Having a solid HVAC system helps keep your home remain comfortable regardless of the weather outside. Lots of houses have these built in, they sometimes need to be replaced or have additions added after some time.Understanding what to look for in an HVAC system can really help you out when it comes to repairs.
Before you call someone to help you fix your system, be sure to know what sort of system you have in place. Write down the make, model, and any maintenance history. Then, you’ll be ready to tell the contractor what they need to know.
Know the name and type of system before looking for a repair person. This will be helpful to any contractor asks for this information.
Keep outside condenser fans running smoothly by cleaning fan blades and coils before the summer begins. Turn off your power before doing any job like this. Clean the outside of your condenser unit regularly.
Clean any debris that accumulates on your condenser units. You never know when things can pile up, especially after a windy or rainy storm, and that can ruin your system. It can cause your unit.
Be sure to clean the fan blades and coils of the condenser fan. Before you get started, cut the power. Next, remove the grill, take the blades and clean them gently, then clean the actual unit.
Don’t let grass clippings on your outdoor condenser.Aim the grass in a different direction away from your unit. This also applies when you are taking care of the leaves in the yard.
Keep your outdoor units free of debris when your cutting grass. Try shooting the clippings away from it. The same goes for when you blow leaves, so make sure your are careful when moving any debris in the vicinity of your HVAC devices.
Be sure you have the HVAC system checks. This should be done in the fall and the spring.
Your outdoor HVAC units might suffer when your trees lose leaves. Make sure the fan’s grill is cleaned often during the fall. The air needs to be unobstructed into the fan, and any blockages create performance issues for the whole system.
Turn off any outdoor condenser units when the weather turns cold. This means that you should be done when the temperature drops below 60ºF to avoid damage. This will help keep the system running efficiently for many years to come.
If you have a fan condenser with oil ports, it needs to be lubricated every year. You’ll see that the ports here are closed with a rubber or metal cap. Buy an SAE 20 product that is lightweight, and then put no more than ten drops into the ports.
A programmable thermostat can help you save money on your air conditioning costs. Some of these thermostats can even be controlled from your smart phone or other device.
When the weather starts to cool down, make sure you turn off outdoor condenser units. When the temperature drops beneath 60 degrees, it’s time to cut off the unit to prevent damage. This will help keep it in good condition for many years.
During the service check, the system motor will be inspected, inspect the motor and the freon levels. This will keep your system performing at maximum efficiency.
Double pane your windows to prevent drafts. Having double pane windows allows your air conditioning unit to be run much less during the summer, because the cool air is kept inside the home. This same effect also keeps warm air in during the winter months.
Don’t let your house get way too hot to where it’s dangerous. Air conditioners cannot sufficiently cool a home down a home by 20 degrees. If the temperature in your home rises above 100 degrees, you’ll only cool down to still above 80. This won’t be a safe and comfortable temperature for you to sleep in.
Having a programmable thermostat installed is a money saving idea. These convenient thermostats may shave ten percent or more off of your bills, because they significantly cut energy use when you’re not around. There are also some programmable thermostats that can be controlled with a computer or other web-connected advice.
Air conditioners sometimes ice up at times. The drain line may also freeze over. If this is something that’s happening to you, switch your thermostat to fan only to disable the compressor. You should leave the repair to a professional, but switching to the fan will make the ice melt.
Make certain you properly investigate any company prior to hiring them. Check out the online reviews, and run a quick search on the BBB website to make sure they have been good to past customers. This is what you have to do in order to make a smart decision.
Look for calculators online to help you determine the size of unit is necessary for your room or home. Look at the manual or on the recommended size for this information.
AC units will tend to get ice on them due to the cold. The drain line can freeze, making you think it’s a plumbing leak. Change your thermostat in situations like this. You can call a HVAC professional, but switching to the fan will make the ice melt.
Companies with proven track records that can help you decide if they’re worth your money and time. It is always risky to hire someone who does not have a contractor with little experience.
To know how large of an air conditioner you need, look for a calculator online. If you purchase something too large, you will be throwing away money. Look in the manual or on the manufacturer website for this information.
Ask your friends and relations for contractor recommendations. People who’ve had great service are usually willing to tell of their contractor. It’s also important to do this to learn which companies should avoid.
