Having a great HVAC system that works well can be enjoyable in the 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. Jot down the rooms that are hot and the ones that are cold. Give this information to your contractor when they arrive.
If your HVAC system us giving you issues, check out each room in your house before calling for assistance. This will help the repairman determine where the problem is.
Clean the condenser coils and fan at the beginning of the year to help the unit run efficiently. Always shut off all power to your unit for any work beyond superficial cleaning. Clean the outside of your condenser unit regularly.
Clean your fan blades and coils come spring. Clean the outside of your external condenser unit regularly.
Each spring it’s time to clean the inside of your condenser unit, including the fan and the sensitive coil. Be sure to turn the power off first; you don’t want anything to move. Pull out each of the blades and clean them one by one.
Turn the power 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.
When you’re trying to cut your grass, don’t cover a unit outside with the clippings. Direct the clippings away from the equipment. This also applies when you blow leaves, so be very careful near your exterior HVAC units when you move debris.
Your HVAC system could suffer when trees lose leaves. Make sure the unit’s fan grill is cleaned often during the fall. The fan needs to have an unobstructed path for air to enter the unit, and if debris is blocking this air flow, you will have to contend with problems.
Check to determine if the fan condenser on your HVAC system is equipped with oil ports, and if it is, be sure to lubricate every year. These ports are typically covered with caps made of metal or rubber. 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.
Turn off outdoor condenser units when it becomes cold out. This should be done when the weather falls under 60 degrees Farenheit.This simple tip will help keep the system working for many years to come.
Be sure to have twice annual HVAC system checks. This should be done in Fall and Spring to prepare it for the extreme months. Even if you don’t think anything’s wrong, it’s still worth an inspection.
It is a good idea to swap out single pane windows for double panes. This also helps retain heated air during the winter.
Condenser units for the outdoors should be shut off when it starts to get cold outside. To prevent damage, turn off your unit if the outside temperature is less than 60 degrees. This helps your system remain in good working order.
Research and check the reputation of companies that you consider using. Check with different references to determine the BBB and look for reviews posted by former customers. These simple steps are going to help make a wise one.
Installing double paned windows can save a lot of money over single panes, so upgrade if you are able. In warmer months, these windows will help to maintain the cooler inside temperature. Likewise, in the winter more hot air stays inside during the cold season.
Look for calculators online to help you determine the size of unit is necessary for your home. Look at the manual to determine the manufacturer website for this information.
If nobody is home, turn off the air conditioner to save money. Even though the house will get hotter, it won’t get too bad if the unit is off. Leaving it on for the entire day means that it is struggling to keep things cool, something that takes lots of energy.
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 may want to get quotes from at least a handful of contractors to determine what you should be paying.
Don’t let your home get too hot. Air conditioners can only really cool your home down 20 degrees or so within a reasonable time period. If the temperature in your home reaches 100 degree Fahrenheit, it will only reduce it to 80 or more. This isn’t a very safe condition for a homeowner to sleep in, especially when the humidity levels are considered.
Think about having a radiant barrier in your attic so your HVAC system can run better. It blocks outside heat from coming in which will serve as a barrier between your home cool when it’s hot outside. You could even find that you can use the attic space if it is done right.
Research the companies that you consider using. You may also want to check with the BBB for information. This can help you make the right choice.
Are you looking at purchasing a new heating and cooling system? You could keep a few important things. Systems have a rating based on how effectively they can cool or heat an area well. You are wise to err on the side of a unit rather than purchasing one that is a bit too small.
Check the Internet for reviews on those who fix or install HVAC systems. There are now different online sites that let customers share their service experiences. This will make it easier for you to find the right contractor.
Check the ducts to find any leaks if you you feel your unit seems to not up to snuff. When you get leaks repaired, you’ll find that the testing paid for itself.
Think about getting a radiant barrier in your attic so your HVAC system can run better. It blocks the heat from inside, reducing how much energy you need to cool down your home during summer. If you install the unit properly, you can even begin to use the attic as a bedroom as it will be so comfortable!
Make sure they are tightly sealed so air inside. A professional can also test these for you for free.
Are you looking into getting a new heating/cooling system? You probably have many options available to you. Systems have a rating based on how well the system is able to cool or heat an area well. It is probably wiser to purchase a system that is slightly larger than what you think you need rather than one that is smaller.
Measure the area you wish to cool before going air conditioner shopping. You can usually substitute 20 BTU per square footage of the room. If you are cooling more than one room, combine all the square footage.
Be sure to test for leaks in the ducts if your system seems inefficient. The local utility company may be able to do this for you at a cost lower than what a contractor would charge you. The testing will pay for itself once you find and repair the leaks.
Pick HVAC companies that know what they’re doing and works quickly to solve the problem. The most reliable companies make sure their technicians will always be on schedule and keep appointments. A knowledgeable technician will also have no problem diagnosing any problems with your HVAC unit quickly. After a quick diagnosis, they should then know how to deal with the problem.
Determine the direction your home is facing to help get your HVAC system functioning efficiently. If you have trees placed in strategic areas, you can block the sunlight in the morning. If there is less heat in the home from sunlight, then the HVAC will require less work to actually cool the home.
Now that you’re done reading this article, you understand how important it is to have a properly maintained HVAC system. You can be in a lot of trouble if you have a poor running HVAC. Fortunately, this article has given you the foundation you need.
To run your HVAC at full efficiency, you must have efficient doors and windows in place as well. Make sure seals are tight to avoid exterior air seeping in and interior air seeping out. Testing for energy efficiency may be free, if you are interested in hiring a professional to find out.
