How will you know exactly which system is the right system for you? What size do you buy? What features will you need? It can overwhelming to shop since so many new features are coming out what you need.
Before an HVAC expert comes to your home to do any repair work, walk around the home and check out the temps in every room. You will be looking to see which of your rooms feel hotter or colder than they should be. This gives the repairer a starting point to work from.
If you are having issues with your HVAC, check the entire house before contacting someone to come for repairs. This will help the repairman determine where the problem is.
Know what you need before you hire a contractor. Discussing the problem is simplified if you understand what has happened with the unit. You need to know how to describe any issues. Make an effort to gather all information you need before making the phone call.
Clean your fan blades and coils prior to summertime. Clean the outside of your external condenser unit.
Regularly remove debris from outside condenser units. Debris can pile up after a storm, bringing potential damage with it. It can overheat, leading to disaster within your system.
Clean the debris that accumulates on your condenser units. Debris can pile up after a storm, and this can foul up the inner workings of your system.It could overheat and cause your unit.
Clean the fan blades and coils on the condenser fan every spring. For safety, always turn the power off first. Next, remove the grill, take the blades and clean them gently, then clean the actual unit.
Don’t get grass clippings pile up against your outdoor condenser. Aim the grass in a different direction away from the unit. This applies to leaf blowing and any other yard work that results in the yard.
A big mistake that people make is cutting the grass next to the outdoor condenser unit and allowing all of the clippings to blow inside the fan and coil. Make sure the grass does not get in your unit. The same thing should go on when you blow leaves, so take your time when you’re working around HVAC units that are around when you’re blowing debris around.
Lubricate the oil ports on your condenser at least once a year. These are usually covered with rubber or metal cap. Use a lightweight, and put 10 drops or fewer in each port, but make sure to avoid overfilling them.
Try to prevent debris from getting in your HVAC unit. Frequently clean the fan grill when trees are shedding leaves. If your fan is obstructed, it can keep your system from working properly.
Put outdoor unit in the shade.
To boost the efficiency of your HVAC system, you should put your unit in a shady place. It will help you save on your energy bill when you do this.
Your HVAC unit requires regular maintenance at least two times a year. This should happen in the fall and again in the spring.
Be sure to have twice annual HVAC system checks. It’s best to have it checked before you turn it on for the summer and again for the winter. This will help you to avoid problems.
Turn off outdoor condensers you have when weather turns cold. This means that you should turn it off to prevent damage if the temperature drops below 60ºF to avoid damage. This can ensure your unit is working well throughout the years and save you a lot on repairs.
Research what size air conditioner you should purchase for the size of your home by using online calculators they have for this purpose. If you buy a unit that is too big, it won’t do an efficient job. Check your manual to figure out what the rating is from the manufacturer to be sure you’re getting the right information.
It is a good idea to replace single-paned windows with ones that have double pane ones. This same effect also keeps warm air in the winter months.
Your friends or family likely have recommendations for a local HVAC specialist. If they know a good contractor, they will surely guide you right. You can also get company names that you should stay away from.
A programmable thermostat can help save money on your air conditioning costs. Some programmable thermostats can even be controlled from your smart phone or computer.
If you need recommendations for an HVAC contractor, check online. There are many review sites you can check out. This is a great way to find people you want to work with and those you don’t want to work with.
During the service check, they will inspect the motor of the system, the moving parts will be oiled and the freon levels will be checked These few simple things will keep your system running at its peak performance.
Each contractor establishes his own fees, so before you hire one, obtain a few estimates. You can save a lot of cash simply by doing your homework. Call at least four or five different HVAC specialist to find the best rates.
Never let your home reach a dangerously high level. An AC unit is really only able to reduce the temperature of your home approximately twenty degrees in a fair time. If the temperature in your home rises above 100 degrees, it will only reduce it to 80 or more. This won’t be a safe and comfortable temperature for you to sleep in.
Your HVAC system can run more efficiently if your attic has a radiant barrier. This blocks heat from entering your home, which lowers how much energy is needed to keep it cool in the warm months. It it’s installed properly, you might even be able to use your attic as an extra room.
There are a few sites these days that let customers to share their experiences with different services. This will make it easier for you to find a top notch professional.
Do you need a new HVAC unit? You could keep a few points in mind. Systems have a rating based on how well the system is able to cool or heat an area well. You are better off purchasing a unit that is slightly too large for your needs than purchasing one that is a bit too small.
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 cool when it’s hot outside. You could even find that you can use the attic as part of your living space more effectively.
Test your duct work for leaks. A local utility company often performs free duct testing. If it isn’t free, then it is still cheaper than an HVAC specialist in most areas. If you do end up paying, you’ll find that fixed leaks are worth the money.
Check the ducts to find any leaks if your unit seems to not up to snuff. When you have leaks repaired, you’ll find that the testing paid for itself.
To keep your HVAC unit running at full capacity, you should have quality doors and windows installed that are efficient. All should be tightly sealed with no air getting inside or out. You can get these tested at little to no charge by a professional.
If you hear a clicking noise coming from the HVAC unit, look for blockages right away. Often it is being caused by debris that’s hitting the fans in your cooling system. Look before calling a technician.
It is important that you know the measurements of the area you need to cool. You will need about 20 BTU per square footage of the room. When several rooms must be cooled, determine the square footage of each room and then add the numbers together.
Square Footage
Each month, you need to get a new air filter and install it in your unit. This will help your unit run properly. Filters cost only a few dollars, so it’s a small monthly price to pay.
Measure the living area that requires air conditioner shopping. You generally need 20 BTU for each square footage of room space. If you have a lot of rooms to keep cool, add together their square footage to reach this calculation.
Check in on the references for your contractor. Talk to those references to find out if they were pleased with the service they received. This will help you stay away from scam artists, but only if you call those references!
Replace the air filter to keep your HVAC system every month. This is the production of your HVAC.
You need a cover for your condenser during the cold months. This will help it to last longer. Also, it is not a good idea to run a compressor when the temperature dips below 60 degrees. Do this by simply turn on the fan so that you don’t cause the unit unnecessary strain.
Pick HVAC business that understands the unit and can work quickly. The best companies make sure their technicians stay on schedule.A knowledgeable technician should also easily diagnose any problems with your HVAC. After they see what the problem is, it should be taken care of right away.
Take advantage of the opportunity to add a programmable thermostat when you are putting in new heating and air-conditioning or repairing your old system. This sort of device will save you a lot of money in terms of energy because it allows your system some downtime while you are warm in your bed.
There is a lot to know about HVAC before you get involved in a purchase decision. You should note the decision becoming a little easier to make now that some options have been removed from the table. Take another look at this advice and be sure to apply them to have your home comfortable.
To save money on your bills, choose an HVAC system that bears the Energy Star label. Energy Star units must meet certain guidelines. These standards are determined by the United State Environmental Protection Agency. They are in charge of protecting the environment and human health. Taking time to look into these units may help you get long-term savings on energy costs.
