Follow these helpful tips to put yourself in the best position.
Know the name and type of your HVAC system before looking for a repair person. Get information on the make and model, plus if you have information on the history of maintenance, that will help, too. This makes sure your contractor will be sufficiently prepared.
Know the name and type of system before calling someone to fix it. This helps make sure the contractor will need.
Go through your home before you call HVAC professional. Determine which rooms feel cold and which feel hot. That knowledge can help the technician figure out what is going on.
If your HVAC is giving you problems, check the entire house before contacting someone to come for repairs. This will help the contractor determine what the problem is and how to fix it.
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.
Know what work you need before you hire a contractor. It will be difficult for an HVAC contractor to give you a price estimate over the phone if they have not seen your current system. It will be way more difficult for him to assist you can’t figure out what they need to do.
Look for shade when placing a compressor outdoors. The cooler the air that the unit is able to access, the less work it has to perform.
Clean the fan blades and coils each spring to ensure that your condenser fan operates at it’s best. Clean off any leaves or debris from your condenser unit.
If you want things to be more efficient, get new units outside or have your current one moved into 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.
Turn the power off so you don’t get hurt or break something. Then, take the grill off, pull the blades out, and begin cleaning the unit and them gently.
Have the HVAC system checked twice a year at the least. The best time of year to have the system checked is right before the weather begins to change. Even if nothing seems wrong, checking it out can help you find and fix potential issues.
Grass Clippings
Having a programmable thermostat installed is a money saving idea. With this device installed, it can help you save money on your energy bills by you having the power to regulate the temperature throughout the day. In addition, some models make things really easy on you, allowing you to adjust them from the computer.
Don’t let grass clippings pile up against your outside unit. Aim the grass clippings in a direction away from your unit. This also applies when you are taking care of the leaves in the yard.
Never allow the temperature in your home to rise to a dangerously high level. Your average AC unit can only reduce the temperature in your home by about 20 degrees in a normal span of time. Assuming the temperature in your home rises to a hundred degrees, you will only be able to reduce that by twenty degrees. Depending on the humidity level, this temperature isn’t considered a safe sleeping temperature for the human body to be able to recover from the summer heat.
Put outdoor unit in places with shade.
To help you pick a good HVAC contractor, be sure to research a number of different companies. Check with the BBB and online reviews as well. These steps are going to help to ensure your decision is a wise one.
Have the HVAC system inspected twice per year. This should be checked often for debris and again in the spring.
Icing up is common in air conditioners. Freezes also occur in your drain line. These freezes are easily confused as leaks to the untrained eye. If you notice this, switch your thermostat to fan only to disable the compressor. While switching the system to the fan setting should begin the ice melting process, the best thing to do is to hire a professional to deal with the problem.
Turn off outdoor condensers you have when the weather turns cold. This means that you should turn it off to prevent damage if the temperature drops below 60ºF to avoid damage. This simple tip will help keep the system running efficiently for years to come.
Try finding online A/C sizing calculators to figure out the ideal size for a unit for the house or a room. Buying one that’s too large will not cool that well. Look in the manual or on the manufacturer website for this 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.
Ask around so you can find a reputable HVAC contractor. People that have gotten great work done in the past generally love to share the information they know about it. You will also find out who NOT to use!
During your service visit, they will inspect the motor of the system, oil the moving parts and check the freon levels in the system. These few simple things will help your system to run its peak performance.
Figure out which direction your home faces in order to make your HVAC system more efficient. Trees block morning sunlight, stopping your home from getting too hot. If there is less heat in the home from sunlight, then the HVAC will require less work to actually cool the home.
Don’t let your home temperature get way too hot to where it’s dangerous. Air conditioners can only reduce the indoor temperature 20 degrees Fahrenheit in a reasonable time limit. If the temperature in your home rises to 100 degrees F or higher, you would only be able to cool it down just above 80 degrees. This is not a healthy environment to live in.
All of your windows and doors must be air-tight, in order for your HVAC system to run at maximum efficiency. They have to have a tight seal, stopping air from going in or out. Have them inspected by a professional. This is often a free service.
