A properly running HVAC system is important for your home. A lot of people spend quite a bit to fix things when they don’t work right, but could have avoided such issues if they had maintained them properly. The tips below will help you need to know about HVAC systems.
Before calling anyone to repair your system, know what system you have. Know the model and brand and find it’s maintenance history, if possible. 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 let you know that you’re able to give your chosen contractor any information they might need.
Before you choose an HVAC contractor, have an idea in your mind of what needs to be done. Discussing the problem is simplified if you understand what has happened with the unit. Being unable to explain what has been already done will make it even harder. Understand this information beforehand.
Know what work you need before you hire a contractor. It will be hard for an HVAC contractor to provide you a price estimate on the phone if they have not seen your current setup is. It will be more difficult for him to assist you can’t figure out what they need to do.
Regularly remove debris from outside condenser units. The dirt could pile up and harm your system. The whole thing can overheat, causing major problems and possibly an enormous expense for you.
Turn it off so nothing moves.Then, pop off its grills, pull the blades out, and gently clean them as well as the unit itself.
A big mistake that people make is cutting the grass next to the outdoor condenser unit and allowing all of the clippings to blow inside the fan and coil. Direct the grass clippings in a direction away from the HVAC unit. This also applies to blowing leaves or moving debris. Just be careful with that exterior HVAC unit.
Don’t get grass clippings on your outdoor condenser. Aim the grass cuttings in a different direction away from the unit. This applies when you are taking care of the leaves in debris.
As the leaves are falling off the trees, your HVAC system can really take a hit. Clean outdoor units often to remove leaves. A blocked unit can quickly become a broken unit.
Your outdoor HVAC unit may suffer when trees start to lose their leaves. Make sure the fan’s grill often during the fall. The fan must stay clear in order to function, and if it becomes blocked, then your system could suffer.
Lubricate the oil ports on your condenser once each year. You can find these ports covered with rubber or metal caps. Chose SAE 20 oil, which has been proven to be the most effective.
Put outdoor condensers in the shade if you are installing them.
It’s a good idea to put your outdoor compressor in a shady area. The unit will operate more efficiently to cool your home if the intake air is cooler to begin with.
It is always a good idea to replace single-paned windows with ones that have double panes. This also helps retain heated air during the winter.
Be sure you have the HVAC unit in your home checked about two times every year. Most homeowners choose to have their unit inspected during the spring and the fall months. This helps prepare for the coming weather changes of summer and winter. Regular inspection will help you avoid unexpected repairs.
During this service visit, the system motor will be inspected, oil the different moving parts as well as check the system’s freon levels. These few simple tasks will help your HVAC system to run at its peak performance.
Update the windows in your home to double-paned if you own it. Double pane windows will help keep your home cooler in the summer. Your home will also stay warmer in the winter.
Don’t ever let your home to become dangerously hot. An AC unit will reduce the temperature by twenty degrees in a fair time. If your home happens to get near 100 degrees Fahrenheit, it will only cool off to about 80F. This won’t be a safe and comfortable temperature for you to sleep in.
Never allow the temperature in your home to rise to a dangerously high level. Air conditioners can cool a home by just twenty degrees in a short time. If the temperature in your home rises to 100 degrees F or higher, cooling it will only drop the temperature to 80 degrees F. This can still be way too warm for you.
Research and check the companies before hiring them. Check with the BBB and look for reviews as well. These steps will help make a better decision.
Research and check the reputation of companies before hiring them. Inquiring with the Better Business Bureau is always a good idea, as is looking for online review sites where previous customers can post their experiences. Doing this makes it more likely that you choose wisely..
Air conditioners tend to ice up.The drain line might also freeze up.If this happens, put the fan on to shut the compressor off. If this doesn’t work, call in help.
Consider how long a given HVAC company has been in existence before giving them your business. You are more likely to get good service this way. Hiring a newer contractor may be taking a considerable risk.
Ask for helpful information when you can find a reputable HVAC contractor. People who have had quality work done are often happy to share the name of their contractor. This can also help you to figure out some names of businesses that you should avoid.
When you need an HVAC contractor, obtain recommendations from friends and family members. People will tell you who they have used and if they are worth calling. This is an excellent way to find which companies to stay away from.
There are plenty of online websites that give people the opportunity to leave comments about how they were treated by services. This method provides you with those you don’t want to work with.
Install a radiant barrier in your attic to boost HVAC efficiency. It will block the heat and lower the energy necessary to keep your home cool in the summertime. If it’s done right, the attic can become another useful living space.
Costly Repairs
If you current HVAC doesn’t work that well, try testing ducts for leaks. You can call a utility company in your area to help you with testing, and that doesn’t cost much or nothing at all usually. If a leak is found, the money spent on finding and repairing the leak will pay for itself.
Your HVAC is what keeps your family comfortable and happy. The advice you have just been given should help you save money on costly repairs. Make certain the you pay attention to your unit and address small problems before they become large and costly repairs.
If you would like your HVAC unit to be more efficient, simply look at where the front of your home faces. Strategically placed trees can block sunlight and help keep the home cooler without the use of an AC unit. The less your home is heated, the less you’ll have to use your air conditioner to cool things off.
