A properly running HVAC system can mean the difference between comfort and discomfort in a home so you have to be sure you maintain this equipment right at all times. A lot of homeowners spend money fixing them up when broken, but if they were able to figure out how to fix things on their own it would have been avoided.The article below can help you about HVAC system maintenance so you how to keep them running efficiently to avoid paying for expensive issues.
Before making that repair phone call, make sure you know the specifics about your particular system. Write down what brand your system is along with the model number and, if they’re available, maintenance records. This will ensure that you can give your new contractor all the information they need.
Know the name and type of system you currently have before calling someone to fix it. This will be helpful to any contractor asks for this information.
In order to keep your outside condenser fan running efficiently, make sure the coils and the fan blades are cleaned before the cooling season begins. Prior to working on or cleaning the unit, be sure to turn off the power. If you see debris, get rid of it.
If you’ve been having trouble with an HVAC system, check the entire house before contacting someone to come for repairs. This will help the repairman determine what the problem is and how to fix it.
Regularly remove debris from outside condenser units. Leaves and debris can accumulate quickly, particularly following storms, and that can cause problems for your system. The whole thing can overheat, causing major problems and possibly an enormous expense for you.
Know what you want done before you select an HVAC contractor. It will be hard for a contractor to provide you a price estimate on the phone if they have not seen your current setup is. It will be more hard if you can’t figure out what they need to do.
Each spring, clean the fan blades and coils on your condenser. Before you do so, shut off the power to ensure that none of the parts will move while you work on it. Next, remove the grill, take the blades and clean them gently, then clean the actual unit.
Clean your fan blades and coils come spring. Clean off any leaves or debris from your condenser unit regularly.
As the leaves are falling off the trees, your HVAC system can really take a hit. When you see nearby trees shedding their leaves, clean the fan grill on your unit constantly. A blocked unit can quickly become a broken unit.
Be sure to clean debris from external condenser units regularly. Debris can pile up at rates that increase during rainy or windy weather, bringing potential damage with it. It could overheat and cause your system to malfunction by overheating.
Place your HVAC unit in the shade to boost efficiency. Your air conditioner won’t have to work so hard if the air is sucks in is already cool.
Turn it off 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.
Once it grows cold outside, turn off your outside condenser unit. If it’s less than 60 degrees outside, turn the unit off. This will allow your system to work well every year, and that saves you quite a bit on making repairs.
Don’t let grass clippings on your outside unit. Aim the grass in a different direction from the other direction. This also applies when you are taking care of the leaves in debris.
Have a smart thermostat installed. Turning down the thermostat around 10 percent for 8 hours per day can give you a 10 percent savings using the programmable thermostat. Additionally, some programmable thermostats can be controlled remotely using a web-connected device.
Lubricate your fan condenser yearly if it has oil ports. You can easily find these ports covered with rubber or metal caps. Use a lightweight, detergent-free SAE 20 oil, but make sure to avoid overfilling them.
Icing up is common in air conditioners. Many times people think there is a plumbing leak, but instead the drain line has water that is frozen. Try switching to fan-mode and disabling your compressor to test whether the water is a leak or melting ice. While switching the system to the fan setting should begin the ice melting process, the best thing to do is to hire a professional to deal with the problem.
Have your HVAC serviced twice per year. This should be checked often for debris and again in the spring.
If you are purchasing an AC unit, there are calculators on the Internet that can help you figure out the right size. If you purchase something that is too big, it won’t be cost effective to run. To get the right information, look in the manual to find out the rating the manufacturer gives the unit for cooling.
Turn off any outdoor condensers you have when the weather turns cold. This should turn it off to prevent damage if the weather falls under 60 degrees Farenheit. This simple tip will help keep the life of your unit.
Make certain the HVAC company you choose has a proven track record. Fly-by-night companies are those you want to avoid. It is always risky to hire a contractor with little experience.
During the service check, the serviceman will inspect the unit’s motor, oil the moving parts and check the freon levels in the system. These simple things will boost the performance of your system running at peak performance.
