You might not even think about your HVAC system until it starts malfunctioning. It can be difficult to find the right person to fix your HVAC system. The information in this article will help you go through the process.
Before you contact people to assist you in getting your system fixed, know what kind of system you’re working with in the first place. Learn the brand and the model. This will let you know that you’re able to give the contractor the information that can help them.
Know the name and type of your HVAC system you currently have before calling someone to fix it. This makes sure the contractor has the information they will need.
Your outside condenser fan can be helped to run better by you cleaning the fan blades and coils prior to summer starting up. Always shut the power off before doing any work or cleaning on the unit. If you see debris, get rid of it.
Know what you want done before you hire a contractor. It will be hard for an HVAC contractor to give you a price estimate on the phone without knowing what your current setup is. It will be more hard if you over the phone without the information readily available.
Cover your unit when you are mowing the lawn. Shoot the grass away from the unit. Be just as mindful when you blow leaves to not blow them toward your HVAC equipment.
Clean your fan and coils come spring. Clean the outside of your external condenser unit.
The operation of your HVAC system can be in danger when the tree leaves begin to fall. When you see nearby trees shedding their leaves, clean the fan grill on your unit constantly. If your fan is obstructed, it can keep your system from working properly.
Clean the debris on your outdoor condenser units. You never know when things can pile up, like right after it’s windy or rains, and that can ruin your system. It can cause it to overheat.
If you need to decide the best place to put your outdoor compressor unit, consider putting it in a location that is in the shade. The unit will operate more efficiently to cool your home if the intake air is cooler to begin with.
Don’t get grass clippings on your outdoor condenser. Aim the grass in a direction from your unit. This also applies when you are taking care of the leaves in the yard.
Have the HVAC system serviced twice per year. Check into it twice a year before you head into the hot and cold months. This will help you to avoid problems.
Sae 20 Oil
When the weather starts to cool down, make sure you turn off outdoor condenser units. If the temperature drops to under 60 degrees, you risk damage to the unit if you leave it on. This will help keep your HVAC system in good health for years, which means you will save on repair bills.
Lubricate your fan condenser at least once each year. These are often covered by a rubber or metal caps. Use SAE 20 oil that is non-detergent and lightweight, detergent-free SAE 20 oil, but make sure to avoid overfilling them.
Make sure to have your unit serviced once a year. During your service visit, the serviceman will inspect the unit’s motor, oil the unit’s moving parts and ensure the unit has proper freon levels. This will help your system run better.
Put outdoor condensers in places with shade.
Don’t let your home get too hot. Expect an air conditioning unit to drop the temperature down 20 degrees within a short amount of time. If the temperature in your home reaches 100 degree Fahrenheit, it will only reduce it to 80 or more. You may suffer adverse effects from letting the house get that hot, too.
It is always a good idea to replace single-paned windows for double pane ones. This also helps keep it warm in the colder months.
To choose a HVAC contractor, it is important to check their reputations. Check with different references to determine the best one for your situation. These steps can help ensure you make the smartest and most informed choice.
A programmable thermostat can really help save money on air conditioning costs. Some of these thermostats can even be controlled from a PC or other device.
Ask friends and family for contractor recommendations. People that have had quality work done are usually more than willing to share this information. This is an excellent way to find which companies to stay away from.
Air conditioners sometimes ice up at times. The drain line may also freeze over. If this is something that’s happening to you, put the fan on to shut the compressor off. If this doesn’t work, call in help.
Online reviews are a great source of information about HVAC contractors. Many Internet sites let customers discuss experiences with certain companies. Read through them and figure out who you want to try out.
Look for calculators online to truly understand what size of unit is necessary for your room or home. Look in the manual to determine the manufacturer website for this information.
Ask for quotes from multiple contractors. You should be able to hire the best contractor for the job if you take the time to do this. Call around to find out what the rates are.
Companies that are well established have a better record than those that can help you decide if they’re worth your money and time. Hiring a newer contractor means taking a considerable risk.
