
A lot of homeowners like having HVAC units in their home. An HVAC unit that helps keep a house at a comfortable for you throughout the year. You will likely need to hire a contractor to install and maintain it. The following information will give any homeowner the info they need to know about HVAC unit.
Know what type of your HVAC system you currently have before looking for a repair person. This will let you know that you’re able to give the contractor any information that can help them.
Know what type of system you currently have before calling someone to fix it. Learn the brand, model, and if you have it, the maintenance history. That way you can provide the contractor with all the necessary information.
Clean your condenser’s fan blades and coils prior to summertime. Clean off any leaves or debris from your condenser unit.
Turn it off 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 your HVAC is giving you problems, tour your home before calling a technician. Notice the temperature in each room. Are some cooler or hotter than others? This will help the repairman determine what the problem is.
10 Drops
Lubricate your condenser at least once a year. You can easily find these ports covered with rubber or metal cap. Use a lightweight, and put 10 drops or fewer in each port, putting 10 drops in each port.
Think about what improvements you want made before picking an HVAC contractor. Discussing the problem is simplified if you understand what has happened with the unit. In addition, you need to be able to tell the contractor what you have already tried. So, have this information ready.
Turn off outdoor condenser units when weather gets cold. This should be done when the weather falls under 60 degrees Farenheit.This simple tip will help keep the system working for years to come.
It is always a good idea to swap out single pane windows with ones that have double pane ones. This same effect also helps keep it warm in during the winter.
To make sure your condenser fan works properly, keep the fan blades and the coils clean. Turn off the power if you are going to work on your HVAC system. Remove leaves and debris from the outside condenser.
Do not allow your house get dangerously hot. Air conditioners only cool a home down 20 degrees or so within a reasonable time period. If the temperature in your home rises to 100 degrees F or higher, it will only reduce it to 80 or more. This is not a healthy environment to live in.
Research and check the reputation of companies that you consider using. Check with different references to determine the BBB and online reviews as well. This will help you to choose a smart decision.
Make sure that you do not cover your outdoor components with grass clippings when you are trimming the grass. Aim your grass cuttings in a direction away from your unit. If you’re blowing leaves, this same problem can occur, so make sure you move around the unit and blow the leaves away from it.
Ask friends and trust for their HVAC contractor recommendations. People who’ve had great service are usually more than willing to tell of it. This will also help you with good information on which contractors you should avoid hiring.
Contractors are responsible for their own charges and fees, so make sure to get multiple quotes.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.
You must keep your HVAC systems oil ports lubricated annually. You can find these ports covered with rubber or metal caps. Use SAE 20 oil that is lightweight and detergent free, and put ten drops or fewer into each one. Make sure not to overfill them.
Are you looking at purchasing a new heating/cooling system? There are several things you need to keep in mind. The systems are it can cover.You are wise to err on the side of a unit that is slightly too large for your needs than purchasing one that is a smaller one.
If you HVAC unit is making a clicking sound, immediately start looking for any obstructions. Often it is being caused by debris that’s hitting fans in the cooling system. Check it out yourself first before spending on a contractor.
Be sure to place your outdoor unit in a shady spot to maximize efficiency. It will help you save on your energy bill when you do this.
Make certain they have tight seals to keep air can’t seep in.You can get these tested at little to no charge by a professional to test them all for you and often this testing is free.
Square Footage
Turn off outdoor condenser units when weather turns cold. If it’s less than 60 degrees outside, turn the unit off. This will allow your system to work well every year, and that saves you quite a bit on making repairs.
Measure the area that requires air conditioner shopping.You can usually substitute 20 BTU for each square footage of the area to be cooled. If more than one room needs AC service, get their square footage added together.
Replace the air filter monthly to keep your HVAC system every month. This will maximize the production of your HVAC system running well.
Equipping your home with a programmable thermostat can be an excellent way to cut utility costs. Turning down the thermostat around 10 percent for 8 hours per day can give you a 10 percent savings using the programmable thermostat. Additionally, some programmable thermostats can be controlled remotely using a web-connected device.
If you have no choice but to put it in the corner, be sure you’re getting a unit that has air flow coming from a direction that’s not facing the wall.
Ask any potential contractor about their experience prior to hiring them. You need to know that they have done the type of experience needed to work on your particular system.
Service your hearing and cooling systems once each year. An HVAC specialist will inspect the entire system, including the oil, the motor, and the ducts. These simple tasks will help keep your HVAC system running smoothly.
Some contractors attempt to overcharge you on later for things such as material fees and other charges. Having a written contract will help you avoid any issues like this.
Cover your condenser unit for protection in the winter.This helps the condenser last longer if it is protected when it is not using it. Use the fan setting only to avoid putting strain on the unit.
When you are away from home, adjust your thermostat to a money saving temperature. When you turn the air conditioner off, the house may heat up a little but only a certain amount. Leaving it on for the entire day means that it is struggling to keep things cool, something that takes lots of energy.
Consider a programmable thermostat installed.This lowers your system some downtime while you are warm in your bed.
You may be surprised that as many as two-thirds of households have ducts that are leaky. This can result in as much as one fourth of your utility expense! Sealing up your ducts is cheap and easy, and it is something you can do yourself, and it can reduce your electricity bills significantly every year thereafter.
Spend some time on researching for reliable HVAC companies to ensure that they have a good reputation. Check reputations at the BBB, and read online reviews to gauge customer satisfaction. Take these steps to ensure you make wise choices.
There are plenty of tips that will help when you find yourself dealing with a contractor. These tips are found in the article above, of course, but there are others as well. It is important to have your HVAC unit installed and working properly. Put this advice to good use so that you have minimal issues in the future.