When HVAC is something you want to learn a little bit about, you need the right information. This article will lead you in the subject. Take the time to read carefully and you will do well.
What system do you have? You need this information to tell your contractor. Write down the brand and the model and have all maintenance records on hand. 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 system you currently have before looking for a repair person. This will help make sure that the new contractor you hire has all the necessary information.
Check the whole house before you call for help. Note which of your rooms are hot and which are cold. This will help the repairman determine what the problem is.
Clean your condenser’s fan and coils each spring to ensure that your condenser fan operates at it’s best.Clean the outside of your external condenser unit.
Every spring you should clean the coils and fan blades on your condenser fan. First, turn the power off so nothing moves when you’re working with it. Then, take the grill off, pull the blades out, and gently clean them as well as the unit itself.
Turn it off so nothing moves.Next, pop the grill off, pull out the blades and start cleaning them and the unit itself off gently.
Be careful when doing yard work that you do not get debris on or in your unit. When you work with your lawn mower, make sure it spits the grass to the side opposite of your unit. This also applies to leaf blowing and any other yard work that results in debris.
Leaves and debris can wreak havoc with your HVAC unit. Make sure the unit’s fan grill is cleaned often during the fall. The fan needs to be able to get proper air inside without any blockages, and any blockages create performance issues for the whole system.
If trees are losing leaves around your home, this can impact your HVAC unit. Clean the fan grill often when leaves are falling. Your fan needs an unobstructed way to get air inside, and the more blocked up it becomes, the more headaches will develop for you with the system.
Turn off any outdoor condenser units 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 helps your unit is working order.
Many homeowners forget to oil their condenser at least once per year, but it is required. They are usually fitted with a rubber or metal cap. Pick a type of SAE 20 oil that is non-detergent and lightweight. Place 10 or less drops into every port to avoid overfilling.
It is a good idea to swap out single pane windows with ones that have double panes. This same effect also keeps warm air during the winter months.
When selecting a location for an outdoor compressor, opt for a shady area, if possible. If you have a unit taking in air that’s cooler, it won’t have to work so hard to cool air that it sends to your home.
A programmable thermostat is a simple way to help save money on air conditioning bill. Some can even be controlled from a PC or other device.
Consumers are usually advised to have their HVAC systems inspected twice a year. 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. Even if everything seems okay, it doesn’t hurt to check things out.
During the service check, they will inspect the motor of the system, oil the different moving parts as well as check the system’s freon levels. These repairs will help your system running smoothly.
It is a good idea to replace single-paned windows with ones that have double panes. You can reduce your energy costs from energy leaking out through your windows by installing window that are double-paned. When it is cold in the winter months, these same windows will keep the warm air inside as well.
Don’t let your home temperature get way too hot to where it’s dangerous. An air conditioning unit is really only able to reduce the temperature by twenty degrees in a fair time. If your home gets above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, it will only reduce it to 80 or more. This is not a healthy environment to live in.
Install a programmable thermostat to save energy costs. This will help you to keep the temperature at optimal levels. Additionally, these items can be controlled remotely through your computer.
Research and check the companies that you consider using. Check with the best one for your situation. Doing all of this makes it more likely that you make a better decision.
Regular maintenance of your unit should be performed annually. During your service visit, the serviceman will inspect the unit’s motor, oil the unit’s moving parts and ensure the unit has proper freon levels. This ensures your system runs smoothly.
Look for air conditioner sizing calculators online to truly understand what size of unit you need for your room or home. Look in the manual to determine the manufacturer website for this information.
To help lower cooling costs when not at home, make sure the air conditioner is turned off. You don’t need to keep the house cool if you aren’t there. Leaving it on all the time only makes it work harder and results in a larger utility bill.
Ask people that you know and family for their HVAC contractor recommendations. People will tell you who have used and if they are worth calling. This is also a great way to get names of companies that should avoid.
Don’t let your house get too hot. Air conditioners only cool down a home by 20 degrees. 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 what the humidity is, this may not be cool enough to be a safe temperature to sleep at when recovering from the harsh summer heat.
There are many review sites that other customers can place their reviews. This is useful for finding people that you should work with and those that you don’t.
In order to select an HVAC contractor that you can trust, it pays to invest some time researching a few prospective companies and checking their reputations. Check with the BBB and online reviews as well. These steps are going to help to ensure your decision is a wise one.
Contractors determine their own fee levels, so make sure you get quotes from several contractors before you make any hiring decision. You can save some cash if you take the time to call around before you decide. You may want to get quotes from at least five contractors to determine what you should be paying.
Did you know an AC unit can freeze? The drain line also occasionally freezes, which can be misdiagnosed as a plumbing leak. If this happens, put your thermostat over to fan. If the problem persists be sure to call in a professional.
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 and the outside. You may even use the attic as part of your living space more effectively.
You can always search the Internet when you aren’t entirely sure who you should call for proper HVAC repair or maintenance. You have a choice of review sites to use. This is a great way to find people you want to work with and those you don’t want to work with.
Are you thinking of getting a new HVAC system? You will need to take a few things first. The rating given to a system tells how much are generally rated based on the area they cover. You are wise to err on the side of a unit that is slightly too large for your needs than a smaller one.
Think about getting a radiant barrier in your attic so your HVAC system can run better. This device helps block the heat from the outside, which reduces your dependency on your HVAC system, as well as your bill. It it’s installed properly, you might even be able to use your attic as an extra room.
Figure out which direction your home is facing so your HVAC system more efficient. If there is less heat in the home from sunlight, then your air conditioning unit won’t have to work as hard.
Use an HVAC company who has a lot of experience in the field. A reliable company will ensure their technicians keep appointments and stay on their schedule. A licensed technician should also have no problem diagnosing any potential faults with your HVAC unit quickly. Once, they find the problem, they will fix it fast.
Make certain they have tight seals to keep air can’t seep in.You can hire a professional to test them.
Find an HVAC contractor that can be contacted 24 hours a day, in case of an emergency. They should be available to you if a problem arises.
Replace the air filter monthly to keep your HVAC system every month. This is an easy thing to do and it will keep things running well for you overall.
Be sure that both parties understand the terms involved when it comes to any HVAC work that you hire a contractor to perform. Some contractors may try to charge you more for things you ought not be paying for. A written contract that covers the basics will prevent this possible problem.
Pick HVAC companies that understands the unit and works quickly to solve the problem.The best companies make sure their technicians will always be on schedule and keep appointments. The technicians need to also be able to diagnose problems in your HVAC in no time. After they see what the problem is, it should be taken care of right away.
Do not forget to check the references of a HVAC contractor. Just because they give you a list doesn’t mean they’re legitimate. It just takes a couple minutes to check them out.
It is no very difficult to understand HVAC if you have the information provided in this article. Using the above information, you should be able to continue your HVAC education without risking breaking parts or making costly mistakes. Hopefully, you can now ensure your HVAC unit is working up to your standards!
When a contractor comes in to give you a quote, be sure they complete a heat-loss calculation. This will help determine the amount of BTUs you will need in your new system in order to keep the temperature in your home comfortable. This means that they need to count all doors and windows in your home, along with an insulation check, and taking full measurement of your home.
