It can be difficult for many homeowners to know where to go when the HVAC system isn’t working properly. To keep yourself from having a problem with this, knowledge is power. This article is intended to help conscientious homeowners get the proper help they need.
If you have some problems with the HVAC system, check out your home before calling a contractor. Make a list of the temperatures in each room and whether they are hot or cold. The contractor can probably figure out and fix the problem easier.
Clean the fan blades and coils each spring to ensure that your condenser fan operates at it’s best. Clean the outside of your condenser unit.
It is important to have some knowledge of your present system and needs before calling a contractor. A contractor will be hard pressed to provide you with an over-the-phone estimate if unfamiliar with your system. It will be even harder if you cannot explain what you have done. So be aware of this information ahead of time.
Clean the debris off your outdoor condensers often. Debris can pile up at rates that increase during rainy or windy weather, bringing potential damage with it. It could overheat and cause your unit.
If the condenser fan has oil parts, then you need to lubricate it at least once per year. You’ll find these ports are covered with a metal or rubber cap. Your oil should be an SAE 20. This particular oil is very lightweight and it only requires about 10 drops per port.
Leaves and debris can wreak havoc with your HVAC unit. Make sure you clean out your fan grill is cleaned frequently when the leaves begin to fall. The fan must not have anything in the way so that air can flow into it, and if debris is blocking this air flow, you will have to contend with problems.
If you need to decide the best place to put your outdoor compressor unit, consider putting it in a location that is in the shade. This will limit the work that it has to do.
Put outdoor unit in the shade.
In order for your new unit to be as efficient as possible, or to make older units more efficient, make sure it’s put in a shaded area. It will help you save on your energy bill when you do this.
Turn off any outdoor condensers you have when it’s getting cold. This should turn it off to prevent damage if the temperature drops below 60ºF to avoid damage. This simple tip will help keep your system working for many years to come.
Have your heating and cooling system inspected twice a year. Checks in the spring as well as in autumn are the best. Even if nothing seems wrong, checking it out can help you find and fix potential issues.
It is a good idea to swap out single pane windows for double pane ones. This will also helps keep it warm in heat when it gets cold.
Turn off your outdoor condenser when it’s getting cold. Avoid damaging the unit by turning it off when the outdoor temperature drops below 60 degrees. This will help keep it in good condition for many years.
A programmable thermostat can help you save money on air conditioning costs. Some programmable thermostats can even be controlled from a computer.
You can keep energy costs in your home lower by choosing to have professional maintenance done on your HVAC unit. During the visit, the contractor will oil parts, inspect the motor and the freon levels. These few simple things will help your system to run at its peak performance.
During your service visit, they will inspect the motor of the system, the moving parts will be oiled and the freon levels will be checked This will help your system will operate optimally.
If there isn’t anyone at home, then there’s no need for the AC unit to be running and wasting electricity. When it’s off the house will get hot, but only by a certain amount. If will be constantly fighting the heat and using lots of electricity if it is left on all day.
Never let your home to get dangerously hot temperature. An air conditioner can only cool your home approximately twenty degrees in a fair time. If the temperature in your home rises to 100 degrees F or higher, it will only reduce it to 80 or more. This won’t be a safe and comfortable temperature for you to sleep in.
If you want to ensure you choose a trustworthy HVAC contractor, invest a little time in researching a few different companies, checking out their reputations. Look at review sites and check with the BBB. This will help you to choose a contractor that is of high quality.
Fan Setting
Prior to hiring any HVAC contractor, you should ask how long their business has operated. Established companies that are doing well will usually be the best ones to go with. It is riskier to hire someone who does not have a long history.
Air conditioners tend to ice up.The drain line might also freeze up.If you see this happen, change the setting on your thermostat to the fan setting and this will disable the compressor. You should call a pro to fix this problem, but switching to the fan setting should start to melt the ice.
Ask those you know for the name of a great HVAC technician, should you need one. People who’ve had great service are usually willing to tell of it. This will also help you avoid scammers.
Companies that are well established have track records that haven’t been. Hiring a newer contractor who is just starting out can be risky.
Do you need a new HVAC system? If so, you must consider a number of things. Learn about the size systems need to be for optimal efficiency. It’s a good idea to buy something that’s larger than you’d need instead of getting something that’s not big enough.
Ask your friends and trust for contractor recommendations. People who have had a good experience are often happy to share this information. This can also a great way to get names of those companies that you should be avoided.
If you hear a clicking in the HVAC unit at home, see if there are any obstructions right away. Often it is being caused by debris hitting fans in your cooling system. That is a simple solution; just take the debris out. Check the fan and coil before you waste time contacting a professional.
Think about having a radiant barrier in your attic so your HVAC system. It blocks outside heat from coming in which will serve as a barrier between your home and the outside. You may even find that you can use your attic as part of your living space if it is done right.
Use an HVAC company who has a lot of experience in the field. Companies who understand their customers are important often require their workers to follow a schedule and show up to all appointments. The technicians should also be able to diagnose problems in your HVAC in no time. After diagnosis, they should then know how to deal with the problem.
Are you thinking about having a HVAC system installed? There are things you should consider. 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 bigger unit that is slightly too large for your needs than purchasing one that is a bit too small.
Before you hire a contractor for your HVAC system, ask how much experience they have and with what types of systems. You need to know that they have done the sort of work you require. Though some workers with less experience are great, you do not want to risk it.
Nobody ever wants their heating and/or cooling systems to go out when it is really hot or really cold. However, homeowners who are educated in basic heating and cooling maintenance can overcome many of the issues that may arise during trying times. The tips from this article can help the homeowner make the best decisions about HVAC and steer clear of the worse case scenario.
Always get some references prior to hiring any contractor. You want to be able to ask if what was expected is what the homeowner got, such as being on time and on budget. Also, it will prevent you from getting robbed.
