It is very frustrating to return home to find that your HVAC has broken down. The tips are great for helping you in this process.
Before you start calling to find someone to fix your unit, make sure you know the type of system that is installed. Take a look at the system or the owner’s manual to find the name and model number. 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 before calling someone to fix it. This will help you give the new contractor any information they might need.
If problems arise with the HVAC system, check the entire house before contacting someone to come for repairs. Jot down the rooms that are hot and the ones that are cold. Doing so can help your technician fix your HVAC issue quickly.
Know what you want done before you hire a contractor. A contractor will not be able to give you an over-the-phone estimate if unfamiliar with your system. It will be way more hard if you don’t know what’s wrong.
Clean the condenser on your debris regularly. After a wind or rain storm things may pile up, causing problems with your HVAC system. Also, you are risking your system overheating.
Clean the fan blades and coils each spring to ensure that your condenser fan operates at it’s best. Clean off any leaves or debris from your condenser unit.
When selecting a location for an outdoor compressor, opt for a shady area, if possible. The unit will operate more efficiently to cool your home if the intake air is cooler to begin with.
Don’t let grass clippings on your outdoor condenser.Aim your grass cuttings in a different direction away from your unit. This applies to leaf blowing and any other yard work that results in the yard.
Your HVAC unit requires regular maintenance at least two times per each year. The best time of year to have the system checked is right before the weather begins to change. Whether you know of problems or not, good maintenance will help you to avoid future issues.
10 Drops
Update the windows in your home to double-paned if you own it. In warmer months, these windows will help to maintain the cooler inside temperature. This same effect also keeps warm air in during the winter months.
Lubricate your fan condenser at least once each year. These ports are usually covered with rubber or metal caps. Use SAE 20 oil that is non-detergent and lightweight, and put 10 drops or fewer in each port, putting 10 drops in each port.
Install a thermostat you can program to save money on cooling your home. It changes the temperature so the system isn’t in use when it’s cooler outside or no one is home. Some can even be controlled from a computer.
Have the HVAC serviced at the least. This should be done in the fall and the spring.
Get your HVAC unit serviced yearly. The service will include motor inspection, oiling of moving parts, and a freon level check. Doing this simple task can ensure that your system will be running for years with no problem!
Turn off outdoor condenser units when it’s getting cold. This means that you should be done when the temperature drops below 60ºF to avoid damage. This can keep your system working for many years.
Before you hire any HVAC companies, find out how the amount of time they’ve been in business. The older they are, the more likely it will be for you to find out their history, which will help you gauge their quality. It is always risky to hire a contractor with little experience.
It is a good idea to swap out single pane windows for double panes. This also helps retain heated air in during the colder months.
Ask around so you can find a reputable HVAC contractor. When someone hires a quality professional, they are usually happy to share their info. This will also help you avoid bad companies.
A programmable thermostat is a simple way to help you save money on your air conditioning bill. Some of these thermostats can even be controlled from a PC or other device.
An online search will give you further information about any contractor you are considering. Many online sites permit customers to let others know about their experiences with various services and contractors. This is useful for finding people that you wish to work with and those that you don’t.
During the visit, the serviceman will inspect the unit’s motor, oil the unit’s moving parts and ensure the unit has proper freon levels. These simple tasks will help keep your HVAC system to run at its peak performance.
To help your heating and cooling system run efficiently, install a radiant barrier in your attic. It blocks outside heat from coming in which will make sure you won’t have to use more energy to keep your home cool when it’s hot outside. You may even find that you can use the attic space more effectively.
Don’t ever let your home temperature get too hot. Air conditioners can only cool a home down about 20 degrees Fahrenheit within a short time. If the temperature in your home reaches 100 degree Fahrenheit, you will only be able to cool it down to 80. This is not a healthy environment to live in.
Do you want to find a quality HVAC? Many things must be taken into account before you purchase one. HVAC systems have a rating to determine how much space you should use it on. Therefore, you may want to opt for a larger unit.
Research and check the companies before hiring them. Check with the BBB and online reviews of potential companies online. Doing these things beforehand will allow you to make a better decision.