Make certain the HVAC company you choose has a proven track record. The older they are, the more likely it will be for you to find out their history, which will help you gauge their quality. Hiring an inexperienced contractor can be risky.
Contractors are responsible for their own charges and fees, so make sure that you acquire multiple estimates. You can save a lot of cash if you take the time to call around before you decide. You want to get quotes from at least a handful of contractors to determine what you should be paying.
Ask people that you know and trust for contractor recommendations. People who have been happy with work they have had done in the past are normally more than happy to recommend their contractors. This can also help you learn the names of those companies that you should avoid.
Think about getting a radiant barrier installed in your attic so support the efficient functioning of your HVAC system. It will make sure you won’t have to use more energy to keep your home cool when it’s hot outside. You could even find that you can use the attic as part of your living space if it is done right.
If you are a having trouble with your existing system, check for leaks in the ducts. You can call in your local utility company to do the testing for you, often for free or at a lower cost than a contractor. Once you fix the leaks, the savings will be more than worth the hassle.
Replace the air filter to keep your HVAC system every month. It will improve the easiest and cheapest way you can take care of your unit.
Your HVAC system will run more efficiently if your windows and doors are energy efficient. Make sure seals are tight to avoid exterior air seeping in and interior air seeping out. Have them inspected by a professional. This is often a free service.
Pick HVAC companies that understands the unit and works quickly to solve the problem.The best companies keep the technicians working honestly and on schedule. A knowledgeable technician will also easily diagnose any potential faults with your HVAC. After they figure out what is causing the problem, it’s just a matter of time before they have it back and running properly.
When determining which size of air conditioner to buy, first measure the area which needs to be cooled. You’ll need about 20 BTU per square foot of living space. Calculate the total square footage of all rooms if you will use the air conditioner to cool more than one room.
Ask any potential contractor about their experience prior to hiring them. You need to verify they have the sort of work you require.
When deciding where to place your AC, condition the direction of air flow. 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.
Any HVAC contractor or installer should have a 24-hour emergency number available to customers around the clock. They need to be able to come to you when they are needed, whether during a heatwave or a terrible snowstorm.
You should always ask a contractor a few simple questions before hiring them for a job, such as how long they’ve been working in this field. They should have a good history of working with HVAC units. While there is no guarantee a less experienced worker will not perform the job correctly, you don’t want to take any chances.
Cover your condenser in the weather becomes less than optimal. This helps the condenser last for a long time. Use the fan instead to avoid putting strain on the unit.
Always check out any references that are given to you by an HVAC contractor. People often assume references are legit when a contractor provides them, but that is not always true. Don’t hesitate to call on someone’s references.
These energy because they adhere to efficiency guidelines. These guidelines have been set up by the U.S. They are in charge of protecting the EPA for short.Taking the time to look into these units may help you get long-term savings on energy costs.
Ask if heat-loss calculation is included when an HVAC contractor is offering you an estimate. This factors in the amount of BTU your heating system will consume when regulating the temperature in your house. They should check the insulation, doors and windows and the space in your house.
You may be surprised that as many as two-thirds of all homes have ducts that are leaky. This alarming percentage is responsible for nearly one quarter of utility expense! Sealing the ducts is easy and cheap to do yourself, and it can significantly decrease your electrical bill yearly thereafter.
When your install or repair an HVAC system, find out about installing a thermostat that you can program. A programmable thermostat will save you tons on your power bills and even gives your system a chance to rest at night while everyone sleeps or is not at home.
Look for an HVAC contractor that use Energy Star equipment and products. This will ensure that is required by the EPA standards for efficiency. This can help you money on your energy bills during the year.
Choose a contractor who installs Energy Star units. If they have Energy Star logo, then you know that the product has met the standards set for energy efficiency set forth by the EPA. This can help you reduce your expenses throughout the year.
One of the best investments you can make is an HVAC system; it makes your home feel comfortable. The suggestions above should provide you with a good starting point for your consideration if you’re in the market to buy an HVAC system. You will make better decisions as a result.
Be sure to protect your condenser as the weather turns colder. Put a thick cover on the unit. Also, do not run the unit when temperatures are below 60 degrees.
