HVAC service and contracting isn’t something too many people know nothing about. This fact can cause problems when issues arise.
Before you call someone to help you fix your system, be sure to know what sort of system you have in place. Write down what brand your system is along with the model number and, if they’re available, maintenance records. Your contractor will appreciate this information.
If you have some problems with the HVAC system, check things out yourself prior to calling in a technician. This will help the contractor determine where the problem is and how to fix it.
Make sure your condenser fan is in good working order by wiping down the fan blades and the coils. First, the power should be turned off so things don’t move as you work. Next, remove the grill, take the blades and clean them gently, then clean the actual unit.
Know what work you want done before you hire a contractor. It will be difficult for an HVAC contractor to give you a price estimate over the phone if they have not seen your current system. It will be way more hard if you don’t know what’s wrong.
If there are oil ports on your fan condenser, lubricate it annually. These ports have a metal covering. Sometimes it is rubber. Put about ten drops or less of a good non-detergent SAE 20 oil into each port.
Clean the fan blades and coils come spring. Clean off any leaves or debris from your condenser unit.
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.
Turn it off so nothing moves.Then, take the grill off, pull the blades out, and begin cleaning the unit and them gently.
Put outdoor units in the shade if you are installing them. This will help you save on your energy bill.
Don’t let grass clippings pile up against your outside unit. Aim your grass cuttings in a direction from your unit.This also applies to leaf blowing and any other yard work that results in the yard.
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 simple things will keep your system running at peak performance.
10 Drops
Your home should not have temperatures that are too hot. AC units will only cool a house down 20 degrees. This means that if the weather is above 100 degrees, then you’ll still be baking in 80 degree weather at first! If humidity is high, this temp is still unsafe for people.
Lubricate your fan condenser once a year. These ports are usually covered by a rubber or metal caps. Use a lightweight, and put 10 drops or fewer in each port, putting 10 drops in each port.
Do your homework on a number of HVAC companies before selecting the one that has the best reputation and service record. It is always wise to check their status with the BBB. In addition, check out customer reviews that appear online. These steps are going to help to ensure your decision is a wise one.
During this service visit, the contractor will oil parts, oil the moving parts and check the freon levels in the system. This maintenance means that your system runs smoothly.
AC units will tend to get ice on them due to the cold. There are sometimes also freezes that happen in a drain line, and this can be confused for a plumbing leak. If you see this, try switching your thermostat to just the fan so that it disables the compressor. If the problem persists be sure to call in a professional.
Air conditioners tend to ice up.The drain line may also freeze over. If you notice this, put the fan on to shut the compressor off. You can call a HVAC professional, but switching to the fan setting should start to melt the ice.
Prior to hiring any HVAC contractor, you should ask how long their business has operated. Firms that have been in business for a long time are easier to assess. Hiring a newer contractor may be taking a considerable risk.
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 contractor with little experience.
You can always search the Internet when you aren’t entirely sure who you should call for proper HVAC repair or maintenance. In many cases you will find local review sites where previous customers will share the experience they had with companies they used. This can help filter out the people you would like to work with.
Ask around so you are looking for a HVAC contractor. People who have had great service are often happy to share the name of their contractor. This will also be used to see who you avoid scammers.
Having a radiant barrier in your attic helps you HVAC system run better. It can help keep heat out during the hot summer months, which means you will lower your power bills. You could even use your attic as part of your living space if it is done right.
Contractors are responsible for their own charges and fees, so make sure to get multiple quotes.You can save a bit of cash simply by doing your homework. You want to call at least a handful of contractors to determine what you should be paying.
Have you been thinking about buying a new HVAC system? If so, you must consider a number of things. Systems have a rating based on how well the system is able to cool or heat an area well. It is best to get a bigger unit than you need, instead of a smaller one.
Are you thinking about buying a new heating/cooling system? There are several things you need to keep in mind. Systems are given ratings by how effectively they can cool or heat an area well. You are wise to err on the side of a unit that is slightly too large for your needs than a smaller one.
