Anyone that has a HVAC unit in their house knows how it important it is to have it properly maintaining it. An HVAC unit that runs poorly will only end up costing money all year round!This article will give you tips to keep your HVAC will continue to run effectively.
Know what type of your HVAC system you currently have before calling someone to fix it. This will help you give your chosen contractor any information they might need.
Clean the coils of your condenser fan each month. Always shut off all power to your unit for any work beyond superficial cleaning. The outside condenser unit should be kept free of leaves and other debris.
Clean the fan blades and coils come spring. Clean the outside of your condenser unit.
Turn the power off first so you don’t get hurt or break something. Then, take the grill off, pull the blades out, and begin cleaning the unit and them gently.
If you have units that are condensers outside of the home, keep them free of debris. You can never tell when things will pile up, especially following rain or wind storms. These can wreak havoc on your units. Left unchecked, your unit is more likely to break down.
Grass Clippings
Don’t let grass clippings pile up against your outside unit. Aim the grass clippings in a different direction from the unit. This also applies when you are taking care of the leaves in the yard.
The coils and blades on the fans should be cleaned once a year. Before you do anything, however, turn the power off. Next, pop off the grill, pull out the blades and start cleaning them and the unit itself off gently.
Your HVAC units might suffer when your trees start to lose leaves. 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 it is clogged, you will end up with many headaches with the unit.
Turn off any outdoor condenser units when weather turns 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 years to come.
Don’t let grass clippings pile up against your outdoor condenser. Instead, make sure that the grass is shooting in the opposite direction. Be just as mindful when you blow leaves to not blow them toward your HVAC equipment.
During this service visit, the contractor will oil parts, oil the moving parts and check the freon levels in the system. These simple things will boost the performance of your system.
Never let your home to get dangerously hot inside. Air conditioners can only cool a home by just twenty degrees Fahrenheit within a reasonable amount of time. If the temperature in your home rises to 100 degrees F or higher, you’ll only cool down to still above 80. This won’t be a safe and comfortable temperature for you to sleep in.
When the leaves start to fall, the HVAC equipment can be harmed. Clean the fan grill often when leaves are falling. A blocked unit can quickly become a broken unit.
Research and check the companies that you consider using. Check with the BBB and online reviews posted by former customers. These simple steps can help ensure you make a better decision.
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 recommended size for this information.
You must keep your HVAC systems oil ports lubricated annually. The port usually has either a rubber or metal cap on top of it. Look for an oil that is lightweight and then put about 10 drops inside the port. You don’t want to put in too much.
Companies with proven track record that you can use to decide if they are worth the time and money. Hiring a new contractor may be taking a considerable risk.
Ask your friends and family for their HVAC contractor recommendations. People who’ve had great service are usually more than willing to share this information. This can also help you learn the names of companies that should be avoided.
Your system should be checked twice a year. It’s best to have it checked before you turn it on for the summer and again for the winter. Even if everything seems fine, check things out to find potential problems.
There are a lot of sites these days that allow customers share their reviews. This is a good way to locate contractors that you wish to work and ones that are poor.
Contractors determine their own fee levels, so make sure that you acquire multiple estimates. You can save a lot of cash if you take the time to call around before you decide. Call around to find out what the best deal possible.
Turn off any outdoor condensers you have when the weather gets cold. If temps go below 60 you run the risk of damaging a unit that remains on. This helps the system last much longer and will have to be repaired less often.
Now you know a lot about HVAC, so you can ensure yours stays running for many years. The last thing that anyone wants is an HVAC system that doesn’t work right, because it costs a lot of money to get that fixed. Keep these tips in mind, because they will only help you out over the life of your system.
