It is not easy for many homeowners to know where to turn when the HVAC system begins to fail. To prevent real inconvenience and misery, knowledge is power. This article was put together to help conscientious homeowners learn how to hire the help they have to get.
If problems arise with the HVAC system, check things out yourself prior to calling in a technician. This will help the repairman determine what the problem is and how to fix it.
Prior to putting in a service call on your HVAC, be able to identify it. Know the model and brand and find it’s maintenance history, if possible. This will let you know that you’re able to give the contractor the information that can help them.
Know what you want done before you hire a contractor. It will be difficult for an HVAC contractor to provide you with an estimate over the phone if they have not seen your current system. It will be more hard if you over the phone without the information readily available.
Clean your fan blades and coils prior to summertime. Clean the outdoor condenser unit regularly.
Check the whole house before you call for help. Make a list of the temperatures in each room and whether they are hot or cold. This information will help the contractor determine where the problem is and how to fix it.
Clean the debris that accumulates on your condenser unit. You don’t know when things are going to pile up, especially after a windy or rainy storm, and that can ruin your system. It can cause a disaster with your system to malfunction by overheating.
Turn the power off first so nothing moves. Then, take the grill off, pull the blades out, and begin cleaning the unit and them gently.
Before you choose someone to do HVAC work, figure out what they need to do for you. It is going to be hard to get a price estimate on the phone if the current system isn’t something they’ve seen. They also won’t be able to offer you a quote if they don’t have a detailed idea of what you want done. This is information that you should have prepared in advance.
Don’t let grass clippings on your outside unit. Aim the grass in a direction away from the unit. This applies when you are taking care of the leaves in debris.
Put outdoor condensers in places with shade.
Each spring, clean the fan blades and coils on your condenser. Turn it off first so you don’t get hurt or break something. Then, remove the grill, then remove the blades and begin the cleaning process of the blades and the unit.
Be sure you have twice annual HVAC system checks. This should be checked often for debris and the spring.
A programmable thermostat is a simple way to help you save money on air conditioning costs. Some can even be controlled from your smart phone or computer.
Keep your outdoor units free of debris when your cutting grass. Aim the grass in a different direction from the unit. Also do this when blowing leaves or shoveling snow.
During the service check, professionals can help by inspecting the system’s motor, inspect the motor and the freon levels. These few simple tasks will help your system to run at its peak performance.
Air conditioners sometimes ice up at times. The drain line may also freeze over. If you see this happen, switch the thermostat in your home to fan only so the compressor is disabled. You should leave the repair to a professional, but switching to the fan will make the ice melt.
If the current location of your HVAC unit outside isn’t working, try having it moved to an area with more shade. If your air conditioner is able to constantly suck in cool air, it won’t have to work overtime to cool your space, which can in turn save you money on your electricity bills.
Ask for helpful information when you can find a HVAC contractor. People who’ve had great service are usually willing to share this information. This can also a great way to get names of companies that should be avoided.
Check the ducts to find any leaks if your unit seems to not be working efficiently. When you repair the leaks, the testing will pay for itself in energy savings.
Turn off any outdoor condensers you have when the weather gets cold. If the temperature outside is less than 60ºF, be sure to turn off the unit so that you don’t damage it. You’ll pay less for repairs which you follow this tip.
Figure out the direction your home faces in order to make your HVAC system more efficient. The less heat in your home, the less work your AC will have to do.
Make sure they have tight seals to keep air inside. You can hire a professional.
Putting in a programmable thermostat is a smart way to cut back on air-conditioning costs. In fact, you can save as much as 10 percent on both heating and cooling when you turn your thermostat by by 10-15 percent for at least 8 hours daily. Some of these thermostats can even be controlled from your smart phone or computer.
Pick HVAC business that know what they’re doing and works quickly to solve the problem. The best companies make sure their technicians will always be on schedule and keep appointments. A licensed technician should also easily diagnose any problems with your HVAC unit quickly. Once the problem is identified, they should also know how to get them resolved efficiently and quickly.
The home’s heating and cooling system is integral if you want to be comfortable. But if they know what’s going on, they can quickly fix the situation. These tips will put you in the best possible position.
Service your HVAC unit at least one time a year. During the service check, the system motor will be inspected, the moving parts will be oiled and the freon levels will be checked This ensures your system runs smoothly.