If your HVAC system is clicking, look for blockages right away. The problem may be debris getting into the fans of the cooling system. All you have to do is get this debris out of there to fix the problem. Check it out before spending on a contractor.
Figure out which direction your home is facing so your HVAC system can work better. The less heat inside the house, the fewer occasions you have to use your air conditioner.
To gain maximum HVAC efficiency, you need efficient windows and doors too. Make sure the seal is impenetrable from outdoor drafts, and that none of the air you’re paying to heat or cool escapes either. A good professional can test this for you, and they might even do it for free.
If you HVAC unit is making a clicking sound, immediately start looking for any obstructions. Sometimes there is debris interferes with the cooling system fans. Check it out before calling a contractor.
You can’t know what sized air conditioner to purchase unless you measure the area you need cooled. For each square foot you’ll need 20 BTU of cooling power. Combine the square footage of all rooms, in the event that you will be cooling more than one.
Make certain they are tightly sealed so air can’t seep in. You can hire someone to test them.
You should replace the filter on your HVAC system once every month. This is an easy and essential thing to do. Also, this will not cost a lot of money.
Always get references from a contractor.
Find a HVAC company that knows its stuff. The most reliable companies make sure their technicians stay on schedule and keep appointments. They should quickly know what’s wrong with your system as well. They should offer you answers which can be implemented right away.
Any HVAC contractor you hire should have an emergency hotline. They need to be able to come to you when they are needed, no matter what.
When hiring a contractor, be sure to ask for a list of references. Call and ask if their service was everything they expected, timely, and that it stayed on budget. Checking references helps you avoid scammers.
Some contractors overcharge for add-ons like travel expense or fees and other charges. Having a written contract will help you avoid any issues like this.
Does your contractor provide you with an all-day emergency hotline? Your system can go out after hours, and if you need help, you want someone who can be there at any time of the day.
Cover your condenser when the winter. This simple cover keeps the life of your condenser considerably. Use the fan instead to avoid straining the unit.
Your HVAC will perform better during the winter if you protect the condenser with a cover. This helps the condenser last longer if it is protected when not in use. The unit’s compressor should never be on when the temperature is 60 degrees or below. Put the fan on in this case.
Always follow up on any references that are given to you by a prospective HVAC contractor.
Make sure to contact any references you get from prospective contractors. Just because the reference was offered by a specialist doesn’t mean that they are real. Never hesitate to spend a few moments making calls to check out someone.
Consider a programmable thermostat installed.This lowers your heating and cooling bills because when you adjust the temperature to sync with your settings to ensure optimal performance.
Opt for an Energy Star HVAC unit. These qualified energy products are known to meet strict guidelines for efficiency. These guidelines are enforced by the federal government. They are in charge of protecting the environment and human health. The time spent researching these units could yield long-term energy savings.
These products are known to meet strict guidelines for efficiency. These are enforced by the US. They are in charge of protecting the EPA for short.Taking the time to fully research various units may help you get long-term savings on energy costs.
The Energy Star label indicates specific criteria for HVACs designed to indicate high quality to consumers. Anything that has the logo for Energy Star on it has met the guidelines that the EPA has set up for the environment. The end result should be you seeing a money saved each year on your energy bills.
Look for HVAC contractor that use Energy Star products and equipment. This ensures efficiency that your system has met the product is more efficient than those without it. This means that they can help you reduce your heating and cooling bills throughout the year.
As the weather cools down, you must keep your condenser unit protected. Try putting a cover on it that will help it to stay warm. Also, make sure you don’t use the condenser unit when the temperature is in the 50s and below.
Keep your HVAC system operating efficiently by cleaning the heating ducts from time to time. Look often at the ducts regularly so you can make sure there is nothing wrong with them. Damaged ducts can raise your energy bill.
Make sure the owner’ manual is handy when your unit is being operated. The manual will be very useful.
It can be very difficult for a homeowner to deal with a malfunctioning HVAC system. However, if you just take your time to learn things about this kind of a topic before things go wrong, it won’t be so bad for you. Use the information in this article to assist you with your HVAC maintenance.
