If you’re not familiar with HVAC and you need to be in the know, then it’s best to arm yourself with these helpful tips first. This article will help you learn the things you can become a master at this. Take some time to read along and you will so fine.
If your HVAC system us giving you issues, check out your home before calling a contractor. This will help the contractor determine what the problem is and how to fix it.
Before you contact people to assist you in getting your system fixed, know what kind of system you’re working with in the first place. It is important to understand what model it is and which brand it is. Also, if it has been serviced before, you should have that information handy. If you have to have someone come out to repair the unit, you will be able to help the contractor understand more about what is going on.
Know what you want done before you select an HVAC contractor. It will be difficult for a contractor to give you with an estimate over the phone if they have not seen your current setup is. It will be way more hard if you don’t know what’s wrong.
Clean your fan blades and coils come spring. Clean the outside of your external condenser unit regularly.
What do you need done? Know this 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. Being unable to explain what has been already done will make it even harder. Thus, it is worthwhile to have this knowledge ahead of time.
Clean any debris on your condenser unit. You never know when things can pile up, especially after a windy or rainy storm, and that can ruin your system. It will damage the system to malfunction by overheating.
Sae 20 Oil
If your condenser units are outisde, make sure any debris is cleaned from them regularly. Excess debris can really affect your system’s quality. It can get overheated, which will cause problems with the whole system.
Lubricate the oil ports on your fan condenser once each year. You can find these ports covered with rubber or metal cap. Use SAE 20 oil that is non-detergent and lightweight, detergent-free SAE 20 oil, but make sure to avoid overfilling them.
Put outdoor unit in the shade if you are installing them.
Cover your unit when you are mowing the lawn. When you work with your lawn mower, make sure it spits the grass to the side opposite of your unit. When blowing leaves, do the same. Always take care when passing your HVAC units while moving leaves, grass or other debris.
Have your HVAC system checked twice a year at the least. This should be checked often for debris and again in the spring.
Do not allow your house get extremely hot. Air conditioners can only cool a home by just twenty degrees in a short time. If your home become 100F or more, cooling it will only drop the temperature to 80 degrees F. This is not a healthy environment to live in.
Some fan condensers may contain oil parts, and if yours does, ensure it is lubricated at least once per year. These are usually covered with rubber or metal caps. Choose an oil graded SAE 20, it is non-detergent and lightweight. Place about 10 drops into each of the ports, taking care that it does not overfill.
Research and check the reputation of companies that you consider using. Check with the BBB and online reviews posted by former customers. These steps can help make a better decision.
Companies that are around awhile have track records that haven’t been. Hiring a newer contractor comes with an element of risk.
Be sure to place your outdoor unit in a shady spot to maximize efficiency. As your air conditioner sucks in cool air, little will have to be done to cool it any further, saving you a ton on your energy bills.
Ask people that you know and family for contractor recommendations. People that have gotten great work done are usually more than willing to share the information they know about it. This is an excellent way to get names of companies that should be avoided.
There are many sites these days that other customers can place their experiences with different services. This is an excellent method provides you with as well as those that you want to avoid.
When it gets cold outside, turn off the outdoor condensers. If the outside temp is under 60 degrees, turn the unit off to prevent damage. This will ensure your system stays in good working order every year, saving you money on costly repairs.
Contractors are responsible for their own charges and fees, so make sure that you acquire multiple estimates. You can save tons of money if you make several calls prior to reaching a final decision. You should try to contact 5 to 6 contractors to determine what reasonable rates are.
Figure out the direction your home faces in order to make your HVAC system more efficient. The less amount of heat inside of your home, the less time that the AC has to work.
Have a smart thermostat installed. With this device installed, it can help you save money on your energy bills by you having the power to regulate the temperature throughout the day. Some newer programmable thermostats have computerized controls you can access from your personal computer, laptop or mobile media device.
Square Footage
Measure the living area that requires air conditioning. 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.
If there isn’t anyone at home, then there’s no need for the AC unit to be running and wasting electricity. Your home will become somewhat warmer during this time. If it’s left on all day, it will fight the heat all day, which uses quite a bit of electricity.
Replace the air filter monthly to keep your HVAC system every month. This is an easy way to help you keep things running well.
Pick HVAC companies that understands the unit and can work quickly. The best companies will ensure that their technicians working honestly and on schedule. A knowledgeable technician will also have no problem diagnosing any potential faults with your HVAC. Once the problem is identified, they can help resolve the problems in a timely and cost-effective manner.
Your home should not have temperatures that are too hot. Expect an air conditioning unit to drop the temperature down 20 degrees within a short amount of time. If the temperature in your home rises to 100 degrees F or higher, cooling it will only drop the temperature to 80 degrees F. This can still be way too warm for you.
If you have to put the unit in a corner, ensure that the air is not directed towards a wall.
Always request references prior to hiring any contractor.
Air conditioners occasionally freeze up, literally. Sometimes the drain line will freeze, causing leaks. If this is something that’s happening to you, change the setting on your thermostat to the fan setting and this will disable the compressor. If the problem persists be sure to call in a professional.
This information is used to determine the number of BTUs your system has to be.
Look for HVAC contractors that uses Energy Star equipment and equipment. This rating means that your system has met the EPA. This means that they can help you save cash on energy all year.
How long has the contractor been in business? Someone that has been in the business for a while probably isn’t going to scam you. Working with someone that does not yet have a reputation in the business is a bit riskier.
Keep your HVAC system running efficiently by cleaning the heating ducts from time to time. Look at the ducts to make sure they are in good shape. Damaged ducts increase your energy bill by wasting air that is warm.
Keep your condenser protected in cold weather. This can be done by placing a cover on it.
Ask people that you know and trust for contractor recommendations. Find someone that has a lot of quality work under their belt. You can also get company names that you should stay away from.
Make sure you know where the owner’s manual is anytime the system in a convenient place. The manual will be very useful.
Written Estimates
Before you hire a contractor, make sure you get different quotes. Making some phone calls before deciding is a good way to save money. It is best to speak to several contractors so that you know which rates are reasonable.
Always get written estimates for HVAC company. It is important that it is in writing. There are quite a few jobs that require you to get written estimates of the cost. This can help you make sure you get good deal on your service. Compare various elements of the estimates you are offered.
It’s not too tough to get into HVAC once you have information like what you read in this article. Careful study will help you avoid accidental breakage and potential injury. Hopefully, you will be able to get things working well now.
Do you need a new HVAC unit? There are some things you need to keep in mind. Systems get rated according to how large an area they can effectively cool and heat. Be sure to choose a slightly too large system over a too small of one.
