Letting your HVAC system break is not something you want to deal with. You are probably here because you want to learn about what you can do in discovering how to make your HVAC system last a very long time. The article below has some helpful tips just for you.
Check the whole house before you call for help. Make a list of the rooms which are comfortable and which just aren’t. That way, the contractor will have an easier time diagnosing the problem and repairing it fast.
If you have some problems with the HVAC system, try touring your home before calling a professional. This information will help the contractor determine what the problem is and how to fix it.
Your outside condenser fan can be helped to run better by you cleaning the fan blades and coils prior to summer starting up. Always shut off all power to your unit for any work beyond superficial cleaning. Clean off any leaves or debris from your external condenser unit.
Know what you need before you select an HVAC contractor. It will be hard for a contractor to give you with an estimate on the phone without knowing what your current system. It will be more hard if you over the phone without the information readily available.
If the fan condenser on your unit has ports for oil, make sure you lubricate it once a year. They generally have a rubber or metal cap on them. Pick out a SAE 20 type of oil because it has no detergent, is lightweight, and you should put around 10 drops in the ports but make it to where they don’t get too full.
Clean your condenser’s fan blades and coils each spring to ensure that your condenser fan operates at it’s best. Clean the outside of your condenser as well.
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 it draws in air for cooling, it will be more efficient because it will not need to work as hard to cool down the air.
Clean the debris regularly. You don’t know when things are going to pile up, especially after a windy or rainy storm, and that can ruin your system. It can cause your unit.
Service your HVAC yearly. During the service check, the system motor will be inspected, the moving parts will be oiled and the freon levels will be checked These things will boost the performance of your system.
Turn the power off first 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.
Before you invest in any HVAC contractor, make sure you spend a good deal of time researching their reputations and credentials. Check out the online reviews, and run a quick search on the BBB website to make sure they have been good to past customers. Doing these things beforehand will allow you to make a smart decision.
Don’t get grass clippings on your outdoor condenser. Aim the grass in a direction away from your unit. This applies when you are taking care of the leaves in debris.
Find an air conditioner calculator online to determine what models are best for you. If you buy something too large it won’t be efficient as it cools the same. Look at the manual for more information.
Your outdoor HVAC units might suffer when your trees start to lose leaves. Make sure you clean out your fan grill is cleaned frequently when the leaves begin to fall. The fan must be unobstructed to work properly, and if debris is blocking this air flow, you will end up with many headaches with the unit.
Before you hire any HVAC company, ask them how long they’ve been open for business. A company that has been in business for a long time will have a solid track record, and you can use this to figure out if you should spend your money with them. Working with someone that does not yet have a reputation in the business is a bit riskier.
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Speak with someone close to you to see if they can recommend someone good to service their HVAC unit. You should be able to find someone that has had a good experience. This can also be used to see who you should avoid.
Lubricate your condenser at least once each year. These are usually covered with rubber or metal cap. 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.
Each contractor establishes his own fees, so before you hire one, obtain a few estimates. If you call people before you work on hiring one person, you can save some money overall. Ideally, you should call five to six contractors to get a good idea of what a reasonable rate is.
A programmable thermostat is a simple way to help save money on your air conditioning costs. Some programmable thermostats can even be controlled from your smart phone or computer.
Try installing a type of radiant barrier in the attic for to have a more efficient HVAC system. This helps block the heat from outside, and will reduce the energy needed for cooling your home during the summer. It it’s installed properly, you might even be able to use your attic as an extra room.
During the service check, professionals can help by inspecting the system’s motor, the moving parts will be oiled and the freon levels will be checked These few simple things will help keep your system to run at its peak performance.
Figure out which direction your home faces in order to make your HVAC system more efficient. Strategically placed trees can block sunlight and help keep the home cooler without the use of an AC unit. If there is less heat coming into your home, then your air conditioning unit won’t have to work as hard.
Research and check the companies before hiring them. Check them out at the BBB and look for reviews of potential companies online. These simple steps will help to ensure your decision is a wise one.
Make sure your windows and doors are efficient. Make sure that their seals are tight and that they do not allow air to seep in or out. You can hire a professional to test them all for you and often this testing is free.
Companies with proven track records that can help you decide if they’re worth your money and time. It is always risky to hire someone who does not have a long history.
If you are purchasing an AC unit, take measurements. You need to know how big the area is that you want to have cooled off. Generally, 20 BTU per square foot is ideal. If you are cooling more than one room, sum their areas.
Contractors charge different rates, so make sure to get multiple quotes. You should save tons of money this way. You want to call at least a handful of contractors to determine what you should be paying.
In terms of regular maintenance, you should be able to replace your HVAC air filter every month . This is a very simple job and it keeps the system running at maximum efficiency. They are very inexpensive and well worth the time and money to replace.
Think about getting a radiant barrier installed in your attic so your HVAC system can run better. 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 or cold as it should be. You may even find that you can use your attic as part of your living space more effectively.
When placing your unit, think about the direction the air will flow from the unit. If all you have is a corner spot, ensure that the air is not directed towards a wall.
Are you thinking of getting a new heating/cooling system? There are some things you must consider first. Systems have a rating based on how effectively they can cool and heat an area well. You are wise to err on the side of a bigger unit that is slightly too large for your needs than a bit too small.
Make certain the contractor you hire has the appropriate experience. You want to make sure that they have experience with the type of work you need done. While there is no guarantee a less experienced worker will not perform the job correctly, you don’t want to take any chances.
Make sure they have tight seals to keep air inside. You can get a professional out to help you test them.
Make sure to get references when hiring your contractor. This will show you their overall experience. This can assure you hire someone trustworthy.
Measure the living area that needs cooling before going air conditioner shopping. You will need 20 BTU for each square foot of room space. If more than one room needs AC service, sum their areas.
The estimate needs to state exactly what is included. Some contractors will attempt to overcharge you on material fees and other charges. Solidly written contracts let you prevent such issues.
As you’ve read, you should care for your HVAC system so that it does not go bad. When a heating and cooling system fails, it can cost thousands. Don’t let this happen; work on using the advice you were given above.
Look into the references an HVAC contractor provides to you. You might be shocked at what you find. It just takes a couple minutes to check them out.
