It seems hard to learn about HVAC. This doesn’t have to be the case, however, if you just know that you need to take some time to follow this advice. This advice will help even the novice when it comes to HVAC system.
Before making that repair phone call, make sure you know the specifics about your particular system. Look for the model and brand number. This will facilitate the process when your contractor asks for this information.
Know the name and type of your HVAC system before calling someone to fix it. This will enable you to give your new contractor all the information they might need.
If your HVAC system is acting up, take a tour of the house prior to calling a professional. Make note of which rooms are cold and which are hot. The contractor can probably figure out and fix the problem easier.
Clean your fan blades and coils prior to summertime. Clean off any leaves or debris from your external condenser unit regularly.
Before the summer you should clean out your condenser fan’s blades and coils. If you are doing more than a light surface cleaning, make sure that the power is shut off to the HVAC unit. Also, make sure you remove any debris or leaves from the condenser unit outside.
Turn the power off first so nothing moves. Then, take the grill off, pull the blades out, and begin cleaning the unit and them gently.
Clean the fan blades and coils on the condenser fan every spring. Be sure to turn the power off first; you don’t want anything to move. Take the grill off and pull the blades out to clean them.
Don’t let grass clippings pile up against your outside unit. Aim your grass cuttings in a different direction away from your unit. This also applies to leaf blowing and any other yard work that results in the yard.
If you have oil ports as part of the fan condenser, annual lubrication is key. Most of these ports have some sort of protective cap covering them. Use a lightweight oil and do not overfill them.
Your HVAC unit may suffer when trees start to lose leaves. Make sure the fan’s grill is cleaned frequently when the leaves begin to fall. The fan must stay clear in order to function, and if it becomes blocked, it could cause your system to break down.
If the house is yours or you’re permitted to, replace the windows that are single pane with windows that are double pane. They help cool air remain inside your home, effectively cutting back on how much you have to run your air conditioner. This also helps keep it warm in the winter.
10 Drops
Air conditioners tend to ice up at times. Freezing drain lines are also possible and can be mistaken for leaks. If you see this, put the fan on to shut the compressor off. This problem will need to be handled by a professional, even though the fan will probably help with the ice situation.
Lubricate your fan condenser once a year. These are usually covered with rubber or metal cap. Use a lightweight, and put 10 drops or fewer in each port, putting 10 drops in each port.
Before you hire any HVAC companies, find out how the amount of time they’ve been in business. It is more likely that a contractor who has been in business for a longer time will give you better value for your money. Hiring a new company will be riskier.
It is a good idea to swap out single pane windows for double panes. This same effect also helps keep it warm air in during the winter months.
Ask your friends and relations for their HVAC contractor recommendations. People who’ve had great service are usually willing to tell of it. This will prevent you from getting scammed.
During your 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 help keep your HVAC system running smoothly.
Check around and get a number of quotes prior to hiring a contractor. You should save some money this way. To get the best picture and get an idea of what rates are reasonable, call five or six different contractors.
Research the reputation of companies that you consider using. Check them out at the best one for your situation. These steps can help to ensure you make the smartest and most informed choice.
For greater efficiency, put a radiant barrier in your attic. It can help keep heat out during the hot summer months, which means you will lower your power bills. You may even find that you can use the attic space more effectively.
Fan Setting
Are you thinking about having a new HVAC system installed? There are things you must consider first. Systems are given ratings by how effectively they can cool and heat an area. It is best to get a bigger unit than you need, instead of a smaller one.
Air conditioners sometimes ice up at times. The drain line may also freeze over. If you see this, change the setting on your thermostat to the fan setting and this will disable the compressor. You can call a HVAC professional, even if switching it to its fan setting starts making the ice melt.
Make sure that your ducts are not leaking. Call your utility company if they are leaking to see about getting a test. If you do end up paying, you’ll find that fixed leaks are worth the money.
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.
For top efficiency, figure out what direction your home faces. If trees are placed strategically, you can block morning sunlight that can overheat the house. The less heat inside the house, the less time that the AC has to work.