Look for air conditioner sizing calculators online to help you determine the size of unit you need for your room or home. Look at the manual or on the recommended size for this information.
Replace the air filter to keep your HVAC system working well. This represents an easy way to keep your system working well. A few bucks is worth it!
Ask around so you are looking for a reputable HVAC contractor. People will tell you who they have had quality work done are usually more than willing to share this information. This can also a great way to get names of those companies that you should avoid.
Pick HVAC companies that know what they’re doing and can work quickly. The best companies will ensure that their technicians will always be on schedule. A professional can also perform a quick diagnosis on a faulty machine to locate the problem. After they see what the problem is, they should be able to get the work done quickly for your sake.
There are quite a few sites these days that allow customers to share their experiences with contractors. This works both in finding those you want to hire and those that you don’t.
When placing your unit, think about the direction the air will flow from the unit. If you have to place it in a corner, get one with moving vents.
Are you thinking about having a new heating/cooling system? You need to take a few things first. Systems have ratings according to how large an area they can effectively heat or cool. 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 bit too small.
Never hire a contractor before asking about the work experience they have when it comes to dealing with HVAC units. 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.
Check for duct leaks if you you feel your unit seems to not up to snuff. When the leaks are repaired, the testing will pay for itself in energy savings.
It may be tempting to hire the first HVAC company in the phone book, but it’s important to get references from them. This will show you their overall experience. Also, it will prevent you from getting robbed.
If you HVAC unit is clicking, look immediately to see if there is an obstruction. Often it is being caused by debris hitting the fans in your cooling system. Take a look before calling a technician out.
Find out what exactly your contractor plans to do. The contractors can overcharge later for items like material and fee costs and charges. Having a signed contract can help to avoid issues like that.
Square Footage
Cover your condenser unit for protection in the winter time. This will make sure the condenser will last for a long time. The unit’s compressor should never be on when the temperature is 60 degrees or below. Use the fan instead to avoid putting strain on the condenser unit.
Measure the area that requires air conditioner shopping.You will need 20 BTU for each square footage of room space. If you need to cool multiple rooms, be sure to add their square footage together.
Any HVAC contractor references given to you need checking out. Just because the reference was offered by a specialist doesn’t mean that they are real. Calling a reference only takes a few minutes and can save you a lot of time and trouble hiring the wrong company.
Pick HVAC business that know what they’re doing and works quickly to solve the problem. The best companies make sure their technicians stay on schedule and keep appointments. The technicians will be able to help you and offer the problem quickly. After they see what the problem is, they should then know how to deal with the problem.
When you are looking at HVAC contractors, make sure the products they use are Energy Star efficient. When a product line carries the famous ENERGY STAR logo it has met the difficult standards and guidelines that the EPA has set forth. That means they’ll save you a ton on your utility bills.
Ask any potential contractor about their experience prior to hiring them. You need to verify they have done the type of work you require.
Your heating ducts should be properly cleaned out on your HVAC unit to ensure it is working efficiently. Check your heating ducts at least once per month. Ducts that have some damage will make you pay more in heating because you have to pay more to keep the area warm.
Any HVAC contractor or installer should have a 24-hour emergency number available to customers around the clock. They owe it to you to show up to fix anything, be it in the middle of a heatwave or in the worst snowstorm of the year.
As the weather grows cold, take steps to protect the condenser unit. Placing a thick tarp over it should do the trick. Don’t use this unit if you’re working in temperatures below around 60 degrees because your system won’t work that well below temperatures like this.
This information is used to determine the number of BTUs your home.
Make sure your condenser unit is protected. This may be accomplished by placing a thick cover on it.
Be sure that any estimates you receive from an HVAC estimates. These estimates need to be written down on paper. There are many jobs that require you have to get multiple estimates for to see what they take. This procedure helps to ensure you know the job is being done right. Compare various elements of the deals that you are offered.
Hvac System
In order to be comfortable in your home, you need to have a great HVAC system. Without proper maintenance of your HVAC system, your home will not be a comfortable place to be. To ensure this never happens to you, keep the tips you’ve read today in mind.
