How do you know exactly which HVAC system to buy? What size should you need?What features do you want? It can overwhelming to shop since so many new features are coming out what you need.
Know what type of your HVAC system you currently have before looking for a repair person. This will help make sure that the contractor you hire to repair it.
Check out the system that you have before you call a professional. Know the model and brand and find it’s maintenance history, if possible. This will enable you to give your chosen contractor any information they might need.
Know what work you need before you select an HVAC contractor.It will be hard for a contractor to provide you with an estimate over the phone if they have not seen your current setup is. It will be way more difficult for him to assist you can’t figure out what they need to do.
Clean any 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 throw a wrench in your system. It can cause your system by overheating.
If you struggle with your HVAC, try touring your home before calling a professional. Find out which rooms are hot and which are cold. This can help contractors quickly figure out the issue and how to fix it easily and quickly.
Turn the power off first so you don’t get hurt or break something. Next, pop off the grill, put the blades out and start to gently clean them along with the unit.
Don’t let grass clippings on your outdoor condenser.Aim your grass in a direction away from the unit. This also applies to leaf blowing and any other yard work that results in the yard.
Every spring you should clean the coils and fan blades on your condenser fan. Before you do anything, however, turn the power off. Then, take the grill off, pull the blades out, and gently clean them as well as the unit itself.
Lubricate the oil ports on your condenser once a year. These ports are usually covered with rubber or metal cap. Use a lightweight, and put 10 drops or fewer in each port, but make sure to avoid overfilling them.
Turn off outdoor condensers you have when weather turns cold. This should turn it off to prevent damage if the weather falls under 60 degrees Farenheit. This can ensure your system working for years without the cost of repairs.
Be careful when doing yard work that you do not get debris on or in your unit. Turn your lawnmower in the opposite direction. Do the same when blowing snow or leaves.
It is a good idea to swap out single pane windows with ones that have double pane ones. This also keeps warm air in during the winter months.
A programmable thermostat can help you save money on air conditioning bill. Some programmable thermostats can even be controlled from your smart phone or other device.
If there are oil ports on your fan condenser, lubricate it annually. These ports are often covered by a rubber or metal cap. Buy an SAE 20 product that is lightweight, and then put no more than ten drops into the ports.
When they come out for a service visit, oil the parts that move, and see how much freon is in your system. These easy to do things will help your system to run its peak performance.
Air conditioners sometimes ice up at times. The drain line may also freeze over. If you see this, switch the thermostat in your home to fan only so the compressor is disabled. You should call a pro to fix this problem, but switching to the fan will make the ice melt.
You want to put the outdoor compressor device in a shaded area. The unit will operate more efficiently to cool your home if the intake air is cooler to begin with.
Look for air conditioner sizing calculators online to truly understand what size of unit is necessary for your home. Look in the manual to determine the recommended size for this information.
Think about having a radiant barrier installed in your attic so your HVAC system can run better. It ensures that your unit stays hot outside. You could even use your attic space more effectively.
Your system should be checked twice a 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. Even if you can’t see anything wrong, checking it may help you locate and repair some possible issues.
If you hear a clicking noise coming from the HVAC unit, check for any sort of obstructions immediately. Often the issue is some sort of debris hitting fans in the cooling system. Look carefully at it before you call for help.
Measure the living area that needs cooling before buying a unit. You will need 20 BTU per square foot of room space. If more than one room needs AC service, get their square footage added together.
Make sure that your AC is turned off when you are not using it. The house will heat up, but not too much. Leaving it on for the entire day means that it is struggling to keep things cool, something that takes lots of energy.
Pick an HVAC business that know what they’re doing and can work quickly. The best companies make sure their technicians stay on schedule.A licensed technician should also easily diagnose any potential faults with your HVAC. Once they are able to locate a problem, they can help resolve the problems in a timely and cost-effective manner.
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.
If you want to ensure you choose a trustworthy HVAC contractor, invest a little time in researching a few different companies, checking out their reputations. Check with the BBB (Better Business Bureau), and look them up on review sites online to see what previous customers have to say about their experience. In this way, you can be more sure of getting a good HVAC company.
Always make sure to get references before hiring any contractor.
Any HVAC contractor you hire should have an emergency number available to customers around the clock.They should be there when you need them, whether during a heatwave or a terrible snowstorm.
It is possible for air conditioners to ice over. You may even encounter a freeze in your drain line which is often confused with a plumbing leak. Turn your unit to the fan setting to turn off the compressor. While switching the system to the fan setting should begin the ice melting process, the best thing to do is to hire a professional to deal with the problem.
Cover your condenser unit for protection in the weather becomes less than optimal. This can help it last longer if it is protected when not in use. Use the fan instead to avoid straining the unit.
This determines the number of BTUs needed to maintain comfort in your system should be.
Research what size air conditioner you should purchase for the size of your home by using online calculators they have for this purpose. If you get a unit that is too large, it will cost a lot in energy costs. Look at the manual to determine the recommended size for air conditioners.
These units are more efficient and meet the strict guidelines set for efficiency. The guidelines are evaluated by the U.S. They are called the environment and human health. Taking the time to fully research various units may help you get long-term savings on energy costs.
You might be surprised to discover that as many as two-thirds of households have ducts that leak. This will kick up your total utility bills. Sealing your ducts is both easy and cheap, and it is something you can do yourself, and it can reduce your electricity bills significantly every year thereafter.
Each contractor will have their own fee schedule, so make sure you get several different quotes before you hire anybody. Save yourself some money by calling around before you make your final decision. Call around to find out what the rates are.
Keep your condenser protected in cold weather. This may be accomplished by placing a cover on it.
Be sure to ask for written HVAC company. It pays to get your agreement in writing. There are quite a few jobs that require you have to get multiple estimates of the cost. This ensures that you get the best service. Compare all of the estimates you receive.
Put a radiant barrier in your attic and what your HVAC performance improve. It blocks the heat from inside out, reducing the energy that’s needed for your home to get cooled during the summer. It it’s installed properly, you might even be able to use your attic as an extra room.
You may feel intimidated by the options available when shopping for an HVAC. You should note the decision becoming a little easier to make now that some options have been removed from the table. If you’ve got the time, review the tips above one more time for sake of clarity. Use the tips to make a more informed decision when it counts.