Check the Internet for reviews on those who fix or install HVAC systems. There are many sites that other customers can place their reviews. This method provides you with all the information you need to make the best hiring decisions.
Research and check the companies before hiring them. Check with the BBB and look for your situation. This will help you to choose a smart decision.
Every contractor out there is responsible for setting up their own fees, so get several quotes before hiring anyone. You can save quite a bit of money when you call different companies for price quotes. Get in touch with more than a few contractors to best understand the going rate.
Companies with proven track records that can help you decide if they’re worth your money and time. Hiring a newer contractor means taking a bigger risk.
To improve the efficiency of your HVAC unit, put a radiant barrier up inside the attic of your home. It blocks the heat from inside out, reducing the energy that’s needed for your home to get cooled during the summer. This can also help you make the attic useful again.
Ask for helpful information when you can find a reputable HVAC contractor. People who’ve had quality work done are usually more than willing to share this information. This is also a great way to get names of companies that should avoid.
If you are purchasing an AC unit, take measurements. You need to know how big the area is that you want to have cooled off. You can usually substitute 20 BTU for each square foot in the area to be cooled. If multiple rooms need cooling, add together their square footage to reach this calculation.
Think about getting a radiant barrier installed in your attic so your HVAC system can run better. It blocks outside heat from coming in which will make sure you won’t have to use more energy to keep your home cool when it’s hot or cold as it should be. You could even use your attic space more effectively.
Choose an efficient and knowledgeable HVAC company. Reliable companies keep a close eye on their technicians and ensure they honor their appointments. They should be able to diagnose issues quickly. Once the problem is identified, fixing it should be quick and easy.
Check the ducts to find any leaks if you you feel your unit seems to not be working efficiently. If you do have leaks that are repaired, the money spent on finding and repairing the leak will pay for itself.
When determining the location of your air conditioning unit, think about which way the air flows. If it has to be placed in a corner, get a unit where the air won’t be trapped against the wall.
If there’s a clicking in your HVAC unit, look immediately to see if there is an obstruction. The issue may be debris getting into the fans of the cooling system. Look at it before you call up a service technician.
Ask any potential contractor about their experience. It is best to match the job you have to a company with that kind of experience. You minimize the chances of bad service this way.
Make sure they have tight seals to keep air inside. You can hire a professional to test them.
If you’re hiring a contractor, get references. This will show you their overall experience. References ensure you don’t end up with a scammer.
Any HVAC contractor you hire should have a 24-hour emergency number available to customers around the clock. They owe it to you to show up to fix anything, no matter what.
Don’t hire a HVAC repairman unless they offer 24 Hour Emergency service. The professional should also be able to promptly arrive at your home whenever the need arises.
Condenser Unit
When it’s winter time, get your condenser unit covered so it can be safe. This helps the condenser last longer if it is protected when not in use. Don’t turn it on if the temperature is below 60 either. Instead, switch only the fan on.
Cover your condenser unit for protection in the weather becomes less than optimal. This simple cover keeps the condenser operating longer when not being used. Use the fan instead to avoid straining the condenser unit.
Make certain that any potential contractor calculates potential heat loss. This needs to be factored in when figuring out the best sized unit for your home. Windows and doors should be counted, and insulation should be checked along with measuring the internal space of your home.
This will tell you the number of BTUs your system requires to keep the environment of your home comfortable.
If you are installing a new HVAC system or even repairing your current set-up, ask your contractor about also installing a programmable thermostat. This device can save you a great deal of money on your heating and cooling bills because when you adjust the temperature to sync with your lifestyle.
Maintaining your unit is something you need to do as a home owner. These suggestions will reduce your repair costs in the long run. Make certain the you pay attention to your unit and address small problems before they become large and costly repairs.
It’s amazing to find out that 66% of homes have leaky ducts! This alarming percentage is responsible for nearly one quarter of your total utility expense! Luckily, it is an easy fix and you should see a difference in your power bill almost immediately.
