
A quality HVAC system that works is important for an enjoyable home. However, if your system fails, it can be a nightmare.Learning about your HVAC system begins with the tips will prove very useful.
Know what work you want done before you hire a contractor. It will be difficult for a contractor to provide you a price estimate over the phone without knowing what your current system. It will be way more difficult for him to assist you can’t figure out what they need to do.
Before making that repair phone call, make sure you know the specifics about your particular system. Take a look at the system or the owner’s manual to find the name and model number. Your contractor will appreciate this information.
Turn it off so nothing moves.Next, pop the grill off, pull out the blades and start cleaning them and the unit itself off gently.
Your HVAC unit may suffer when trees begin dropping their leaves. Make sure you clean out your fan grill often during the fall. The fan must stay clear in order to function, and if it becomes blocked, you will end up with many headaches with the unit.
If your HVAC system is acting up, take a tour of the house prior to calling a professional. Pay attention to which areas of the house are warm and which ones are cool. Taking this step aids a contractor in figuring out what the problem is and how to repair it as quickly as possible.
10 Drops
Lubricate your condenser once a year. You can find these ports covered with rubber or metal cap. Use SAE 20 oil that is non-detergent and lightweight, and put 10 drops or fewer in each port, putting 10 drops in each port.
Clean your fan blades and coils each spring to ensure that your condenser fan operates at it’s best. Always turn the unit off before you do anything to it, including leaning. Also, make sure you remove any debris or leaves from the condenser unit outside.
Put outdoor unit in places with shade.
Turn off outdoor condenser units when the weather gets cold. This means that you should be done when the temperature drops below 60ºF to avoid damage. This helps your system working for years and save you a lot on repairs.
Make sure your condenser fan is in good working order by wiping down the fan blades and the coils. First, make sure the power is off to ensure nothing moves while you are working. Then take off the grill, take the blades out, and gently clean them.
During the service check, professionals can help by inspecting the system’s motor, inspect the motor and the freon levels. These things will boost the performance of your HVAC system running smoothly.
Never let your home reach a dangerously hot inside. Air conditioners really can only cool a home down about 20 degrees in a reasonable amount of time. If your home happens to get near 100 degrees Fahrenheit, you will only be able to cool it down to 80. This is not a healthy environment to live in.
Make sure clippings don’t get on your outdoor units when your mowing your lawn. When you work with your lawn mower, make sure it spits the grass to the side opposite of your unit. This also applies to blowing leaves or moving debris. Just be careful with that exterior HVAC unit.
Research and check the companies that you consider using. Check with the best one for reviews of potential companies online.Doing this makes it more likely that you make a better decision.
Contractors determine their own fee levels, so make sure that you acquire multiple estimates. You can save tons of money when you call different companies for price quotes. You may want to call at least five contractors in order to know what reasonable rates are.
Many homeowners forget to oil their condenser at least once per year, but it is required. You can easily find the ports as they have a rubber or metal cap. Chose SAE 20 oil, which has been proven to be the most effective.
Think about having a radiant barrier in your attic so your HVAC system. It blocks outside heat from coming in which will make sure you won’t have to use more energy to keep your unit stays hot or cold as it should be. You could even use the attic space if it is done right.
Check for duct leaks if your existing system is not be working efficiently. If you do have leaks that are repaired, the money spent on finding and repairing the leak will pay for itself.
It’s a good idea to put your outdoor compressor in a shady area. This will limit the work that it has to do.
If you hear clicking inside your HVAC unit, there may be something obstructing it. Often the issue is some sort of debris that’s hitting the fans in your cooling system. Look carefully at the system before you call up a service technician.
Now that you’re done reading this article, you understand how important it is to have a properly maintained HVAC system. By failing to do routine inspections, you’re setting yourself up for failure. Thankfully, you have the information shared here, so use it.
Get your HVAC unit serviced two times per year. This should be done in Fall and Spring to prepare it for the extreme months. Even if nothing seems wrong, checking it out can help you find and fix potential issues.