Anyone that uses HVAC systems in their home knows what it means to have it properly maintained. An HVAC system wastes a lot of homeowner money. This article can help you tips to keep your HVAC in tip top shape.
When you start making calls to get someone to help with your HVAC system, it’s a good idea to know what system you have before that phone call. Look for the model and brand number. This will facilitate the process when your contractor asks for this information.
Know what you need before you select an HVAC contractor. It will be difficult for a contractor to give you with an estimate on the phone if they have not seen your current setup is. It will be more hard if you over the phone without the information readily available.
Clean the condenser on your debris regularly. Falling leaves and wind or rain may cause debris to reduce the efficiency of your unit. It will damage the system by overheating.
Clean your outdoor condenser unit. You don’t know when things are going to pile up, like right after it’s windy or rains, and that can throw a wrench in your system. It will damage the system to malfunction by overheating.
When you mow your lawn, take care that you don’t get grass clippings all over your outdoor unit. Direct the grass clippings in a direction away from the HVAC unit. The same goes for blowing leaves, so always be careful if you are moving debris near your HVAC devices.
Turn the power off first so nothing moves. Next, pop off the grill, put the blades out and start to gently clean them along with the unit.
Equipping your home with a programmable thermostat can be an excellent way to cut utility costs. A thermostat that’s programmable is going to save you around ten percent on the heating and cooling costs you have to pay when you turn it back about fifteen percent for a part of the day. Additionally, some programmable thermostats can be controlled remotely using a web-connected device.
Put your outdoor condensers in places with shade.
Service your HVAC yearly. Make sure the person takes a look at the motor and examines the levels of freon. These repairs will keep your HVAC system running smoothly.
Turn off any outdoor condenser when it becomes cold out. This should turn it off to prevent damage if the temperature drops below 60ºF to avoid damage. This helps the system working for years and save you a lot on repairs.
Shop around before hiring an HVAC contractor. Check with the BBB and online reviews as well. Take these steps to ensure you make wise choices.
It is a good idea to swap out single pane windows with ones that have double pane ones. This also help you keep it warm in heat when it gets cold.
Use an online sizing calculator to help you calculate the proper size of the air conditioning unit you should purchase. Buying a unit that is too large for your home is a poor decision that wastes money. Check your manual to figure out what the rating is from the manufacturer to be sure you’re getting the right information.
A programmable thermostat can really help save money on air conditioning costs. Some of these thermostats can even be controlled from a computer.
Check any company you are considering to see how long it has been around. This gives you some history so that you can be sure the company is reliable. Hiring a new contractor means taking a bigger risk.
When they come out for a service visit, the motor will be inspected, and see how much freon is in your system. These few simple things will help your system.
When you need the services of an HVAC professional, ask your friends and family if they can recommend someone to you. People that have had quality work done are usually more than willing to share this information. This will also help you avoid bad companies.
Never allow your home to get dangerously high level. Air conditioners really can cool a home down about 20 degrees Fahrenheit within a reasonable amount of time. If the temperature in your home reaches 100 degree Fahrenheit, you will only be able to cool it down to 80. This won’t be a safe and comfortable temperature for you to sleep in.
Check the Internet for reviews on those who fix or install HVAC systems. There are plenty of online websites that give people the opportunity to leave comments about the service they received. This will help you find a top notch professional.
Companies with proven track record that you can use to decide if they are worth the time and money. Hiring a contractor may be taking a considerable risk.
Ask for quotes from multiple contractors. Getting several quotes will ultimately help you save lots of money. Ideally, you should call five to six contractors to get a good idea of what a reasonable rate is.
Contractors charge different rates, so make sure you get quotes from several contractors before you make any hiring decision. You can save a great deal of money if you make several calls prior to reaching a final decision. You want to get quotes from at least five contractors to determine what you should be paying.
Consider installing a radiant barrier to your attic to help your HVAC system run more efficiently. This will block the heat that comes in. If you do things right your attic can be used as a living space too.
Think about having a radiant barrier in your attic so support the efficient functioning of your HVAC system can run better. It ensures that your home cool when it’s hot outside. You may even find that you can use your attic as part of your living space if it is done right.
Are you looking at purchasing a HVAC system? There are some things you need to keep in mind. HVAC systems have a rating to determine how much space you should use it on. If you are debating the size of the unit, always get one that is just a little bigger rather than one that is a little too small.
Do you wish to buy a new HVAC unit? You will need to think about a few things into account. Systems have a rating based on how well the system is able to cool or heat an area. You are better off purchasing a bigger unit that is slightly too large for your needs than purchasing one that is a smaller one.
Determine which way your home faces in order to establish efficient HVAC operation. If you strategically place trees, it’s possible to block some of the morning sunlight so your home won’t become overheated. The less heat in your home, the less time your air conditioner will have to work.
Check for duct leaks if you you feel your existing system is not be working efficiently.When these leaks are fixed, you’ll find that the testing paid for itself.
The very least you should be doing to care for your HVAC system is making sure to change out the old filter, and replacing it with a new one every single month. This is the easiest step to take to ensure that your unit remains in good operating condition. Filters are inexpensive, so there is no excuse for not doing it.
Make certain they have tight seals to keep air can’t seep in.You can also hire someone to test them all for you and often this testing is free.
Choose an efficient and knowledgeable HVAC company. Companies that are most reliable stick to the appointment time they give you. A licensed technician should also have no problem diagnosing any potential faults with your HVAC unit quickly. Once the technician figures out what’s wrong, they can help resolve the problems in a timely and cost-effective manner.
Measure the living area that requires air conditioning. You can usually substitute 20 BTU per square foot in the room. If more than one room needs AC service, add together their square footage to reach this calculation.
Make certain the contractor you hire has the appropriate experience. It is important that you hire someone that has enough background experience to get the work done properly. Although it is certainly possible for an inexperienced contractor to do the job right, it is best not to flirt with danger.
Replace the air filter to keep your HVAC system every month. This represents an easy way to help you keep your system working well.
Avoid using any contractor for HVAC repairs or installation, unless they provide you with a 24-hour number for emergency situations. They should be able to get to your home whenever you need them there, be it in the middle of a heatwave or in the worst snowstorm of the year.
Pick an HVAC companies that know what they’re doing and can work quickly. The most reliable companies make sure their technicians will always be on schedule. The technicians will be able to diagnose problems in your HVAC in no time. Once the problem is identified, they should be able to fix it as fast as they can.
Be sure to get a written agreement from your HVAC repair person. Do not get scammed with material fees and fuel charges. A contract will really help you if something like this materializes.
If you must position it in a corner, get one with moving vents.
To keep your HVAC unit from having trouble, make sure to give proper protection to the condenser with the help of a cover. That ensures it isn’t damaged by the cold and snow. Don’t turn it on if the temperature is below 60 either. Turn the fan on instead, to avoid putting undue stress on the system.
Any HVAC contractor or installer should have an emergency hotline. They should be able to get to your home whenever you need them there, whether during a heatwave or a terrible snowstorm.
Before you hire an HVAC contractor, research their references. Too many people take for granted that reference are indeed legitimate, when in fact they may not be. It just takes a couple of minutes to contact someone to check people out, so take your time with it.
Now that you have read this, you should be better prepared to keep your system running properly. You certainly don’t want it to break on you. Keep these tips handy so you never forget anything.
You should ask the contractor if they included heat-loss calculations inside their initial quote. This needs to be factored in when figuring out the best sized unit for your home. Windows and doors should be counted, and insulation should be checked along with measuring the internal space of your home.
