It is frustrating to need work done to your HVAC system when it is super hot or super cold. Learning about HVAC units will help you when it needs repair. Read this article to get started on to do just that.
Before making that repair phone call, make sure you know the specifics about your particular system. It is important to understand what model it is and which brand it is. Also, if it has been serviced before, you should have that information handy. If you have to have someone come out to repair the unit, you will be able to help the contractor understand more about what is going on.
Clean the debris regularly. You don’t know when things are going to pile up, especially after a windy or rainy storm, and that can throw a wrench in your system. It can also cause the unit to overheat and break down.
Inspect the temps in your home before you call a service to help you with any HVAC issues you’re having. Make note of which rooms are cold and which are hot. Taking this step aids a contractor in figuring out what the problem is and how to repair it as quickly as possible.
Turn it off first so nothing moves. Then, take the grill off, pull the blades out, and begin cleaning the unit and them gently.
Clean the coils and blades in your condenser at the beginning of summer. Before you clean the surface, be sure to turn off the power. Also, be sure to clear leaves and debris from your condenser unit.
Don’t let grass clippings pile up against your outside unit. Aim the grass in a direction from the unit. This applies to leaf blowing and any other yard work that results in the yard.
Each spring, try cleaning the fan blades and coils on the condenser fan. First, turn the power off so nothing moves when you’re working with it. Then, take off the grill and get the blades out. Clean everything with care.
Your HVAC unit may suffer when your trees lose leaves. Make sure the fan’s 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’ll have a lot of headaches eventually.
Make sure your HVAC unit is in the shade. As it brings in cool air to cool, you will save a lot of money.
10 Drops
It is very important that your HVAC system is serviced two times a year. Ideally, you should have it looked at in the spring and fall so you know everything is set for the hot and cold months. Even though it may seem as nothing is wrong with the unit, a simple inspection can prove otherwise.
Lubricate the oil ports on your fan condenser once each year. These ports are usually covered by a rubber or metal cap. 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.
As the temperature outside drops, remember to turn off your outdoor condenser unit. To avoid damage, units should be turned off when temperatures are below 60 degrees. This will ensure your system stays in good working order every year, saving you money on costly repairs.
Turn off outdoor condensers you have when the weather gets cold. This means that you should be done when the temperature drops below 60ºF to avoid damage. This simple tip will help keep it in good condition for many years.
If at all possible, install double-paned windows in your home instead of those with a single pane. Try to insulate your windows to prevent air from being lost. Likewise, in the winter more hot air stays inside during the cold season.
A programmable thermostat can really help save money on air conditioning costs. Some programmable thermostats can even be controlled from a computer.
If nobody is home, turn off the AC. Turning it off does allow the temperature to rise, but only so far. Leaving your heating or cooling running full blast while you are away is a waste of money and energy.
Degrees Fahrenheit
Never allow the temperature in your home to rise to a dangerously high level. An AC unit will reduce the internal temperature of your home approximately twenty degrees in a fair time. So, if your home temp reaches 100 degrees, your air conditioning will only bring that temp down to about 80 degrees. This is not a safe and comfortable temperature for you to sleep in.
Never allow the temperature in your home reach a dangerously high level. Air conditioners really can cool a home down about 20 degrees Fahrenheit within a reasonable amount of time. If your house’s interior temperature hits 100 degrees Fahrenheit, then you will only be able to reasonably cool to around 80. This won’t be a safe and comfortable temperature for you to sleep in.
Make sure to make a well-informed decision on the size of your HVAC. A unit that is bigger than you need simply isn’t efficient. Check the manufacturer’s handbook to see what amount of space the unit can effectively cool.
Air conditioners tend to ice up.The drain line may also freeze over. If you see this, switch your thermostat to fan only to disable the compressor. You can call a HVAC professional, but switching to the fan setting should start to melt the ice.
Do you need a new HVAC system? If so, you must consider a number of things. Systems get rated according to how large an area they can effectively cool and heat. Getting a unit that’s a little larger than you need will be better than getting one that’s smaller.
Look for calculators online to truly understand what size of unit you need for your room or home.Look in the manual to determine the recommended size for air conditioners.
If your existing system is malfunctioning, look for leaks in the ducts. You can call a utility company in your area to help you with testing, and that doesn’t cost much or nothing at all usually. Once you fix the leaks, the savings will be more than worth the hassle.
