Your house will feel comfortable with a HVAC system. Many homes already have this type of system in place, but they do need to be replaced from time to time. Understanding how to properly maintain your system will help you to buy a great product when the time is right.
Go through your home before you call HVAC professional. Notice the temperature in each room. Are some cooler or hotter than others? This can help the contractor determine the problem areas quickly and fix the problem easily.
Know what you want done before you hire a contractor. It will be hard 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.
Keeping the outside condenser clean of debris and leaves will improve the system’s efficiency. Always shut off all power to your unit for any work beyond superficial cleaning. Take away all of the debris as well.
Be sure to regularly clean external condenser units. 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 can also cause the unit to overheat and break down.
As you notice the tress begin to lose their leaves, keep an eye on your outdoor condenser unit. When you notice your trees shedding, frequently clean your unit’s fan grill. Otherwise, the unit will have to work unnecessarily hard.
Turn the power off first so you don’t get hurt or break something. Next, pop the grill off, pull out the blades and start cleaning them and the unit itself off gently.
Make certain that an outdoor unit is in the shade. The cooler air that the unit can suck in, the less work it will need to do to further cool the air.
Lubricate your condenser at least once a year. You can easily find the ports covered with rubber or metal caps. Use a lightweight, detergent-free SAE 20 oil, but make sure to avoid overfilling them.
Put outdoor condensers in the shade. If your air conditioner is able to constantly suck in cool air, it won’t have to work overtime to cool your space, which can in turn save you money on your electricity bills.
Have your HVAC system checked twice a year at the least. This should happen in the fall and again in the spring.
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. A quick check is worth it to avoid problems down the road.
It is always a good idea to swap out single pane windows with ones that have double pane ones. This also keeps warm in the winter.
It is a good idea to replace single-paned windows with ones that have double panes. In warmer months, these windows will help to maintain the cooler inside temperature. Conversely, they keep warm air in during the winter.
Install a programmable thermostat to save money on cooling your home. Some can even be controlled from a PC or other device.
Service your hearing and cooling systems once each year. When it’s checked out, the motor will be inspected, moving parts well oiled and the level of freon adjusted if necessary. Doing this simple task can ensure that your system will be running for years with no problem!
Never allow your home to rise to a dangerously hot inside. An air conditioning unit is really only able to reduce the internal temperature by twenty degrees in a fair time. If the temperature in your home rises above 100 degrees, it will only cool off to about 80F. This won’t be a safe and comfortable temperature for you to sleep in.
Your home should not have temperatures that are too hot. Air conditioners really can only cool a home down about 20 degrees Fahrenheit within a reasonable amount of time. A home that is over one hundred degrees will only be cooled to around eighty. While it depends on the humidity, this is not safe for a human to sleep in to recover from the heat of the summer.
Research and check the companies that you consider using. Check with the BBB and look for your situation. This is what you have to do in order to make the right choice.
Icing up is common in air conditioners. The drain line can freeze, making you think it’s a plumbing leak. If this is something you notice, switch the thermostat in your home to fan only so the compressor is disabled. This problem will need to be handled by a professional, even though the fan will probably help with the ice situation.
Air conditioners sometimes ice up at times. The drain line might also freeze up.If this happens, try switching your thermostat to just the fan so that it disables the compressor. You should leave the repair to a professional, even if switching it to its fan setting starts making the ice melt.
Find an air conditioner calculator online to determine what models are best for you. If the unit is too large, it won’t cool more than a smaller unit, just less efficiently. Look in the manual or on the manufacturer website for this information.
There are a lot of online websites that give people the opportunity to leave comments about their experiences with contractors. This will be an excellent way to locate people that you wish to work with and those that you don’t.
Ask your friends and relations for their HVAC contractor recommendations. People that have gotten great work done in the past generally love to share the information they know about it. This will also provide you with good information on which contractors you should avoid hiring.
Contractors charge different rates, so make sure to get multiple quotes. You should save some cash if you take the time to call around before you decide. You want to call at least five contractors in order to know what reasonable rates are.
Each contractor establishes his own fees, so before you hire one, obtain a few estimates. You have the potential to save a great deal of money if you make several calls prior to reaching a final decision. Compare the rates of at least 5 or 6 contractors to help you decide on the most reasonable rate for the job you need done.
Check the ducts to find any leaks if you you feel your unit seems to not up to snuff. If a leak is found, you’ll find that fixed leaks are worth the money.
Do you want to find a quality HVAC? You should first think about several things. First, the rating a system has indicates how much area they can warm up or cool down. It is always better to buy a unit that is a little bit bigger rather than one that might be slightly smaller.
Make sure they have tight seals to keep air inside. You can get a professional out to help you test them.
Measure the living area you wish to cool before going air conditioner shopping. Typically, 20 BTUs are required per square foot. When several rooms must be cooled, determine the square footage of each room and then add the numbers together.
Hvac System
Be sure to replace your HVAC air filters every month. This will help your unit run properly. It only costs a couple of bucks to replace the filter.
Replace the air filter to keep your HVAC system every month. This will keep your HVAC system running well.
Think about the air flow direction of your A/C when figuring out where to put it. If you can only put it into a corner, try buying a unit that lets you change its air flow direction away from your wall.
If you’re stuck with putting it in a corner, ensure that the air is not directed towards a wall.
Find out how much experience a given contractor has before you hire him or her. He or she may not have experience working with your type of system or performing the work that you need done. While a worker with less experience may be capable of doing a good job, you will be taking a risk.
Ask a contractor about their experience.You need to know that they have the sort of work you require.
If you’re hiring a contractor, get references. You need to have the ability to speak with homeowners to see if the services they got were any good and if they cost a lot of money. That is why it is vital that you check references, so you don’t run into those shady contractors!
Some contractors attempt to overcharge you after the work is complete for fuel charges. Having a signed contract will help you avoid issues like that.
Be certain you know what to expect when you hire contractors to do a certain job. Some contractors will attempt to overcharge you on material fees and other charges. Having a written contract will let you avoid these types of issues.
This information is used to determine the number of BTUs your home.
Your HVAC will perform better during the winter if you protect the condenser with a cover. This will help your condenser last longer when not being used. Also, it is not a good idea to run a compressor when the temperature dips below 60 degrees. Turn on the fan and avoid straining the unit.
Consider a programmable thermostat installed.This can save you a great deal on your energy bills because your settings to ensure optimal performance.
Always follow up on any references provided to you by a prospective HVAC contractor. Sometimes, they just got good reviews because their price is low. It only takes a few minutes out of your busy schedule to check a contractor out, so don’t risk it.
These units are energy efficient and meet strict efficiency guidelines. These are put in place by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. They are called the environment and human health. Taking time to fully research various units may help you save a significant amount of money.
When you get a contractor to come by to offer a quote to you, make sure they do include heat-loss calculation. This determines the number of BTUs needed to maintain comfort in your home. Windows and doors need to be inspected for drafts, insulation checked for efficiency and the interior dimensions of the house should also be considered.
Not only is an HVAC unit a fantastic investment, it can ensure your home is comfortable inside regardless of the weather. When it is finally time for you to select a replacement, remember these tips and they should make the process easier. They will allow you to be more educated when it comes to buying and you’ll get a system you know will work well for you.
The condenser needs protection in cold weather. A nice cover will help protect the condenser from the weather. If the temperature dips under 60 degrees, don’t implement the unit because it won’t be effective.
