The HVAC system is something many people would like to know about, but they think it is too difficult to tackle. But, this is not necessary. In this article we will share some good tips and helpful information.
If problems arise with the HVAC system, check the entire house before contacting someone to come for repairs. Make a list of the rooms which are comfortable and which just aren’t. You can then relay this information to the technician so that they can more easily figure out what the problem is.
What system do you have? You need this information to tell your contractor. Look for the model and brand number. This information will be helpful to any contractor you hire to repair it.
Clean the debris on your condenser units. You don’t know the amount of stuff that can pile up right after heavy winds or a storm. The whole thing can overheat, causing major problems and possibly an enormous expense for you.
It is important to have some knowledge of your present system and needs before calling a contractor. It will be hard for a contractor to give you a price estimate over the phone if they have not seen your current system. It will be even harder if you cannot explain what you have done. Understand this information beforehand.
Don’t let grass clippings pile up against your outdoor condenser. Get the grass shot away from your unit. The same should happen if you are blowing leaves, so be especially careful when you are going by your exterior HVAC devices whenever you are moving debris.
Clean the coils on the condenser fan from time to time. Shut the power off before you do anything. Pull out each of the blades and clean them one by one.
Your outdoor HVAC units might suffer when your trees lose leaves. Make sure the unit’s fan grill is cleaned frequently when the leaves begin to fall. Your fan needs an unobstructed way to get air inside, and the more blocked up it becomes, the more headaches will develop for you with the system.
You need to lubricate parts of your fan condenser. They generally have a rubber or metal cap on them. Pick a type of SAE 20 oil that is non-detergent and lightweight. Place 10 or less drops into every port to avoid overfilling.
Lubricate your fan condenser at least once a year. These ports are often covered by a rubber or metal cap. Your oil should be an SAE 20. This particular oil is very lightweight and it only requires about 10 drops per port.
Put outdoor condensers in the shade. Your air conditioner won’t have to work so hard if the air is sucks in is already cool.
Boost energy efficiency by putting your condenser unit in the shade. The air in the shade is cooler and can help save on energy costs.
Be sure to have twice annual HVAC system checks. Most homeowners choose to have their unit inspected during the spring and the fall months. This helps prepare for the coming weather changes of summer and winter. It doesn’t matter if your unit seems to be properly working, it is still advisable that you perform maintenance and resolve any potential problems.
Check your unit at least twice each year. The best times to have the system checked is spring and fall, so you are sure everything is running at peak performance before the heating and cooling seasons. It doesn’t matter if your unit seems to be properly working, it is still advisable that you perform maintenance and resolve any potential problems.
Replace any single-paned windows with double-paned versions. Double pane windows can minimize the use of your air conditioner in hot weather since they keep the indoor air cooler. This will help you save a lot of money.
Outdoor condenser units need to be turned off when the weather turns cold. If it’s lower than 60 degrees, the time has come to turn it off. This helps your system remain in good working order.
Installing a programmable digital thermostat can help save money. You have greater control over the temperature settings with these. Also, you can find a thermostat that is controllable from a computer or smart phone.
If at all possible, install double-paned windows in your home instead of those with a single pane. Double pane windows help minimize your air conditioning use in the summer by keeping the cooler air inside your home. This also works during the cold months to keep the warm air inside.
Dangerously Hot
You should have your HVAC system inspected at least once, but preferably twice, per year. Make sure the person takes a look at the motor and examines the levels of freon. These things will boost the performance of your system.
Don’t allow your home to become dangerously hot. An AC unit will reduce the internal temperature of your home approximately twenty degrees in a fair time. If your home become 100F or more, it will only cool off to about 80F. When you factor in humidity, this can still be dangerously hot for the human body at rest.
AC units will tend to get ice on them due to the cold. The drain line may also freeze up. Change your thermostat in situations like this. It’s a good idea to call up professionals to help with this even though you can get the ice to melt when you switch everything to the fan.
Make certain you properly investigate any company prior to hiring them. It is a good idea to check with the BBB and look for reviews from prior clients. Doing this makes it more likely that you choose wisely..
Ask around so you can find a reputable HVAC contractor. If a person had a good experience with a company, they are likely to share it. This will prevent you from getting scammed.
Air conditioners tend to ice up at times. This can also happen on the drain line. If this happens, disable the compressor by switching the thermostat to run the fan only. If the issue persists, call in help.
Put a radiant barrier in your attic and what your HVAC performance improve. This blocks heat from entering your home, which lowers how much energy is needed to keep it cool in the warm months. If this is done properly, it will help extend your living space.
Check out how long the HVAV contractor you are considering has been in business. Firms that have been in business for a long time are easier to assess. Taking risks is not something that you want to do in this area.
Do you need a new cooling system? You will need to take a few things into account. 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.
Do you want to find a quality HVAC? There are many things to consider. For example, the ratings on most systems describe how much space they can work to cool or heat. 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.
If your current system isn’t working well enough, test out the ducts for leaks. This is a job your local utility provider may do for you inexpensively or even free of charge. If a leak is found, the money spent on finding and repairing the leak will pay for itself.
Make your HVAC work efficiently when you consider what way your home faces. Strategically placed trees outside your home can block out the morning sun which can cause your home to overheat. The cooler your home already is, the less work your AC will have to do.
Determine the direction your home is facing to help get your HVAC system functioning efficiently. It’s always a good idea to plant trees in areas that will help block the scorching sun that heats up your home and causes your AC unit to work harder. If there is less heat in the home from sunlight, then the HVAC will require less work to actually cool the home.
Your doors and windows need to be as efficient as the HVAC system you use. All should be tightly sealed with no air getting inside or out. You can get these tested at little to no charge by a professional.
If the HVAC unit makes a clicking noise, look immediately to see if there is an obstruction. The issue may be debris hitting the fans of the cooling system. Removing the debris will quickly fix the issue. Look before calling in a technician.
Square Footage
Hire an HVAC contractor that is efficient and quick. You want one that maintains a schedule. A professional can also perform a quick diagnosis on a faulty machine to locate the problem. They should offer you answers which can be implemented right away.
You can’t know what sized air conditioner to purchase unless you measure the area you need cooled. You can easily calculate this by using the formula: 20 BTUs per square footage of space. Add the square footage for multiple rooms together.
Find out how much experience a given contractor has before you hire him or her. The best contractor for the job will have ample experience working with HVAC systems similar to the one you are using. Though some workers with less experience are great, you do not want to risk it.
Each month, you need to get a new air filter and install it in your unit. It is the easiest way to take care of it. Many chain stores sell filters for under $5.00, and that low price is worth it.
Always make sure to get references from a contractor. Did the homeowner get what they expected? Was it done on budget and on time? You will be able to avoid any scammers out there, as long as you follow up on references.
Make certain that you hire an experienced contractor with a good reputation. Reliable companies insist that their technicians are prompt. The tech will also know how to find the problem quickly. After they know what the problem is, it’s just a matter of time before they have it back and running properly.
Cover your condenser unit for protection in the winter time. This will increase the life of your condenser. Also, never use your compressor when the outside temperature is less than 60 degrees. Instead, switch only the fan on.
Working with your HVAC system doesn’t have to be difficult especially if you follow the suggestions that were given in the above article. Tips like the ones above can help you increase your knowledge base. Start now, and you can’t go wrong.
Always look through the references that any HVAC contractor provides you with. Just because they give you a list doesn’t mean they’re legitimate. This will not take a lot of your time.
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