Lots of people have HVAC systems placed in their houses. An HVAC unit is designed to keep your home maintain a comfortable for you throughout the year. You will generally need to hire a professional to install it and maintain your unit. Read on to learn more about the best tips for your HVAC.
Before calling someone to repair your system, make sure you know what kind of HVAC system you actually have. Look for the model and brand number. This will enable you to give your chosen contractor any information they might need.
If your HVAC is giving you problems, check out each room in your house before calling for assistance. This will help the repairman determine where the problem is and how to fix it.
If you are having issues with your HVAC, do a tour of your house before you call in help. Figure out which rooms are too cool or warm. Taking this step aids a contractor in figuring out what the problem is and how to repair it as quickly as possible.
Know what you need before you select an HVAC contractor. It will be difficult for a contractor to give you with an estimate on the phone without knowing what your current system. It will be more hard if you over the phone without the information readily available.
Cleaning the blades and coils will help the system run better. Except when cleaning the outside, turn the unit off when performing any type of maintenance. Additionally, it’s important to clear out leaves and other debris from the outside condenser unit.
Clean your fan blades and coils come spring. Clean the outside of your external condenser unit.
The coils and blades on the fans should be cleaned once a year. First, make sure the power is off to ensure nothing moves while you are working. After you have turned the power off, you simply remove the grill and the blades to perform a gentle cleansing.
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.
Try to prevent debris from getting in your HVAC unit. When you see nearby trees shedding their leaves, clean the fan grill on your unit constantly. Because the fan requires a clear path for air to enter, you may encounter issues with your system if the fan gets blocked up.
Put outdoor units in places with shade.
Some fan condensers may contain oil parts, and if yours does, ensure it is lubricated at least once per year. A rubber or metal cap is typically placed over such ports. Look for an oil that is lightweight and then put about 10 drops inside the port. You don’t want to put in too much.
A programmable thermostat can help save money on your air conditioning costs. Some of these thermostats can even be controlled from your smart phone or other device.
Condenser units for the outdoors should be shut off when it starts to get cold outside. To prevent damage, turn off your unit if the outside temperature is less than 60 degrees. This will help keep it in good condition for many years.
When they come out for a service visit, expect inspections of freon levels and the motor, and see how much freon is in your system. These repairs will keep your system running smoothly.
If you own your own home or have permission from your landlord, replace your single pane windows with double paned versions. Double pane windows will help keep your home cooler in the summer. This will help you save a lot of money.
Don’t let your home get way too hot. Air conditioners really can cool a home by just twenty degrees in a short time. If your home gets above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, then you will only be able to reasonably cool to around 80. This is not a healthy environment to live in.
If nobody is home, turn off the AC. By raising the temperature from, for example 78 to 80, your house will be warmer, but only up to 80 before your AC kicks in. If you decide to set the temperature to 82 or 83 or so on, your AC won’t go on until it reaches that temperature. When you keep it on, you will be using electricity.
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.
Air conditioners tend to ice up at times. Freezing drain lines are also possible and can be mistaken for leaks. If you see this, try switching your thermostat to just the fan so that it disables 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.
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 contractor can be risky.
Before you hire any HVAC company, ask them how long they’ve been open for 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 newer contractor may be taking a considerable risk.
Ask around so you are looking for a HVAC contractor. People who’ve had quality work done are usually more than willing to share this information. This is also help you to figure out some names of companies that you should avoid at all costs.
When you need the services of an HVAC professional, ask your friends and family if they can recommend someone to you. If they know a good contractor, they will surely guide you right. This will also provide you with good information on which contractors you should avoid hiring.
Are you looking at purchasing a cooling and heating system that’s new? There are things to consider. Systems have ratings according to how large an area they effectively heat or cool. You are better off purchasing a bigger unit rather than a bit too small.
If you aren’t sure who to call for HVAC maintenance, repairs, or installation, look online for reviews. There are quite a few sites now that allow customers to share their experiences with different services. This will be an excellent way to locate people you should work with and people that may not work well with you.
Check the ducts to find any leaks if your existing system is not up to snuff. When the leaks are repaired, the testing has paid for itself.
It is always a wise move to obtain a few quotes from different contractors because prices can vary. You will be likely to save some cash if you take the time to call around before you decide. Ideally, five or six contractors should be called so you can get a good ball park figure of a reasonable rate.
Figure out which direction your home is facing so your HVAC system more efficient. The cooler your home already is, the fewer occasions you have to use your air conditioner.
Are you looking into getting a new heating/cooling system? There are some things to consider. Systems have ratings according to the total area they effectively heat or cool. Be sure to choose a slightly too large system over a too small of one.
Replace the air filter monthly to keep your HVAC system every month. It will improve the easiest way to take care of your unit.
If your system isn’t working as it should, test its ducts for leaks. Often, utility companies will test them free of charge. When these leaks are fixed, the testing will pay for itself in energy savings.
Pick an HVAC business that is fast and works quickly to solve the problem. The best companies keep the technicians working honestly and on schedule. A knowledgeable technician will also have no problem diagnosing any potential faults with your HVAC unit quickly. After diagnosis, they resolve issues swiftly.
Which way does your home face? Trees placed in the right places can keep the sun from heating your home too much. The less heat inside the house, the less time that the AC has to work.
If you’re stuck with putting it in a corner, ensure that the air is not directed towards a wall.
Pick an HVAC business that understands the unit and works quickly to solve the problem. Companies who understand their customers are important often require their workers to follow a schedule and show up to all appointments. Good technicians are also able to diagnose issues quickly. After they see what the problem is, they should be able to get the work done quickly for your sake.
Always get some references when you are considering a HVAC contractor.
Consider what potential direction your air conditioner’s flow will have when choosing where to put it. If it has to be placed in a corner, make sure your unit permits airflow to be redirected.
There are dishonest contractors that will try to overcharge you. Having a solid written contract can help to avoid any issues like that.
Any HVAC contractor you hire should have a 24-hour emergency hotline. They need to be able to come to you when they are needed, even if when the weather gets to be extreme.
Cover your condenser in the winter time. This simple cover keeps the condenser operating longer if it is protected when not in use. Use the fan setting only to avoid straining the condenser unit.
Check in on the contractor’s references. Often people skip this step, but it is important to follow through and check references. It just takes a couple minutes to check them out.
Always follow up on any references that are given to you by an HVAC contractor.
Buy an Energy Star HVAC unit to save money. These are more efficient than other units. The EPA regulates the guidelines for the star. The EPA, or Environmental Protection Agency, is who governs Energy Star units. By taking the extra time to look into this information could help with long-term energy and money savings.
Consider a programmable thermostat installed.This lowers your system some downtime while you are warm in your bed.
Use a contractor that makes use of Energy Star products. Energy Star items meet the efficiency guidelines set by the EPA. The Energy Star label is one way for consumers to be certain that their HVAC system and those who work on it comply with standards outlined by the EPA.
Clearly, some ways exist to aid you in dealing with contractors and HVAC units. You want to make sure this unit is installed, maintained and works as it should. Using these tips will ensure your comfort for many years to come.
Make sure your HVAC heating ducts are cleaned periodically so your system remains efficient and the air remains clean and fresh. Examine the ducts on a regular basis to ensure they are in good working order. Damaged ducts waste warm air, increasing the cost of heating.