Ask around so you can find a HVAC contractor. People who have used and if they are worth calling. This is also a great way to find which companies to stay away from.
Determine the direction that your home faces. If trees are placed strategically, you can block morning sunlight that can overheat the house. When there is less heat inside your home, the air conditioner will not have to work as hard.
Think about having a radiant barrier in your attic so support the efficient functioning of your HVAC system can run better. It will make sure you won’t have to use more energy to keep your home and the outside. You may even use the attic as part of your living space if it is done right.
It is important that you know the measurements of the area you need to cool. Generally, 20 BTU per square foot is ideal. Calculate the total square footage of all rooms if you will use the air conditioner to cool more than one room.
Do you want to find a new cooling and heating system? There are some things you should consider. Systems get rated according to how large an area they effectively cool and heat. You are wise to err on the side of a bigger unit that is slightly too large for your needs than purchasing one that is a smaller one.
Replace the air filter in your HVAC system every month. That’s the easiest thing to do so your unit continues running in good shape. The filters are only a couple dollars, so it is a small monthly investment.
Measure the living area that requires air conditioner shopping. You can usually substitute 20 BTU for each square footage of the area to be cooled. If you are cooling more than one room, just add their total square footage.
Always find out how much experience a contractor has in the business. You need to be sure that they’re able to do the work and have done it before. It’s best to find someone who knows what they’re doing.
Replace the air filter to keep your HVAC system every month. This represents an easy way to keep your unit running in tip top shape.
Check in on the references for your contractor. You need to know if previous clients have gotten what they needed, like timely service within their budget. This will reduce your chances of hiring a scam artist.
Pick an HVAC companies that know what they’re doing and can work quickly. The most reliable companies make sure their technicians will always be on schedule. A licensed technician should also have no problem diagnosing any problems with your HVAC unit quickly. Once they know what’s wrong, they should be able to fix it as fast as they can.
Any HVAC contractor you hire should have a 24-hour emergency hotline. They need to be able to come to a home when needed, whether during a heatwave or a terrible snowstorm.
Ask any potential contractor about their experience prior to hiring them. You need to know that they have the sort of work you require.
Cover your condenser when the weather becomes less than optimal. This simple tip will extend the life of your condenser considerably. Additionally, it’s important to remember not to utilize the compressor if your outside temperatures drop below 69 degrees. You should use the fan instead since this will stop your unit from getting strained.
Always make sure to get some references from a contractor.
You can save money by choosing an Energy Star approved HVAC unit. Energy Star systems have guidelines that must be met. These guidelines are determined by the United States government. The EPA, or Environmental Protection Agency, is who governs Energy Star units. Investing in a search for the most energy efficient unit will pay off in considerable long-term savings on utility bills.
Always follow up on any references that are given to you by a prospective HVAC contractor.
It’s a fact that 66% or so of homes have ducts that are leaky. This equals up to 25% of your energy bill. It’s easy to seal up any ducts, and you should notice a big difference in your bills.
This information is used to determine the number of BTUs your home.
Seek out HVAC contractors that only use products that carry the Energy Star label. This rating means that the product is more efficient than those without it. The end result should be you seeing a money saved each year on your energy bills.
Consider a programmable thermostat installed.This can save you a great deal on your energy bills as it constantly adjusts your system rests while you are comfortably warm asleep in bed.
When handling your HVAC system, have the owner’s manual handy. The manual will contain many useful tips and tricks specific to your particular unit, and it may prove essential if there is a serious problem. If you do not have a manual, you may be able to download one from the website of the manufacturer.
These types of units are energy efficient and meet strict efficiency guidelines. These guidelines have been set up by the U.S. They are called the environment and human health. Taking the time to look into these units may help you save a significant amount of money.
Always get an estimate in writing. Estimates should always come in writing. This is an important step that should not be overlooked. Also, you will get great service upon installation. Try comparing items like time completion, price, and more. Be suspicious of low ball estimates as this may indicate indicate inferior work.
Look for HVAC contractor that use Energy Star equipment and products. This will ensure that your system has met the product is more efficient than those without it. This will help you save more on energy all year.
Make sure you know where the owner’s manual in handy when your unit is being operated. The information contained within this manual is going to give you quite a few things to learn about the unit you have and will be very useful.
Hiring a contractor is a daunting task if you don’t know much about the field. Still, a little research goes a long way. Now, you should feel much more empowered about dealing with issues when they arise.
