It could seem like there’s lots to learn all about HVAC. But this is not necessarily the way it has to be, and the information here is easy to digest. This advice will help even the issues that you encounter.
Know the name and type of your HVAC system before looking for a repair person. Find out the brand and model and, if possible, dig out the maintenance history. This will enable you to give your chosen contractor any information they might need.
Know the name and type of your HVAC system you currently have before looking for a repair person. This helps make sure your contractor has the information they will be sufficiently prepared.
Before an HVAC expert comes to your home to do any repair work, walk around the home and check out the temps in every room. Notice the temperature in each room. Are some cooler or hotter than others? 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, look around your home before calling in people to help. This will help the contractor determine where the problem is.
Before you choose an HVAC contractor, have an idea in your mind of what needs to be done. Discussing the problem is simplified if you understand what has happened with the unit. If you are unable to explain the work that needs to be taken care of, the conversation will be even less fruitful. So, figure out this information before anything else.
Be sure to clean debris from external condenser units. You never know when things can pile up, like right after it’s windy or rains, and that can ruin your system. It can also cause the unit to overheat and break down.
Clean the coils of your condenser fan each month. Always shut off all power to your unit for any work beyond superficial cleaning. Also, it is important to clear the outside condenser unit from any debris that maybe trapped inside.
Sae 20 Oil
Be sure to clean external condenser units regularly. You don’t know when things are going to pile up, like right after it’s windy or rains, and that can ruin your system. It could overheat and cause a disaster with your unit.
Lubricate your condenser at least once a year. These are often covered with rubber or metal caps. Use SAE 20 oil that is non-detergent and lightweight, detergent-free SAE 20 oil, but make sure to avoid overfilling them.
Clean the fan blades and coils on the condenser fan every spring. First, turn the power off so nothing moves when you’re working with it. Next, remove the grill, take the blades and clean them gently, then clean the actual unit.
Turn off outdoor condensers you have when the weather turns cold. This means that you should be done when the weather falls under 60 degrees Farenheit. This can keep your unit is working well throughout the years without the cost of repairs.
Keep your outdoor units free of debris when you are mowing the lawn. Aim the grass clippings in the other direction. This also applies to leaf blowing and any other yard work that results in debris.
When they come out for a service visit, expect inspections of freon levels and the motor, and see how much freon is in your system. These easy to do things will boost the performance of your system to run its best.
Put outdoor condensers in the shade. If the air your machine draws in is already cooler, it will require less energy to regulate before it’s filtered into your home.
Never allow the temperature in your home to get dangerously hot inside. Air conditioners only cool down about 20 degrees Fahrenheit within a reasonable amount of time. If your home happens to get near 100 degrees Fahrenheit, it will only cool off to about 80F. This won’t be a safe and comfortable temperature for you to sleep in.
Be sure you have the HVAC unit in your home checked about two times every year. This should be checked often for debris and malfunctions. Even if nothing seems wrong, checking it out can help you find and fix potential issues.
Research the reputation of companies before hiring them.Check with the BBB and look for reviews posted by former customers. These steps are going to help to ensure your decision is a better decision.
When it gets cold outside, turn off the outdoor condensers. The unit will become damaged if you do not take care of it. This can keep your HVAC running and can save you money on repairs.
Air conditioners tend to ice up.The drain line may also freeze over. If this is something you notice, put your thermostat over to fan. You should call a pro to fix this problem, but switching to the fan will make the ice melt.
If you are a home owner, replace whatever single pane windows you have with more efficient double-paned versions. You can reduce your energy costs from energy leaking out through your windows by installing window that are double-paned. This will also help you keep in heat when it gets cold.
Look for air conditioner sizing calculators online to help you determine the size of unit is necessary for your home. Look at the manual or on the manufacturer website for air conditioners.
A programmable thermostat can help you save money on your air conditioning bill. These convenient thermostats may shave ten percent or more off of your bills, because they significantly cut energy use when you’re not around. Some can even be controlled from a computer.
Ask friends and relations for their HVAC contractor recommendations. People who have had a good experience are often happy to share this information. This can also help you with good information on which contractors you should avoid at all costs.
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. 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.
Think about getting a radiant barrier installed in your attic so support the efficient functioning of 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 the attic as part of your living space if it is done right.
There are sizing calculators available to determine the proper sized system for your home. Buying one that’s too large will not cool that well. Look in the manual or on the manufacturer website for this information.
Are you thinking about having a new heating/cooling system? You will need to know some things into account. Systems are given ratings by how well the system is able to cool or heat an area well. You are better off purchasing a unit that is slightly too large for your needs than purchasing one that is a smaller one.
Use an HVAC company that has been in business for a while. Fly-by-night companies are those you want to avoid. It’s a risk to hire a new one.
Figure out the 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.
Know which direction the house faces so that your HVAC system operates more efficiently. Trees placed in the right places can keep the sun from heating your home too much. When you do what you can to less how much heat comes into your home, your AC unit can work less, which will save money.
If your HVAC system is producing any type of clicking sounds, immediately start looking for any obstructions. Often the issue is some sort of debris that’s hitting fans in your cooling system. Check this out before calling a contractor.
If you hear a clicking noise coming from the HVAC unit, see if there is any debris in it. Sometimes debris interferes with the cooling system fans. Get rid of this obstruction and that should take care of the problem. Look carefully at it before you call up a service technician.
Hvac System
Speed should be a concern when you are looking for an HVAC specialist. They should be able to get in and get the job done quickly. Reliable companies keep a close eye on their technicians and ensure they honor their appointments. These techs that come out should be quickly able to figure out the issue and remedy the problem right away. This will maximize your overall satisfaction.
Replace the air filter to keep your HVAC system every month. This is an easy thing that you can do to keep your HVAC system running in tip top shape.
When deciding where to place your AC, condition the direction of air flow. If you have to place it in a corner, get one with moving vents.
Ask any potential contractor about their experience prior to hiring them. You need to verify they have the type of work on your particular system.
Find out how much experience a given contractor has before you hire him or her. It’s important that a contractor is experienced in the area of the kind of work you require. Although there’s no guarantee that a worker with less experience won’t do the work correctly, it’s better to avoid any problems.
Any HVAC contractor or installer should have a 24-hour emergency number available to customers around the clock. They need to be able to come to you when they are needed, in any weather.
Any time that you are given a quote for HVAC work, it’s vital that you them to do a heat-loss calculation, too. They can figure out how may BTU will be required to keep your house comfortable. This number comes after examining the windows and doors where heat and escape.
There are contractors that will overcharge you later for things like fuel charges and material fees. Having a written contract will let you avoid any issues like this.
Opt for an HVAC unit with the Energy Star rating. These great products help you save on energy because they adhere to efficiency guidelines. These are put in place by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Choosing to invest in such a unit can help you save on your energy bills in the long-term. Taking the time to fully research various units may help you save a significant amount of money.
Cover your condenser in the weather becomes less than optimal. This will increase the life of your condenser considerably. Use the fan setting only to avoid putting strain on the condenser unit.
About two-thirds of homes have ducts that leak. 25% of your utility bill could be a result of such leaks. You can fix your ducts on your own, plus it’s simple to do and cheap, too.
Now you know all about HVAC. You should be able to get the results you want if you educate yourself on the topic at hand. You’ll end up saving money and stopping headaches.
Be sure to regularly clean the HVAC’s heating ducts so the air will be clean and the heat will work properly. Check your heating ducts weekly. If there is damage to ducts, warm air is wasted and your heating bills are likely to rise.
