Anyone that uses HVAC systems in a house knows what it means to have it properly maintained. An HVAC unit operating at minimum efficiency is costing you money all year round! This article offers you keep your HVAC unit in optimal condition.
Know what type of system you currently have before calling someone to fix it. You need to know who manufactured the product and the item number. Also, get the maintenance records from your files if you have them. Then, you’ll be ready to tell the contractor what they need to know.
If your HVAC system us giving you issues, check things out yourself prior to calling in a technician. This will help the contractor determine where the problem is and how to fix it.
If your HVAC system is acting up, take a tour of the house prior to calling a professional. Note which rooms are hot and which are cold. Doing so can help your technician fix your HVAC issue quickly.
Know what work you need before you hire a contractor. It will be hard 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.
Prior to choosing an HVAC customer, try to have an idea of what you want done. You can’t get a decent estimate over a telephone, so disregard those numbers and wait until they view your system. If you can’t explain changes you’ve made, the process will be even more difficult. It’s important to know this beforehand.
Clean your condenser’s fan and coils each spring to ensure that your condenser fan operates at it’s best.Clean the outside of your external condenser unit regularly.
Clean your fan and coils when the weather begins to warm. Except when you do superficial cleaning, you need to always make sure the power is off on the unit. In addition, be sure to get rid of any leaves or other debris that may have accumulated on the outside condenser.
Be sure to regularly clean external condenser units regularly. You don’t know when things are going to pile up, like right after it’s windy or rains, and that can throw a wrench in your system. It can cause a disaster with your unit.
Boost energy efficiency by putting your condenser unit in the shade. When the air conditioner pulls in cooler air, it won’t have to do much more to cool it and that will save you a lot of money on energy bills.
Don’t get grass clippings on your outdoor condenser. Aim your grass cuttings in a different direction from your unit. This applies to leaf blowing and any other yard work that results in the yard.
Install a thermostat you can program to save money on cooling your home. It may save you as much as 10 percent of your overall utility bill if you turn your thermostat down by 10-15 degrees for a portion of the day. Additionally, some programmable thermostats can be controlled remotely using a web-connected device.
It is always a good idea to swap out single pane windows for double panes. This also helps keep it warm in the winter months.
If nobody is home, turn off the AC. You may want to turn your unit off if your house will not become extremely hot or cold. If the A/C is on when you’re gone, it’ll be working hard constantly.
Don’t allow your home temperature get dangerously hot. Air conditioners really can only cool down a home by 20 degrees. If your home become 100F or more, you’ll only cool down to still above 80. This is not a healthy environment to live in.
Avoid allowing your home to ever get exceedingly hot. An air conditioner can only cool your home by 20ºF quickly. If you have your home at above 100 degrees then you can only get it to about 80 or above. This won’t be a healthy environment to live in.
Research the reputation of companies before hiring them.Check with different references to determine the BBB and look for reviews posted by former customers. This can help you have to do in order to make a smart decision.
Icing up is common in air conditioners. This can also happen on the drain line. When you see ice, turn the unit to fan. If the problem persists be sure to call in a professional.
Air conditioners sometimes ice up at times. The drain line may also freeze over. If this is something that’s happening to you, immediately put your thermostat on the fan setting to turn off your compressor. If this doesn’t work, call in help.
Before you hire someone from an HVAC place, figure out how long they’ve been doing this kind of work. Firms that have been in business for a long time are easier to assess. It is riskier to hire someone who does not have a long history.
Companies that are well established have track records typically provide better service. Hiring a contractor comes with an element of risk.
Use recommendations when you are looking for a contractor. Someone who has used a contractor in the past is generally willing to let you know what they thought about it. It’s also a good way to learn the names of contractors you should avoid.
Contractors charge different rates, so make sure you get quotes from several contractors before you make any hiring decision. You should save some cash if you take the time to call around before you decide. You may want to call at least five contractors to determine what you should be paying.
If you don’t know who you should call to repair, install and maintain your HVAC systems, check out reviews online. Many online review sites provide an avenue for this information. This is a good way to find decent people to hire.
Think about having a radiant barrier installed in your attic so your HVAC system can run better. It blocks outside heat from coming in which will serve as a barrier between your home cool when it’s hot outside. You may even use your attic as part of your living space more effectively.
In order for your HVAC system to run more efficiently, think about putting a radiant barrier in your attic. It blocks the heat from inside, reducing how much energy you need to cool down your home during summer. You may suddenly find that the attic even looks like a great option for another bedroom!
Check for duct leaks if you you feel your existing system is not up to snuff. When you get leaks repaired, you’ll find that the testing paid for itself.
If you current HVAC doesn’t work that well, try testing ducts for leaks. Your utility company can test this for you, oftentimes at no charge. If not, it should be less expensive than a HVAC contractor. When you get leaks repaired, you may see that the testing pays for itself.
Determine which way your home faces.The less heat in your home, the less time that the AC has to work.
To increase the efficiency of your HVAC unit, determine the direction that your home faces. Trees placed in the right places can keep the sun from heating your home too much. The less your home is heated, the less you’ll have to use your air conditioner to cool things off.
Square Footage
If the HVAC unit makes a clicking noise, look immediately to see if there is an obstruction. This may be because debris is restricting the movement of the fan blades. Simply clear away the debris or remove any foreign objects and your problem is solved. Have a look at the fan prior to putting in a call for service.
Measure the area that needs cooling before going air conditioner shopping. You will need about 20 BTU for each square footage of the area to be cooled. If you have multiple rooms to cool, make sure to add the square footage together.
Replace the air filter in your HVAC system every month. This is a very simple job and it keeps the system running at maximum efficiency. Filters are inexpensive, so there is no excuse for not doing it.
Replace the air filter to keep your HVAC system every month. This is the system running in tip top shape.
You should always ask a contractor a few simple questions before hiring them for a job, such as how long they’ve been working in this field. 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.
Now that you read the above article about HVAC systems, you should have a good understanding on what is needed to help keep it running perfectly for a very long time. An HVAC system that is not cared for will cost you with large electricity bills and repair costs. By using these excellent tips, your HVAC unit will function correctly for many years to come.
When you hire a contractor, always ask for references. It helps to find out whether prior customers were satisfied with their overall experience. This will keep the scam artists away, but this only works by actually following up on the references.
