A quality HVAC system is important for an enjoyable home. If an HVAC system should fail, it can be very frustrating. Learning how to maintain your HVAC system begins with the tips below.
If you’ve been having trouble with an HVAC system, look around your home before calling in people to help. You will be looking to see which of your rooms feel hotter or colder than they should be. That way, the contractor will have an easier time diagnosing the problem and repairing it fast.
Clean your condenser’s fan and coils each spring to ensure that your condenser fan operates at it’s best.Clean the outside of your external condenser unit.
Understand what you want before talking to a contractor. It will be difficult for an HVAC contractor to provide you with an estimate on the phone without knowing what your current setup is. It’s even harder if you’re not able to explain what you’ve done. Know this stuff ahead of time.
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 throw a wrench in your system. It can also cause your system to malfunction by overheating.
Be sure to regularly clean debris from external condenser units. Things tend to pile up around these units, especially after storms come through, which could cause problems to your system. It can get overheated, which will cause problems with the whole system.
Turn it off so you don’t get hurt or break something. Then, pop off its grills, pull the blades out, and gently clean them as well as the unit itself.
Make sure clippings don’t get on your outdoor units when your mowing your lawn. Make sure the grass does not get in your unit. This also applies to blowing leaves or moving debris. Just be careful with that exterior HVAC unit.
Don’t let grass clippings on your outside unit. Direct the clippings in a direction away from the equipment. This also applies to leaf blowing and any other yard work that results in the yard.
Try to prevent debris from getting in your HVAC unit. Cleaning your unit is very important for its effectiveness. When the fan becomes obstructed, you will lose out on quality air.
10 Drops
If the fan on your condenser includes oil ports, they must be lubricated annually. You will see rubber or metal caps covering the ports. Use a lightweight oil and do not overfill them.
Lubricate the oil ports on your fan condenser once each year. You will notice these ports covered with rubber or metal caps. Use SAE 20 oil that is non-detergent and lightweight, and put 10 drops or fewer in each port, putting 10 drops in each port.
You want to put the outdoor compressor device in a shaded area. Your unit won’t have to work as hard to cool the inside air if the outside air it sucks from is cooler.
Put outdoor units in the shade.
Turn off your outdoor condenser when it’s getting cold. If the temperature outside is less than 60ºF, be sure to turn off the unit so that you don’t damage it. This simple tip will help keep the system running efficiently for many years to come.
Turn off outdoor condensers you have when weather turns cold. This should turn it off to prevent damage if the temperature drops below 60ºF to avoid damage. This can keep your system running efficiently for many years to come.
Replace single pane windows by installing double pane, if possible. To keep your home cool, investing in double pane windows is a must. This will also help you keep in heat when it gets cold.
It is a good idea to replace single-paned windows for double panes. This will also helps keep it warm in heat when it gets cold.
Installing a programmable digital thermostat can help save money. It will help save on your heating and cooling costs by turning itself down at certain times. Some newer programmable thermostats have computerized controls you can access from your personal computer, laptop or mobile media device.
During the visit, the contractor will oil parts, oil the different moving parts as well as check the system’s freon levels. These repairs will keep your system running at peak performance.
Don’t ever let your home temperature get dangerously high. Your average AC unit can only reduce the temperature in your home by about 20 degrees in a normal span of time. Assuming the temperature in your home rises to a hundred degrees, you will only be able to reduce that by twenty degrees. If humidity is high, this temp is still unsafe for people.
Research and check the companies that you consider using. Check with the best one for your situation. This is what you to choose a contractor that is of high quality.
Make certain you properly investigate any company prior to hiring them. Check with the BBB (Better Business Bureau), and look them up on review sites online to see what previous customers have to say about their experience. This is what you have to do in order to make a smart decision.
Air conditioners tend to ice up.The drain line may also freeze over. If you notice this, put your thermostat over to fan. If the issue persists, call a professional.
You can get ice in your air conditioner. There are sometimes also freezes that happen in a drain line, and this can be confused for a plumbing leak. Change your thermostat in situations like this. Talk to a professional if you are unsure of how to do this.
