It is frustrating to have a failing HVAC system when the weather is at it’s peak.Learning what you can about your HVAC units will help you when it needs repair. Read on to find out more about the information that you need.
It is important to have some knowledge of your present system and needs before calling a contractor. It’s hard for these contractors to give phone estimates without seeing the current system you have. If you can’t explain changes you’ve made, the process will be even more difficult. So, have this information ready.
Know what type of your HVAC system before looking for a repair person.This will let you to give the contractor the information that can help them.
By the end of spring, the fan blades and coils of your condenser should be thoroughly cleaned, so operation can proceed with greater efficiency. Always shut the power off before doing any work or cleaning on the unit. If you see debris, get rid of it.
If your HVAC system us giving you issues, look around your home before calling in people to help. This information will help the contractor determine what the problem is and how to fix it.
Clean the debris from outside units often. Leaves, twigs and other troublesome objects can accumulate, particularly after very windy weather, and this will wreak havoc on your system. If you do not, the unit may get too hot and cause additional problems.
Know what work you need before you hire a contractor. It will be difficult for a contractor to provide you with an estimate on the phone without knowing what your current setup is. It will be way more difficult for him to assist you can’t figure out what they need to do.
When you are cutting the grass, be sure not to cover your outdoor units with clippings. Get the grass shot away from your unit. The same should happen if you are blowing leaves, so be especially careful when you are going by your exterior HVAC devices whenever you are moving debris.
Be sure to clean debris from 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.
As the trees around your home lose leaves, it can cause your HVAC unit trouble. During this time of year, check and clear off the fan grill on your unit on a regular basis. Otherwise, the unit will have to work unnecessarily hard.
Don’t get grass clippings pile up against your outside unit. Aim your grass cuttings in a direction away from the unit. This also applies when you are taking care of the leaves in the yard.
Check to determine if the fan condenser on your HVAC system is equipped with oil ports, and if it is, be sure to lubricate every year. You can easily find the ports as they have a rubber or metal cap. Get an oil that is SAE 20 and put about 10 drops into each port, but don’t overfill it.
Your HVAC units might suffer when your trees start to lose their leaves. Make sure you clean out your fan grill is cleaned frequently when the leaves begin to fall. The fan needs to have an unobstructed path for air to enter the unit, and if it becomes blocked, you will have to contend with problems.
Look for shade when placing a compressor outdoors. 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.
10 Drops
Put outdoor condensers in the shade. As your air conditioner sucks in cool air, little will have to be done to cool it any further, saving you a ton on your energy bills.
Lubricate your fan condenser yearly if it has oil ports. You can find these ports have a rubber or metal caps. Use SAE 20 oil that is non-detergent and lightweight, and put 10 drops or fewer in each port, putting 10 drops in each port.
It is very important that your HVAC system is serviced two times a year. The best time of year to have the system checked is right before the weather begins to change. Even if everything seems fine, check things out to find potential problems.
Have your heating and cooling system serviced twice per year. This should happen in the fall and malfunctions.
Make sure that your AC is turned off when you are not using it. When it’s off the house will get hot, but only by a certain amount. Leaving the system on all day will cost a lot of money in terms of electricity.
Turn off any outdoor condensers you have when weather gets cold. This means that you should be done when the temperature drops below 60ºF to avoid damage. This can keep the system running efficiently for years and save you a lot on repairs.
To help you pick a good HVAC contractor, be sure to research a number of different companies. The BBB is always great when you are looking for references or online reviews. Taking these steps will help ensure that you make a wise decision.
It is a good idea to swap out single pane windows for double panes. This also keeps warm in during the winter.
Use an HVAC company that has been in business for a while. Companies that are established have been proven, and you can use their track record to to determine if they provide good service. Hiring a contractor who is just starting out can be risky.
Research the reputation of companies that you consider using. Check them out at the BBB and look for reviews of potential companies online. Doing this can help you choose wisely..
Each contractor will have their own fee schedule, so make sure you get several different quotes before you hire anybody. By calling around and asking a few different contractors, you can save a ton of money. It is best to speak to several contractors so that you know which rates are reasonable.
Ask people that you know and family for contractor recommendations. People who have had a good experience are usually willing to tell of their contractor. It’s also a good way to learn the names of contractors you should not be contracted for work.
Your HVAC system can run more efficiently if your attic has a radiant barrier. It will block the heat and lower the energy necessary to keep your home cool in the summertime. You could even use your attic as part of your living space if it is done right.
There are a number of sites these days that let customers talk about how they were treated by services. This is useful for finding people that you wish to work with and ones that are poor.
Are you thinking about having a new HVAC system installed? You need to know some things first. Those systems get rated by the area amount they are able to cool and heat effectively. It’s a good idea to buy something that’s larger than you’d need instead of getting something that’s not big enough.
Contractors are responsible for their own charges and fees, so make sure to get multiple quotes.You can save tons of cash simply by doing your homework. You may want to call at least a handful of contractors in order to know what reasonable rates are.
Your HVAC can work more efficiently if you take into consideration which way your home faces. If you strategically place trees, it’s possible to block some of the morning sunlight so your home won’t become overheated. Anything that provides shade from direct sunlight can reduce the temperature inside your home and help reduce your energy bill for air conditioning during warm months.
Are you looking into getting a HVAC system? There are a number of things you should consider. Systems have ratings according to how large an area they effectively heat or cool. You are wise to err on the side of a bigger unit rather than purchasing one that is a bit too small.
If you HVAC unit is clicking, immediately check for any type of obstruction. Often the issue is some sort of debris that’s hitting the fans in the cooling system. You just have to take out the obstruction and the problem is solved. Look before calling in a technician.
Check for duct leaks if your unit seems to not up to snuff. When the leaks are repaired, you may see that the testing pays for itself.
Your doors and windows need to be as efficient as the HVAC system you use. All should be tightly sealed with no air getting inside or out. A professional can also test the windows and many times the testing is free.
Figure out which direction your home is facing so your HVAC system more efficient. The less heat, the less time that the AC has to work.
Measure the area that requires air conditioning. Normally, you need 20 BTU for each square foot that you wish to cool. Account for all of the rooms in the house.
Ask any potential contractor about their experience prior to hiring them. You need to verify they have the sort of work you require.
An experienced HVAC company should be chosen to help you out. Reliable companies insist that their technicians are prompt. Good technicians are also able to diagnose issues quickly. Once the problem is identified, they will also be able to quickly and efficiently resolve it.
Always make sure to get references prior to hiring any contractor.
When in the process of installing new HVAC equipment or getting repairs done, see if you can have a programmable thermostat installed. 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.
Any HVAC contractor you hire should have a 24-hour emergency number available to customers around the clock. They need to be able to come to you when they are needed, no matter what.
To save money on your bills, choose an HVAC system that bears the Energy Star label. These great products help you save on energy because they adhere to efficiency guidelines. These also meet every guideline out there for efficiency. They are there to ensure these HVAC units operate as they are advertised. Spending time looking into these units could lead to long-term savings on your energy costs.
It can feel daunting to choose an HVAC contractor without having the right information. With proper knowledge, the process can be made simpler. Hopefully you are now prepared to take all of this on so that you can work on this if you have problems in the future.
At least 66% of homes contain ducts that leak. These can lead to as much as a quarter of your utility costs. 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.