Check for duct leaks if your unit seems to not be working efficiently. Call your utility company and ask if they test for free, as many do. If a leak is found, the money spent on finding and repairing the leak will pay for itself.
Companies that are around awhile have track records that can help you decide if they’re worth your money and time.Hiring a new contractor means taking a considerable risk.
Figure out the direction your home is facing so your HVAC system can work better. Strategically placed trees can block sunlight and help keep the home cooler without the use of an AC unit. If there’s less heat inside your home, your AC will work less.
Ask friends and family for their HVAC contractor recommendations. People who’ve had great service are usually more than willing to tell of it. This is also a great way to get names of companies that you should be avoided.
If your HVAC system is clicking, look for blockages right away. Sometimes debris interferes with the cooling system fans. Get rid of the debris and this will no longer be an issue. Prior to placing a service, it is worth taking a look.
There are many sites these days that allow customers talk about their service experiences. This is useful for finding people that you wish to work and ones that you don’t.
You need to check your windows and outside doors to make certain your HVAC runs well. Your windows and doors should all be tightly sealed. Double pane windows are a great idea. A good professional can test this for you, and they might even do it for free.
Check for duct leaks if you you feel your unit seems to not up to snuff. When you get leaks repaired, you’ll see that the tests paid for themselves.
Think about the air flow direction of your A/C when figuring out where to put it. Make sure you have plenty of air flow control options if you are forced to install the unit in a corner.
Replace the air filter monthly to keep your HVAC system every month. This is an easy way to help you keep things running well.
Before you hire a contractor for your HVAC system, ask how much experience they have and with what types of systems. Make sure they are experienced with the kind of work that is needed. This will help to maximize their productivity.
Pick HVAC companies that understands the unit and can work quickly. The best companies will ensure that their technicians working honestly and on time. A knowledgeable technician will also have no problem diagnosing any potential faults with your HVAC unit quickly. Once they are able to locate a problem, they should also know how to get them resolved efficiently and quickly.
Use a fully-enclosing cover to protect your condenser unit in the winter. This will help your condenser last longer when not being used. The unit’s compressor should never be on when the temperature is 60 degrees or below. Put the fan on in this case.
Always make sure to get some references before hiring any contractor.
The next time that you have an HVAC technician at your home or business, ask them to put in a thermostat that is programmable. This can help you save a ton on your utility bills as you let your system rest overnight while you are sleeping comfortably in your beds.
Any HVAC contractor or installer should have a 24-hour emergency hotline. They must be able to reach your home at any time, even if when the weather gets to be extreme.
Find an HVAC company that only uses Energy Star equipment. Anything carrying the Energy Star logo has met guidelines for efficiency as established by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This means that they can help you save money on your heating and cooling bills throughout the year.
Cover your condenser in the weather becomes less than optimal. This helps the condenser last longer when not in use. Use the fan instead to avoid putting strain on the unit.
Clean your HVAC’s heating ducts on a regular basis. Always perform an inspection of the heating ducts on a regular basis to ensure that you do not see punctures, dents or loose parts. Damaged ducts could increase your energy bill.
Seek a HVAC contractors who only use products that carry the Energy Star label. This ensures efficiency that the product is more efficient than those without it. This will help you save money on utility bills.
When working on your HVAC unit, refer to the manual as needed. This manual has information that is specific to your unit, so use it if a serious problem occurs. If you no longer have your manual, it is usually possible to get it from the manufacturer.
Make sure that your HVAC system runs smooth by sticking to the tips in the above article. You will not be happy if your HVAC unit has malfunctioned. Thinking about the repair costs makes things even worse. The tips in this article will help you keep things manageable. Remember these hints when taking care of your HVAC system.
Make certain that your HVAC company gives you written estimates before any work is done. Estimates must be committed to paper. A verifiable estimate is an important aspect of doing good business. An estimate will ensure that you get what you want. Compare your written estimates in terms of cost, time for completion and so on. Be suspicious of low ball estimates as this may indicate indicate inferior work.