Contractors are responsible for their own charges and fees, so make sure that you acquire multiple estimates. You can save tons of cash simply by asking for many quotes. You should try to contact 5 to 6 contractors to find out what reasonable rates are.
Make sure to make a well-informed decision on the size of your HVAC. If you get something that’s too big, it won’t work as well for you in the end. Look in the manual or on the manufacturer website for this information.
Think about getting a radiant barrier in your attic so your HVAC system. It will make sure you won’t have to use more energy to keep your home and the outside. You may even use your attic as part of your living space if it is done right.
Ask friends and family 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. You can also get company names that you should stay away from.
Are you considering purchasing a new heating/cooling system? There are a number of things you must consider first. Systems have ratings according to how large an area they can effectively cool and heat. You are wise to err on the side of a bigger unit that is slightly too large for your needs than purchasing one that is 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 method provides you with all the information you need to make the best hiring decisions.
Determine which way your home faces.The less heat inside the house, the less work your AC will have to do.
Determine the direction that your home faces. Trees block morning sunlight, stopping your home from getting too hot. The less heat in your home, the less time your air conditioner will have to work.
If your HVAC system is producing any type of clicking sounds, see if there is any debris in it. Often it is being caused by debris that’s hitting fans in your cooling system. Check this out before spending on a contractor.
Which way does the air come out of the air conditioner? If you have to put the unit in a corner, use one that doesn’t blow into the wall.
Make sure they have tight seals to keep air can’t seep in. You can also hire someone to test them all for you and often this testing is free.
When you get someone to work on your HVAC, make sure you know what the total cost includes. You might find that some contractors try to add hidden charges for odd items, such as materials and fuel. Make sure that you have an ironclad written contract to avoid these disasters.
Pick HVAC companies that understands the unit and can work quickly. The most reliable companies will ensure that their technicians stay on schedule and keep appointments. The technicians need to also be able to diagnose problems in your HVAC unit quickly. After they know what the problem is, they resolve issues swiftly.
When a quote is given, make sure to ask for a heat-loss calculation in addition to the price. This determines the amount of BTUs your system needs to make sure your home stays comfortable. Windows and doors need to be inspected for drafts, insulation checked for efficiency and the interior dimensions of the house should also be considered.
If you have to put the unit in a corner, get a unit that lets you direct air flow away from any walls.
Consider a programmable thermostat. 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.
Ask a contractor about their experience.You need to verify they have done the sort of experience needed to work you require.
Purchase an Energy Star HVAC unit. Qualified energy products such as these are efficient due to the fact that they must meet stringent guidelines. The units are evaluated by the United States. Environmental Protection Agency. Look into these and enjoy savings in the long run.
Some contractors attempt to overcharge you on material fees and fuel charges. Having a signed contract can help to avoid these types of issues.
Incredibly, two-thirds of homes have ducts that leak! 25% of your utility bill could be a result of such leaks. 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.
Cover your condenser when the winter time. This will ensure that your unit is sustained when not in use. Use the fan setting only to avoid putting strain on the condenser unit.
Seek out HVAC contractors that only use products that carry the Energy Star label. Products with the Energy Star symbol meet energy guidelines set by the EPA. The end result should be you seeing a money saved each year on your energy bills.
This information is used to determine the BTU your system requires to keep the environment of your home comfortable.
Make sure the HVAC company you contact gives you a written estimate. That is very important. A verifiable estimate is an important aspect of doing good business. This procedure helps to ensure you get the best service. Compare written estimates in terms of price, completion time, etc. Avoid hiring the lowest bidder, as this may be an indication of low quality work.
Clean your ducts on a regular basis. Look at the ducts to make sure they are in good shape. Ducts that are damaged can increase your heating because you have to pay more to keep the area warm.
Keep your condenser unit protected when it’s getting colder. This can be done by placing an insulating cover that’s thick over it.
Hvac System
Now that you have read the article, you should see how important it is to keep your HVAC system in good working order. Only bad things happen when you fail to perform routine inspections. Thankfully, you came across this article, and you now have great tips to follow to help ensure that your HVAC system has the right kind of air coming out.