Companies with proven track records that can help you decide if they’re worth your money and time. Hiring a contractor comes with an element of risk.
When determining which size of air conditioner to buy, first measure the area which needs to be cooled. You will need approximately 20 BTU per square foot, so calculate the necessary size based on that formula. If multiple rooms need cooling, just add their total square footage.
Ask your friends and family for contractor recommendations. People who’ve had quality work done are usually more than willing to tell of it. This is also a great way to get names of companies that you should avoid.
Replace the air filter to keep your HVAC system working well. It will improve the efficiency of your unit. Many chain stores sell filters for under $5.00, and that low price is worth it.
Measure the living area you wish to cool before going air conditioning. You generally need by calculating 20 BTU for each square foot of room space. If multiple rooms need cooling, get their square footage added together.
Think about the air flow direction of your A/C when figuring out where to put it. If you have to place it in a corner of your home, be sure you’re getting a unit that has air flow coming from a direction that’s not facing the wall.
Pick an HVAC companies that understands the unit and can work quickly. The best companies keep the technicians working honestly and on schedule. The technicians should also know what to do to figure out what’s going wrong with an HVAC in no time. Once they know what’s wrong, they should be able to fix it as fast as they can.
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 know that they have done the sort of work you require. This doesn’t mean a less experienced person may be bad, but you shouldn’t take any chances with your HVAC.
Always make sure to get references when you are considering a contractor.
Make sure that you are clear about what is included in the cost of the HVAC work you are contracting someone to do. There are dishonest contractors out there that will overcharge you. This is why getting estimates in writing is so important.
Any HVAC contractor you hire should have an emergency hotline. They need to be able to come to you when they are needed, be it in the middle of a heatwave or in the worst snowstorm of the year.
Check all references given to you from an HVAC contractor. You may be horrified by what you find. It just takes a couple minutes to check them out.
There are contractors that will overcharge you. Having a signed contract can help avoid issues like that.
Always look for the ENERGY STAR logo on a unit before you make the purchase. These great products help you save on energy because they adhere to efficiency guidelines. The Environmental Protection Agency is what sets these guidelines. They are there to ensure these HVAC units operate as they are advertised. If you take the time to research these units, you can save lots of money on energy.
Cover your condenser unit for protection in the weather becomes less than optimal. This will help your condenser operating longer when not being used. Use the fan instead to avoid putting strain on the unit.
It’s a fact that 66% or so of homes have ducts that are leaky. This alarming percentage is responsible for nearly one quarter of your total utility expense! Making certain these are sealed will minimize the electricity used by your unit.
Always check out any references provided to you by an HVAC contractor.
Clean your heating ducts to maximize your HVAC’s air quality. Don’t forget to have a good look in the depths of the ducts too, to be sure there’s nothing in there that doesn’t belong, nor has any damage been done. If they are damaged, your bills will rise.
Consider have a programmable thermostat. This lowers your heating and cooling bills because your settings to ensure optimal performance.
Keep your condenser protected when it’s getting colder. This can be done by placing an insulating cover on it. Be sure not to run the unit when the temperature gets below 60.
These are energy products that meet strict guidelines set for efficiency. These guidelines are enforced by the United States government. They are in charge of protecting the EPA for short.Taking the time to fully research various units may help you get long-term savings on energy costs.
Make sure you know where the owner’s manual is anytime the system is running. Such material has a ton of advice specific to your own unit and might be critical in an HVAC emergency. You can get a replacement manual from the manufacturer if you need one.
Look for HVAC contractor that uses Energy Star equipment and equipment. This will ensure that the product is more efficient than those without it.This will help you can save a bit of money on the bills when it comes to your cooling and heating costs.
Keep your system operating efficiently by cleaning the heating ducts. Look at the ducts to make sure there is nothing wrong with them.Ducts that are damaged can increase your heating bill by wasting the area warm.
Keep the owner’s manual for your unit nearby at all times whenever you are working on any kind of unit. The manual will help you out if you’re dealing with problems.
The preceding information should have been easy to follow. It’s very easy to have things work your way by using the advice above. Apply it liberally, and you might even turn a profit.
