You might not pay attention to your HVAC system in the home until it isn’t working It can be hard to get a repairman to fix your system correctly. The tips here will ensure you do that and much more!
Before you call someone to help you fix your system, be sure to know what sort of system you have in place. You need to know who manufactured the product and the item number. Also, get the maintenance records from your files if you have them. This will give contractor’s a better idea of what to expect before they show up, which will help things go more smoothly on arrival.
Know what type of your HVAC system before calling someone to fix it. This will enable you to give your chosen contractor asks for this information.
Each spring, clean the fan blades and coils on your condenser. Turn it off first so you don’t get hurt or break something. Then, take off the grill and get the blades out. Clean everything with care.
Know what work you need before you select an HVAC contractor.A contractor will be hard pressed to provide you with an accurate estimate if unfamiliar with your system. It will be more difficult for him to assist you can’t figure out what they need to do.
When you cut the grass, don’t cover the outdoor units with their clippings. When you work with your lawn mower, make sure it spits the grass to the side opposite of your unit. The same should happen if you are blowing leaves, so be especially careful when you are going by your exterior HVAC devices whenever you are moving debris.
Turn it off so you don’t get hurt or break something. Then, take the grill off, pull the blades out, and begin cleaning the unit and them gently.
As the leaves are falling off the trees, your HVAC system can really take a hit. Whenever leaves are falling, consistently clean the fan grill. Because the fan requires a clear path for air to enter, you may encounter issues with your system if the fan gets blocked up.
Grass Clippings
If the condenser fan has oil parts, then you need to lubricate it at least once per year. You will see rubber or metal caps covering the ports. Use SAE 20 oil that is lightweight and detergent free, and put ten drops or fewer into each one. Make sure not to overfill them.
Don’t get grass clippings pile up against your outdoor condenser. Aim your grass clippings in the other direction. This also applies when you are taking care of the leaves in debris.
Be sure to have twice annual HVAC system checks. 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. You should have it looked at even if no problems are occurring; there could still be a problem or potential problem.
Your outdoor HVAC units might suffer when your trees start to lose their leaves. Make sure the fan’s grill is cleaned frequently when the leaves begin to fall. The fan must stay clear in order to function, and if it gets blocked, you will end up with many headaches with the unit.
If you can, use double-paned windows instead of single-paned ones. Double pane windows can help minimize how much you use your air conditioner in the summer, because they keep cool air inside the home. Conversely, this also works to keep warm air in during colder months.
Lubricate your fan condenser once a year. You can easily find these ports covered with rubber or metal cap. Use SAE 20 oil that is non-detergent and lightweight, detergent-free SAE 20 oil, putting 10 drops in each port.
Getting a programmable thermostats can be a terrific way to realize savings. A programmable thermostat can save you up to ten percent on your cooling and heating costs by simply turning the thermostat back ten to fifteen percent for eight hours a day. In addition, some models make things really easy on you, allowing you to adjust them from the computer.
Be sure to have the HVAC unit in your home checked about two times every year. This should be checked often for debris and again in the spring.
Get your HVAC unit serviced yearly. The service will include motor inspection, oiling of moving parts, and a freon level check. These simple things will keep your system running at peak performance.
It is always a good idea to replace single-paned windows with ones that have double pane ones. This same effect also keeps warm in during the winter.
Don’t let your home get overly hot. Air conditioners really can only cool a home down about 20 degrees Fahrenheit within a reasonable amount of time. If you have your home at above 100 degrees then you can only get it to about 80 or above. With high humidity, this is an unsafe temperature even for sleeping.
During the service check, the system motor will be inspected, oil the moving parts and check the freon levels in the system. These repairs will help keep your system.
Occasionally, ice will form on your AC. Freezing drain lines are also possible and can be mistaken for leaks. Use the fan-only setting to allow the system time to thaw. It is best to call a professional in to fix this particular issue, even though the switch to fan setting should cause the ice to start melting.
Research the reputation of companies before hiring them.Check with the best one for your situation. These steps can help to ensure your decision is a wise one.
Before you hire any HVAC companies, find out how the amount of time they’ve been in business. Obviously, a company with a longer history and a positive reputation is the better choice. It is riskier to hire someone who does not have a long history.
Air conditioners tend to ice up.The drain line may also freeze over. If this is something that’s happening to you, disable the compressor by turning your thermostat to the fan only setting. You should call a pro to fix this problem, but switching to the fan setting should start to melt the ice.
Ask friends and family for contractor recommendations. People who have had a good experience are often happy to share the name of their contractor. You will also find out who NOT to use!
Look for air conditioner sizing 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 this information.
All contractors charge differently for their services, so get at least four or five quotes before hiring a particular person. This can help you to save money by knowing what people are charging. Ideally, you should call five to six contractors to get a good idea of what a reasonable rate is.
Companies that are well established have a better record than those that haven’t been. Hiring a contractor comes with an element of risk.
Put a radiant barrier in your attic and what your HVAC performance improve. This mechanism will prevent outside heat from coming in, reducing your energy consumption when cooling. You may even find that you can use the attic space more effectively.
Hopefully, you now understand more about HVAC systems in general. Whenever you need work done on your unit, or need to have the entire system replaced, you now know the best way to handle the situation. Always remember these tips and they’ll continue to serve their purpose in your future.
Check the ducts to find any leaks if you you feel your existing system is not up to snuff. This is a job your local utility provider may do for you inexpensively or even free of charge. This testing can have large financial benefits.
