If you’re unfamiliar with HVAC and you need to learn about it, then it’s best to arm yourself with these helpful tips first. This article will help you in the right direction. Take the time to read along and you will do just fine.
Before you call someone to help you fix your system, be sure to know what sort of system you have in place. Find out the brand and model and, if possible, dig out the maintenance history. This information will be helpful to any contractor you hire to repair it.
Know the name and type of your HVAC system before calling someone to fix it. This will enable you can give your chosen contractor all the information they need.
Before the summer you should clean out your condenser fan’s blades and coils. Except when cleaning the outside, turn the unit off when performing any type of maintenance. Take away all of the debris as well.
Clean your condenser’s fan blades and coils prior to summertime. Clean the outside of your condenser unit.
Keep your outdoor units free of debris when your cutting grass. Aim your grass cuttings in a direction away from your unit. This same tip applies when you are blowing fallen leaves around the yard. Grass and leaves pose a serious problem for the internal functioning of your unit.
Be sure to regularly clean external condenser units regularly. Debris can pile up at rates that increase during rainy or windy weather, bringing potential damage with it. It could overheat and cause your unit.
Boost energy efficiency by putting your condenser unit in the shade. You save money this way because the air conditioner is now pulling in cooler air, which is easier to cool further.
Turn it off so you don’t get hurt or break something. Next, pop off the grill, put the blades out and start to gently clean them along with the unit.
It is very important that your HVAC system is serviced two times a year. The best times to have the system checked is spring and fall, so you are sure everything is running at peak performance before the heating and cooling seasons. Even if you don’t think anything’s wrong, it’s still worth an inspection.
Turn off outdoor condenser units when it becomes cold out. This means that you should be done when the weather falls under 60 degrees Farenheit. This can keep your system working well throughout the years without the cost of repairs.
When colder weather arrives, switch off all outdoor condenser units. If the outside temp is under 60 degrees, turn the unit off to prevent damage. This can keep your system working for years and save you a lot on repairs.
A programmable thermostat is a simple way to help save money on your air conditioning costs. Some programmable thermostats can even be controlled from a computer.
Replace any single-paned windows with double-paned versions. Windows that are double pane keep the cool air in and can greatly reduce the amount of time your air conditioner will need to run. Likewise, in the winter more hot air stays inside during the cold season.
When it’s checked out, oil the parts that move, and they will oil all the moving parts. These few simple things will keep your HVAC system to run at its peak performance.
Regular maintenance of your unit should be performed annually. During the visit, the contractor will oil parts, inspect the motor and the freon levels. These repairs will keep your HVAC system running smoothly.
Don’t allow your home temperature get dangerously hot. An AC unit is really only able to reduce the internal temperature of your home approximately twenty degrees in a fair time. If your home gets above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, then you will only be able to reasonably cool to around 80. This won’t be a safe and comfortable temperature for you to sleep in.
To help you pick a good HVAC contractor, be sure to research a number of different companies. A good start would be the BBB to see if there are any complaints, then search online for review sites where you can see what actual customers had to say about their experience. This can help you make the right choice.
Research and check the companies that you consider using. Check with different references to determine the BBB and look for reviews of potential companies online. These steps can help ensure you make a better decision.
There are plenty of online tools, such as sizing calculators, which can help you find the best unit to cool your home. Buying one that’s too large will not cool that well. Use the manual to determine what size is right for you.
Think about having a radiant barrier in your attic so your HVAC system can run better. It blocks outside heat from coming in which will serve as a barrier between your home and the outside. You may even use your attic as part of your living space more effectively.
When you need an HVAC contractor, obtain recommendations from friends and family members. People who have had a good experience are often happy to share the name of their contractor. This will also provide you with good information on which contractors you should avoid hiring.
Check the ducts to find any leaks if you you feel your unit seems to not be working efficiently. When you get leaks repaired, you’ll see that the tests paid for themselves.
If you need help locating someone to help take of your HVAC system, a great place to seek advice is online at a review site. Many online review sites provide an avenue for this information. This is a good way to locate contractors that do good work and ones that are poor.
Determine the direction that your home faces in order to establish efficient HVAC operation. The cooler your home already is, the less you’ll have to use your air conditioner to cool things off.
You shouldn’t rely on a single quote from one contractor to gauge the cost, because different specialists set their own price. Making some phone calls before deciding is a good way to save money. Contact a minimum of five contractors so you can determine realistically what the price will be.
Make certain they are tightly sealed so air can’t seep in. You can also hire someone to test things and a lot of the time the testing costs nothing.
Have you been thinking about buying a new HVAC system? You could keep a few points in mind. HVAC systems have a rating to determine how much space you should use it on. It is always better to buy a unit that is a little bit bigger rather than one that might be slightly smaller.
Measure the living area that needs cooling before going air conditioner shopping. You generally need 20 BTU for each square foot in the area to be cooled. If multiple rooms need cooling, combine their square footage in your calculations.
Get a more efficient HVAC system by looking at the way your home faces. If you strategically place trees, it’s possible to block some of the morning sunlight so your home won’t become overheated. The less heat in your home, the less time your air conditioner will have to work.
Always make sure to get references when you are considering a HVAC contractor.
Your doors and windows need to be as efficient as the HVAC system you use. They have to have a tight seal, stopping air from going in or out. You can get a professional out to help you test things and a lot of the time the testing costs nothing.
Any HVAC contractor or installer should have a 24-hour emergency hotline. They should be there when you need them, whether during a heatwave or a terrible snowstorm.
If you are purchasing an AC unit, take measurements. You need to know how big the area is that you want to have cooled off. This calculation will tell you how many BTU’s you need. Account for all of the rooms in the house.
Cover your condenser in the winter time. This simple tip will extend the life of your condenser. Use the fan setting only to avoid putting strain on the unit.
Each month, you need to get a new air filter and install it in your unit. It is the easiest and cheapest way you can take care of it. Filters are cheap, and changing them regularly adds up to long term savings.
Learning about HVAC systems will require some personal motivation, but you’ll be glad that you did once it’s all through. Take the time to learn all about it, so that you can prevent future breakdowns. Good luck and keep up the hard work!
When deciding where to place your AC, condition the direction of air flow. If it must be in a corner, make certain that the air does not point towards a wall.
