using. Check with the BBB and look for reviews posted by former customers. This is what you make the best choice.
Do not allow your house to get extremely hot. A simple AC unit will usually only cool the home around 20 degrees within a short period of time. This means that if the weather is above 100 degrees, then you’ll still be baking in 80 degree weather at first! You may suffer adverse effects from letting the house get that hot, too.
Look for air conditioner sizing calculators online to truly understand what size of unit is necessary for your home. Look at the manual or on the manufacturer website for air conditioners.
Before you invest in any HVAC contractor, make sure you spend a good deal of time researching their reputations and credentials. Inquire with the BBB and look elsewhere for other reviews from customers. Doing this can help you make a better decision.
Companies that are around awhile have a better record than those that can help you decide if they’re worth your money and time. Hiring a newer contractor may be taking a bigger risk.
You can usually have free duct testing performed if you are concerned about your HVAC system not running properly. Call your utility company and ask if they test for free, as many do. This testing can have large financial benefits.
There are a number of sites these days that offer reviews and referrals for HVAC repair and other important service. This is an excellent method of finding contractors to work with.
Figure out the direction your home is facing so your HVAC system can work better. Strategically placed trees can block sunlight and help keep the home cooler without the use of an AC unit. If there’s less heat inside your home, your AC will work less.
Are you thinking of getting a new HVAC system installed? There are many things you should consider. Systems get rated according to how large an area they effectively heat or cool. You are better off purchasing a unit that is slightly too large for your needs than a bit too small.
When determining which size of air conditioner to buy, first measure the area which needs to be cooled. The area’s calculation can help you figure out what the size is and there are 20 BTUs for every foot squared in this area. If you need to cool multiple rooms, make sure to add the square footage together.
Determine the direction that your home faces in order to establish efficient HVAC operation. If there is less heat in the home from sunlight, your AC will work less.
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. You need to know that they have done the sort of work you require. Don’t risk the success of your job by taking a chance on someone who may not be able to do it right.
Make certain they have tight seals to keep air can’t seep in.You can hire a professional.
Only choose a contractor to repair or install your HVAC unit if they provide a 24 hour hotline in case of emergencies. It’s crucial that they can go to your home at any time you need them.
Replace the air filter in your HVAC system working well.This will maximize the simplest thing that you can do to keep your unit running in tip top shape.
Be sure that both parties understand the terms involved when it comes to any HVAC work that you hire a contractor to perform. You might find that some contractors try to add hidden charges for odd items, such as materials and fuel. Solidly written contracts let you prevent such issues.
If you have to place it in a corner of your home, be sure to buy a unit which allows for the air flow direction to be changed away from the wall.
Always check out any references that are given to you by an HVAC contractor. You might be shocked at what you find. Calling a reference only takes a few minutes and can save you a lot of time and trouble hiring the wrong company.
Ask any potential contractor about their experience prior to hiring them. You need to know that they have the sort of work on your particular system.
Any contractor that is giving you a quote should do a calculation on heat-loss. That will indicate the BTU requirements of your new system. Their process should include counting the numbers of doors and windows, checking insulation and obtaining the dimensions of the interior of the living space.
Any HVAC contractor you hire should have an emergency number available to customers around the clock.They need to be able to come to you when they are needed, be it in the middle of a heatwave or in the worst snowstorm of the year.
See about getting a programmable thermostat on your HVAC unit. These newer thermostats will help you to save more money on electricity because you can program them to shut off anytime you want them to.
Some contractors attempt to overcharge you later for items like materials and other charges. Having a written contract will let you avoid issues like that.
Always look for the ENERGY STAR logo on a unit before you make the purchase. These products are manufactured to the strict standards only qualified energy products meet. These are put together by the US. They are there to ensure these HVAC units operate as they are advertised. Taking the time to fully research various units may help you save a significant amount of money.
Cover your condenser in the winter time. This will extend the life of your condenser considerably. Use the fan setting only to avoid straining the condenser unit.
Almost 2/3 of homes have ducts that are leaking. This can greatly increase your electric bill. You can fix your ducts on your own, plus it’s simple to do and cheap, too.
One of the most important things to for the comfort of a home is the HVAC unit. But, without the right knowledge, breakdowns of this type of equipment can lead to major frustration. Luckily you were given this great information so you know what you need to put into all of this.
Make sure to periodically clean your heating ducts on the HVAC unit to keep it heating efficiently and providing fresh, clean air. Examine the ducts on a regular basis to ensure they are in good working order. Damaged ducts could increase your energy bill.