Check the ducts to find any leaks if you you feel your existing system is not up to snuff. 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 a leak is found, the money spent on finding and repairing the leak will pay for itself.
Ask friends and family for their HVAC contractor recommendations. People who’ve had great service are normally more than happy to recommend their contractors. This will also a great way to get names of companies to stay away from.
Get a more efficient HVAC system by looking at the way your home faces. It’s always a good idea to plant trees in areas that will help block the scorching sun that heats up your home and causes your AC unit to work harder. The less heat in your home, the less time your air conditioner will have to work.
Contractors are responsible for their own charges and fees, so make sure that you acquire multiple estimates. You have the potential to save a great deal of money this way. You may want to call at least a handful of contractors to determine what reasonable rates are.
If your HVAC system is clicking, look for blockages right away. It might be debris in the way of the blade. You can solve the issue by removing debris. Check it out yourself first before you call in the professionals.
Do you want to find a new HVAC system? You could keep a few things into account. Systems are given ratings by how well the system is able to cool and heat an area well. You are better off purchasing a unit rather than purchasing one that is a bit too small.
It is important that you know the measurements of the area you need to cool. The area’s calculation can help you figure out what the size is and there are 20 BTUs for every foot squared in this area. When you are cooling more than one room, you must add together all of the square footage.
Figure out the direction your home is facing so your HVAC system more efficient. The less heat inside the house, the easier time the air conditioner in your home will have.
Before you hire someone to do work with an HVAC system they need to tell you about the experience they’ve had in the past. Confirm that they have done this work before. While there is no guarantee a less experienced worker will not perform the job correctly, you don’t want to take any chances.
Make sure they have tight seals to keep air can’t seep in. A professional can also test these for you for free.
When you hire a contractor, make sure you ask for some references. You need to know if previous clients have gotten what they needed, like timely service within their budget. That way, you can avoid scammers more easily.
Measure the area that needs cooling before going air conditioner shopping. You generally need 20 BTU per square foot of room space. If multiple rooms need cooling, combine their square footage in your calculations.
Don’t hire a HVAC repairman unless they offer 24 Hour Emergency service. It’s crucial that they can go to your home at any time you need them.
Ask any potential contractor about their experience prior to hiring them. You need to know that they have the sort of experience needed to work you require.
Your HVAC will perform better during the winter if you protect the condenser with a cover. This simple cover keeps the condenser operating longer when not in use. Another bit of great advice is to not run the unit’s compressor if it’s under 60 degrees outside. Use the fan setting only to avoid straining the unit.
Always get references before hiring any contractor.
Always check any references that you receive for an HVAC contractor. Many people make the mistake of assuming references are legitimate just because they were give up freely, but this is not always the case. It will only take you a few minutes to call and check someone out, so don’t hesitate to do that.
Some contractors attempt to charge you later for things such as material fees and fuel. Having a signed contract can help avoid issues like that.
Make certain that any potential contractor calculates potential heat loss. This particular equation will help you estimate the number of BTUs needed to keep the home in a comfortable condition. To properly calculate the heat-loss calculation, a service tech will count the number of windows and doors, calculate the square footage and determine the amount of insulation in the home.
Cover your condenser when the winter time. This helps the condenser last longer if it is protected when it is not in use. Use the fan instead to avoid straining the unit.
Ask the contractor to install a programmable thermostat on your unit if it doesn’t already have one. 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.
These units are energy efficient and meet strict efficiency guidelines. These are put in place by the United State Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). They are called the environment and human health. Taking time to fully research various units may help you get long-term savings on energy costs.
Two thirds of all homes have ducts which leak. This can cost around a quarter of utility costs. It is inexpensive and easy to seal up ducts. You may even be able to do it on your own. You will see lower electric bills.
Since reading this piece, you have a better education on HVAC systems. Next time you have trouble with your unit, you will now be much better prepared. Keep the information above in your mind so you can find a good HVAC system.
