You may think that HVAC is really complex. This is because there is a lot that goes into these things.
Always make sure you are up-to-date about your HVAC unit. Know what the manufacturer’s name is, which particular model you have and what’s gone on with the unit in the past. This will enable you to give your chosen contractor any information they might need.
Know what type of system before looking for a repair person. This makes sure the contractor has the information they will need.
Check the whole house before you call for help. Note which of your rooms are hot and which are cold. This will allow a contractor to quickly figure out what the issue is and how it can be fixed fast.
Before an HVAC expert comes to your home to do any repair work, do a short tour of the entire home. This will help the repairman determine where the problem is.
Before choosing a HVAC company find out what the company offers. A contractor cannot give an accurate estimate without looking at your system. It can be harder if you don’t know what’s wrong. Make an effort to gather all information you need before making the phone call.
Clean your condenser’s fan and coils each spring to ensure that your condenser fan operates at it’s best.Clean the outdoor condenser unit regularly.
Clean the coils on the condenser fan from time to time. First, make sure the power is off to ensure nothing moves while you are working. Next, remove the grill, take the blades and clean them gently, then clean the actual unit.
Be sure to clean debris from external condenser units regularly. You never know when things can pile up, like right after it’s windy or rains, and that can ruin your system. It can cause your unit.
Your HVAC unit may suffer when trees start to lose their leaves. When you see nearby trees shedding their leaves, clean the fan grill on your unit constantly. When blockages restrict the flow of air to the fan, you could end up with serious issues on your hands.
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.
Lubricate your condenser yearly if it has oil ports. A rubber or metal cap is typically placed over such ports. Put about ten drops or less of a good non-detergent SAE 20 oil into each port.
Your HVAC unit may suffer when your trees start to lose their leaves. Make sure the fan’s grill is cleaned frequently when the fall. The fan needs to have an unobstructed path for air to enter the unit, and if it becomes blocked, you’ll have a lot of headaches eventually.
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.
Turn off outdoor condensers you have when weather turns cold. This means that you should turn it off to prevent damage if the temperature drops below 60ºF to avoid damage. This can keep your unit is working well throughout the years without the cost of repairs.
If you want things to be more efficient, get new units outside or have your current one moved into the shade. If the air your machine draws in is already cooler, it will require less energy to regulate before it’s filtered into your home.
A programmable thermostat can help save money on your air conditioning costs. Some programmable thermostats can even be controlled from your smart phone or other device.
Consumers are usually advised to have their HVAC systems inspected twice a year. Ideally, you should have it looked at in the spring and fall so you know everything is set for the hot and cold months. Even if everything seems fine, check things out to find potential problems.
During the service check, the serviceman will inspect the unit’s motor, the moving parts will be oiled and the freon levels will be checked These simple things will help keep your system to run at its peak performance.
If you are a homeowner, or if you can get permission from your landlord, install double-paned windows in place of any single panes in your home. Double pane windows can help minimize how much you use your air conditioner in the summer, because they keep cool air inside the home. Likewise, in the winter more hot air stays inside during the cold season.
Research the reputation of companies that you consider using. Check with the BBB and look for your situation. These simple steps will help to ensure your decision is a better decision.
Try to have your HVAC system looked at every year, because regular maintenance will go a long way in energy efficiency. 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.
Companies that are well established have track records typically provide better service. It is riskier to hire a contractor with little experience.
Do not allow your home to reach excessive levels of heat during the summer. Air conditioners can only really cool your home down 20 degrees or so within a reasonable time period. If your house’s interior temperature hits 100 degrees Fahrenheit, you would only be able to cool it down just above 80 degrees. Depending on the humidity level, this temperature isn’t considered a safe sleeping temperature for the human body to be able to recover from the summer heat.
Ask your friends and trust for their HVAC contractor recommendations. People who they have had a good experience are often happy to share the name of their contractor. This will also help you should avoid hiring.
Make certain you properly investigate any company prior to hiring them. You may also want to check with the BBB for information. In this way, you can be more sure of getting a good HVAC company.
Contractors determine their own fee levels, so make sure that you acquire multiple estimates. You can save tons of money if you make several calls prior to reaching a final decision. You want to call at least a handful of contractors to find out what reasonable rates are.
It is possible for air conditioners to ice over. The drain line may also freeze up. If this is something that’s happening to you, change the setting on your thermostat to the fan setting and this will disable the compressor. 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.
Think about having a radiant barrier installed in your attic so your HVAC system can run better. It will make sure you won’t have to use more energy to keep your home cool when it’s hot outside. You could even find that you can use your attic space if it is done right.
Check out how long the HVAV contractor you are considering has been in business. Firms that have been in business for a long time are easier to assess. Taking risks is not something that you want to do in this area.
Do you want to find a new HVAC system? You will need to think about a few things into account. Systems get rated according to the total area they effectively cool and heat. You are better off purchasing a unit rather than purchasing one that is a bit too small.
The Internet can really help you out when it comes to finding someone to work on your HVAC unit. There are many sites that other customers can place their reviews. This is useful for finding people that you wish to work with and those that you don’t.
Now you know all about the HVAC system. It’s really hard to get started with it unless you get motivated, so be sure that you take these things into account before you get started. When it all comes together, you will be thrilled.
If you current HVAC doesn’t work that well, try testing ducts for leaks. Your utility company will usually test the unit for free or for a small fee. This testing can have large financial benefits.
