How will you know what system is right for your home. What size do you buy? What sort of features does it need? It can be hard to figure out each day.
Before calling for help, know the system you have. Get information on the make and model, plus if you have information on the history of maintenance, that will help, too. 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.
Know the name and type of system before looking for a repair person. This will enable you know that you’re able to give the contractor the information they might need.
Make certain that you clean your condenser when the weather begins to warm. Don’t forget to disconnect the power first. Remove the grill and the blades, and then you can give them all a gentle clean.
Don’t let grass clippings on your outside unit. Aim your grass in a direction from the unit. This applies when you are taking care of the leaves in debris.
Make sure that you do not cover your outdoor components with grass clippings when you are trimming the grass. Get the grass shot away from your unit. When blowing leaves, do the same. Always take care when passing your HVAC units while moving leaves, grass or other debris.
Lubricate the oil ports on your condenser at least once a year. You can find the ports as they have a rubber or metal cap. Use a lightweight, and put 10 drops or fewer in each port, but make sure to avoid overfilling them.
When the leaves start to fall, the HVAC equipment can be harmed. Make sure the fan’s grill is cleaned often during the fall. The fan needs unobstructed air flow, and if debris is blocking this air flow, then your system could suffer.
Put outdoor units in the shade.
Be sure to place your outdoor unit in a shady spot to maximize efficiency. When your unit sucks in cooler air, then much less is required to cool it further, which saves you money on energy bills.
Be sure you have twice annual HVAC unit in your home checked about two times every year. This should happen in the fall and again in the spring.
Get your HVAC unit serviced two times per year. Your system should be inspected in Spring and Fall. A quick check is worth it to avoid problems down the road.
A programmable thermostat is a simple way to help save money on your air conditioning bill. Some can even be controlled from a PC or other device.
Condenser units for the outdoors should be shut off when it starts to get cold outside. If the temperature drops to under 60 degrees, you risk damage to the unit if you leave it on. This will ensure your system works well each year, which could save you quite a bit in repair costs.
During your service visit, professionals can help by inspecting the system’s motor, oil the unit’s moving parts and ensure the unit has proper freon levels. These easy to do things are going to allow your HVAC system running smoothly.
If you are a home owner, replace whatever single pane windows you have with more efficient double-paned versions. Double pane windows can minimize the use of your air conditioner in hot weather since they keep the indoor air cooler. Likewise, in the winter more hot air stays inside during the cold season.
Research the companies before hiring them. Check with the BBB and look for reviews as well. Doing these things beforehand will allow you to make a better decision.
Having a programmable thermostat installed is a money saving idea. It will help save on your heating and cooling costs by turning itself down at certain times. There are also some programmable thermostats that can be controlled with a computer or other web-connected advice.
Air conditioners tend to ice up.The drain line may also freeze over. If you notice this, put your thermostat over to fan. You can call a HVAC professional, even if switching it to its fan setting starts making the ice melt.
Research multiple contractors before choosing one. It can be helpful to check out the online reviews of previous customers and it is always wise to check their reputation as listed on a Better Business Bureau website. This is what you have to do in order to make a smart decision.
Look for calculators online to truly understand what size of unit is necessary for your room or home. Look in the manual to determine the manufacturer website for air conditioners.
Make certain the HVAC company you choose has a proven track record. This gives you some history so that you can be sure the company is reliable. It’s a risk to hire a new one.
Ask your friends and family for their HVAC contractor recommendations. People that have had great service are usually more than willing to tell of it. This is also provide you with good information on which contractors you should avoid hiring.
Use recommendations when you are looking for a contractor. Find someone that has a lot of quality work under their belt. This will also help you avoid scammers.
Figure out the direction your home faces in order to make your HVAC system more efficient. The less heat inside the house, the easier time the air conditioner in your home will have.
If your existing system is malfunctioning, look for leaks in the ducts. This is a job your local utility provider may do for you inexpensively or even free of charge. The testing will pay for itself once you find and repair the leaks.
If there’s a clicking in your HVAC unit, look immediately to see if there is an obstruction. Often the issue is some sort of debris hitting fans in your cooling system. Check it out before spending on a professional.
For top efficiency, figure out what direction your home faces. Trees in certain areas can provide shade, which means your house will stay cooler. This will reduce the work of your AC unit.
Measure the living area that needs cooling before going air conditioner shopping. You will need 20 BTU for each square foot of room space. If the unit will be cooling several rooms, be sure to add their square footage together.
You need to check your windows and outside doors to make certain your HVAC runs well. Make sure the seal is impenetrable from outdoor drafts, and that none of the air you’re paying to heat or cool escapes either. A professional can easily have this tested for you, and oftentimes, this service is free.
Hvac System
You can’t know what sized air conditioner to purchase unless you measure the area you need cooled. In general, you need 20 BTU for each square foot. When you are cooling more than one room, you must add together all of the square footage.
Replace the air filter to keep your HVAC system every month. This will maximize the production of your HVAC system running well.
If you’re only wanting to do the minimal amount of HVAC maintenance, you should work on replacing your air filter. This will help your unit run properly. Also, this will not cost a lot of money.
Pick out an HVAC business that is fast and works quickly to solve the problem. The most reliable companies will ensure that their technicians will always be on schedule and keep appointments. The technicians should also know what to do to figure out what’s going wrong with an HVAC in no time. After they see what the problem is, it’s just a matter of time before they have it back and running properly.
As you ponder where to install your new AC unit, think about how the air flows around the room. Make sure you have plenty of air flow control options if you are forced to install the unit in a corner.
If you have to place it in a corner of your home, be sure you can change the direction of air flow to avoid having it hit the wall.
Prior to engaging the services of a contractor to handle your HVAC system, be sure to find out about the kind of experience he has. You need to verify they have the type of experience needed to work on your particular system. You minimize the chances of bad service this way.
Ask a contractor about their experience.You need to know that they have the type of experience needed to work on your particular system.
Always look through the references that any HVAC contractor provides you with. Many people make the mistake of assuming references are legitimate just because they were give up freely, but this is not always the case. It only takes a short amount of time to contact someone, so it is important that you do that right away.
Always request references when you are considering a contractor.
When a contractor comes in to give you a quote, be sure they complete a heat-loss calculation. This determines the amount of BTUs your system needs to make sure your home stays comfortable. They need to count your windows, doors, check the insulation, and measure how much space your home has in it.
Some contractors attempt to add charges on later for fuel charges. Having a signed contract can help to avoid any issues like that.
Sixty-six percent of houses have leaky ducts. These can lead to as much as a quarter of your utility costs. It is easy and cheap to fix the ducts yourself, and it will save you on your bills every month.
It can be overwhelming to pick out an HVAC system. The advice provided here can make that decision a little easier. Use these suggestions to ensure your unit is running at peak efficiency.
Make sure your HVAC heating ducts are cleaned periodically so your system remains efficient and the air remains clean and fresh. Inspect the ducts regularly for dents, punctures, and disconnected parts. Ducts that are damaged can increase your heating bill by wasting the warm air.
