Anyone that uses HVAC system in a house knows how it important it is to have it properly maintained. An HVAC unit operating at minimum efficiency is costing money on pricey repairs. This article offers you tips to keep your HVAC unit in tip top shape.
Know what type of system you currently have before calling someone to fix it. Know the brand name and model number. It is also helpful to have the maintenance history. This will let you know that you’re able to give the contractor the information that can help them.
If you are having issues with your HVAC, take a tour of the house prior to calling a professional. This will help the contractor determine what the problem is and how to fix it.
Before you choose an HVAC contractor, have an idea in your mind of what needs to be done. You can’t get a decent estimate over a telephone, so disregard those numbers and wait until they view your system. In addition, you need to be able to tell the contractor what you have already tried. So, know this information in advance.
Clean any debris that accumulates on an external condenser units. Debris can pile up at rates that increase during rainy or windy weather, bringing potential damage with it. It can also cause the unit to overheat and break down.
By the end of spring, the fan blades and coils of your condenser should be thoroughly cleaned, so operation can proceed with greater efficiency. If you are doing more than a light surface cleaning, make sure that the power is shut off to the HVAC unit. Also, make sure you remove any debris or leaves from the condenser unit outside.
Turn the power off so you don’t get hurt or break something. Next, pop the grill off, pull out the blades and start cleaning them and the unit itself off gently.
If there are condenser units as part of your HVAC system, clean them often as they tend to have lots of debris. Things pile up after storms and damage your system. It may begin to overheat, causing massive damage.
Sae 20 Oil
Don’t let your outdoor HVAC units get smothered with clippings anytime you mow the yard. Try shooting the clippings away from it. This also applies when you blow leaves, so be very careful near your exterior HVAC units when you move debris.
Lubricate your condenser once each year. You can easily find the ports covered with rubber or metal caps. Use SAE 20 oil that is non-detergent and lightweight, detergent-free SAE 20 oil, putting 10 drops in each port.
If you want to know where you should put an outdoor compressor, you should place it somewhere where there is a lot of shade. When your unit is bringing in cool air, it will not have to work as hard to cool the air as it moves it inside, boosting efficiency.
Put your outdoor condensers in the shade.
It is very important that your HVAC system is serviced two times a year. Your system should be inspected in Spring and Fall. This type if preventative maintenance is highly necessary to ward off any expensive troubles from coming your way.
Turn off your outdoor condensers you have when it becomes cold out. This means that you should be done when the weather falls under 60 degrees Farenheit. This can keep your unit is working for years and save you a lot on repairs.
Once it gets cold outside, you should turn off the outdoor condenser unit. The unit will become damaged if you do not take care of it. This simple tip will help keep the system running efficiently for many years to come.
It is a good idea to swap out single pane windows with ones that have double panes. This same effect also helps retain heated air in during the colder months.
If you can, install double-paned windows throughout your home. During the summer, the use of double-pane windows will help keep the cool air locked inside of the home. Conversely, they keep warm air in during the winter.
A programmable thermostat is a simple way to help you save money on your air conditioning costs. Some can even be controlled from a PC or other device.
Make sure to have your unit serviced once a year. Make sure the person takes a look at the motor and examines the levels of freon. Small problems can occur in any of these areas and lead to serious issues if ignored for too long.
When they visit to service the unit they’re going to inspect the motors, expect inspections of freon levels and the motor, and see how much freon is in your system. These few simple things will help your system running smoothly.
If there isn’t anyone at home, then there’s no need for the AC unit to be running and wasting electricity. When you turn it off, the house heats up, but only to a certain threshold. The unit will use a large amount of electricity to combat the heat during the day when the house is empty.
Research the companies before hiring them. Check them out at the best one for reviews posted by former customers. This can help you make the best choice.
Did you know an AC unit can freeze? There are also occasional freezes in the drain line, which are often confused for plumbing leaks. If you see this, immediately put your thermostat on the fan setting to turn off your compressor. You can call a HVAC professional, but switching to the fan will make the ice melt.
Air conditioners sometimes ice up at times. The drain line might also freeze up.If this is something you notice, put the fan on to shut the compressor off. You should call a pro to fix this problem, but switching to the fan setting should start to melt the ice.
Check the Internet for reviews on those who fix or install HVAC systems. Many online sites permit customers to let others know about their experiences with various services and contractors. This will help you to sort out the good from the bad.
Look for calculators online to truly understand what size of unit is necessary for your home. Look in the manual to determine the recommended size for this information.
Make sure that your ducts are not leaking. Often your utility company is willing to test this for you, and it may be free or lower in cost than you would get with a contractor. Paying for the test is fine as repairing the leaks will pay for itself quickly.
Companies with proven track record that you can use to decide if they are worth the time and money. It is always risky to hire someone who does not have a contractor with little experience.
If you would like your HVAC unit to be more efficient, simply look at where the front of your home faces. If you have trees placed in strategic areas, you can block the sunlight in the morning. You will reduce the need for AC when your home is naturally cooler.
Ask for helpful information when you can find a reputable HVAC contractor. People that have gotten great work done are usually more than willing to share this information. This will also a great way to get names of companies to stay away from.
In terms of regular maintenance, you should be able to replace your HVAC air filter every month . It will improve the efficiency of your unit. Filters are inexpensive, so there is no excuse for not doing it.
Contractors charge different rates, so make sure to get multiple quotes. You can save tons of money by asking for price quotes. You want to get quotes from at least five contractors to determine what you should be paying.
Always find out how much experience a contractor has in the business. You need to verify they have the type of experience needed to work on your particular system. Though it is possible that a newer contractor will be just fine, you may not want to take the risk.
Check for duct leaks if you you feel your unit seems to not be working efficiently. When you get leaks repaired, the testing has paid for itself.
Check in on the references for your contractor. Previous customers can provide information about timeliness of job completion and if the contractor stayed within their budget. References ensure you don’t end up with a scammer.
Pick out an HVAC business that understands the unit and knows what to do. The most reliable companies make sure their technicians stay on schedule. A licensed technician should also have no problem diagnosing any problems with your HVAC. Once the technician figures out what’s wrong, they should also know how to get them resolved efficiently and quickly.
Find an HVAC contractor that can be contacted 24 hours a day, in case of an emergency. You should have the ability to get them out to your home, whether it is the midst of a horrible heat wave or a snow storm.
Any HVAC contractor or installer should have a 24-hour emergency hotline. They should be able to get to your home whenever you need them there, whether during a heatwave or a terrible snowstorm.
Any contractor that is giving you a quote should do a calculation on heat-loss. This determines the BTU your system has to be. This number comes after examining the windows and doors where heat and escape.
Since the article above will help you understand how to keep your HVAC properly maintained, it should run perfectly for years. You don’t want a faulty HVAC since it can cost you lots of extra cash for maintenance and large bills. Keep these tips in mind as you strive to keep your HVAC unit in the best shape possible.
Energy Star units are the best choice when purchasing a new unit. If it has Energy Star logo, you can be sure that it has met the energy efficiency standards required by the EPA. This will help you to save money on utility bills.
