How on earth will you to know exactly which HVAC system is the right system for you? What size do you purchase? What sort of features does it need? It can overwhelming to shop since so many new features are coming out what you need.
Understand what you want before talking to a contractor. This is necessary so that they can give you a quote before doing any work. If you do not know what you want, the process can become tedious, especially over the phone. So, figure out this information before anything else.
Know what type of your HVAC system before looking for a repair person.This will help you give your chosen contractor any information they might need.
If the condenser fan has oil parts, then you need to lubricate it at least once per year. These ports are typically covered with caps made of metal or rubber. Get an oil that is SAE 20 and put about 10 drops into each port, but don’t overfill it.
Clean the fan blades and coils each spring to ensure that your condenser fan operates at it’s best. Clean the outside of your external condenser unit.
You should have your HVAC system inspected at least once, but preferably twice, per year. When they come out for a service visit, expect inspections of freon levels and the motor, and they will oil all the moving parts. Small problems can occur in any of these areas and lead to serious issues if ignored for too long.
Clean the debris 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 could overheat and cause your unit.
Don’t ever let your home temperature get dangerously high. It takes quite a while to cool a home by more than 20 degrees. If your home happens to get near 100 degrees Fahrenheit, then you will only be able to reasonably cool to around 80. This is not a safe and comfortable temperature for you to sleep in.
Turn the power off so you don’t get hurt or break something. Next, pop off the grill, put the blades out and start to gently clean them along with the unit.
Shop around before hiring an HVAC contractor. Check out the online reviews, and run a quick search on the BBB website to make sure they have been good to past customers. Taking these steps will help ensure that you make a wise decision.
Don’t let grass clippings pile up against your outside unit. Aim your grass cuttings in a direction away from the unit. This applies to leaf blowing and any other yard work that results in the yard.
It is possible for air conditioners to ice over. There are sometimes also freezes that happen in a drain line, and this can be confused for a plumbing leak. If you notice this, switch your thermostat to fan only to disable the compressor. It is best to call a professional in to fix this particular issue, even though the switch to fan setting should cause the ice to start melting.
Have your heating and cooling system checked twice a year. This should be done in the fall and malfunctions.
How long has the contractor been in business? Someone that has been in the business for a while probably isn’t going to scam you. It’s a risk to hire a new one.
During this service visit, the system motor will be inspected, oil the different moving parts as well as check the system’s freon levels. These things will keep your system running at peak performance.
Ask around so you can find a reputable HVAC contractor. People will tell you who they have used and if they are worth calling. This is an excellent way to find which companies to stay away from.
Research and check the companies that you consider using. Check them out at the BBB and online reviews posted by former customers. These simple steps will help to ensure your decision is a better decision.
Search online for reviews to find an HVAC customer you can trust. There are plenty of websites online that offer reviews and referrals for HVAC repair and other important service. You will be able to make a more informed choice if you do this.
Air conditioners sometimes ice up at times. The drain line might also freeze up.If you see this happen, immediately put your thermostat on the fan setting to turn off your compressor. You should call a pro to fix this problem, but switching to the fan will make the ice melt.
Check around and get a number of quotes prior to hiring a contractor. You will be likely to save some cash if you take the time to call around before you decide. You may want to get quotes from at least five contractors in order to know what you should be paying.
Look for calculators online to help you determine the size of unit you need for your room or home. Look in the manual to determine the recommended size for air conditioners.
Make sure that your ducts are not leaking. Often, utility companies will test them free of charge. Once you fix the leaks, the savings will be more than worth the hassle.
Companies that are around awhile have a better record than those that can help you decide if they’re worth your money and time. It is riskier to hire a long history.
Make sure that your doors and windows are efficient. Make sure the seal is impenetrable from outdoor drafts, and that none of the air you’re paying to heat or cool escapes either. Testing for energy efficiency may be free, if you are interested in hiring a professional to find out.
Ask for helpful information when you can find a HVAC contractor. People who have had quality work done are often happy to share this information. This can also a great way to get names of companies that should avoid.
Measure the area that needs cooling before buying a unit. The calculation to determine the size of the unit is typically 20 BTU for every square foot of area. If the unit will be cooling several rooms, combine their square footage in your calculations.
There are quite a number of great sites out there that let customers talk about how they were treated by services. This is useful for finding people that you wish to work with as well as those that you don’t.
Hire an HVAC contractor that is efficient and quick. Many reliable companies ensure techs keep their appointments to stay on schedule. A knowledgeable technician will also easily diagnose any problems with your HVAC. This will maximize your overall satisfaction.
If you hear a clicking noise coming from the HVAC unit, look for blockages right away. Sometimes debris that gets in the fan’s way. Check this out before spending on a contractor.
Make certain the contractor you hire has the appropriate experience. Make sure they are experienced doing the kind of work that you need. Though it is possible that a newer contractor will be just fine, you may not want to take the risk.
Measure the area you wish to cool before going air conditioner shopping. You generally need 20 BTUs per square foot of space. If you have multiple rooms to cool, just add their total square footage.
Seek references when hiring an HVAC contractor. It helps to find out whether prior customers were satisfied with their overall experience. This will allow you to stay away from people that will scam you, but only if you’re calling references.
Replace the air filter monthly to keep your HVAC system every month. This is the simplest thing that you can do to keep your unit remains in tip top shape.
Any HVAC contractor or installer should have an emergency number available to customers around the clock. It’s crucial that they can go to your home at any time you need them.
If you must position it in a corner, get a unit that lets you direct air flow away from any walls.
Ensure that you have a written contract of the work to be completed. Do not get scammed with material fees and fuel charges. Avoid issues such as these by procuring a written contract.
Always request references when you are considering a contractor.
Protect your condenser unit from winter weather by placing a cover around it. This helps protect your unit from damage. Don’t turn it on if the temperature is below 60 either. Instead, switch only the fan on.
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, whether during a heatwave or a terrible snowstorm.
Be sure to investigate the references you are given by any HVAC professional. You might be shocked at what you find. This will not take a lot of your time.
Choosing a new HVAC unit could prove to be quite confusing or even overwhelming. Now this should be a lot easier on you, however, because you have great advice in hand. If you’ve got the time, review the tips above one more time for sake of clarity. Use the tips to make a more informed decision when it counts.
Consider having a programmable thermostat installed whenever you have an HVAC system installed, serviced or repaired. This can help you save a ton on your utility bills as you let your system rest overnight while you are sleeping comfortably in your beds.
