Anyone who has a HVAC system in their home knows the importance of properly maintaining it. A HVAC system that does no function properly can end up costing the homeowner a lot of money. The following tips concerning HVAC maintenance and learn what to do if you eventually need to replace it.
Know the name and type of system you currently have before looking for a repair person. This will help you give the new contractor you hire has all the necessary information.
Know what type of system you currently have before calling someone to fix it. Look for the maintenance history and brand and model. Your contractor will appreciate this information.
Clean your condenser’s fan blades and coils each spring to ensure that your condenser fan operates at it’s best. Clean the outside of your condenser as well.
Turn it off first so nothing moves. Then, pop off its grills, pull the blades out, and gently clean them as well as the unit itself.
If your HVAC system us giving you issues, take a look around the house prior to calling a contractor. Pay attention to which areas of the house are warm and which ones are cool. Give this information to your contractor when they arrive.
Your HVAC units might suffer when trees lose leaves. Make sure the fan’s grill is cleaned frequently when the fall. The air needs to be unobstructed into the fan, and extra blockage can later develop into more serious problems.
Lubricate your condenser at least once a year. You will see rubber or metal cap covering them.Use a lightweight, and put 10 drops or fewer in each port, but make sure to avoid overfilling them.
In order to keep your outside condenser fan running efficiently, make sure the coils and the fan blades are cleaned before the cooling season begins. Always make sure you shut off the power before you do any work on the unit other than superficial cleaning. The outside condenser unit should be kept free of leaves and other debris.
Have the HVAC serviced at least yearly. This should be checked often for debris and the spring.
Turn off any outdoor condensers you have when it becomes cold out. This means that you should be done when the temperature drops below 60ºF to avoid damage. This helps your system remain in good working well throughout the years without the cost of repairs.
Keep your outdoor units free of debris when you are mowing the lawn. Aim the grass clippings in the other direction. The same goes for when you blow leaves, so make sure your are careful when moving any debris in the vicinity of your HVAC devices.
It is always a good idea to replace single-paned windows with ones that have double pane ones. This also keeps warm in the winter months.
Install a thermostat to save money on cooling your home.Some can even be controlled from your smart phone or computer.
Lubricate the oil ports on your condenser once each year. You will see rubber or metal caps covering the ports. Pick a type of SAE 20 oil that is non-detergent and lightweight. Place 10 or less drops into every port to avoid overfilling.
When it’s checked out, expect inspections of freon levels and the motor, moving parts well oiled and the level of freon adjusted if necessary. These simple tasks will help keep your system running at peak performance.
Research the companies before hiring them. Check them out at the best one for your situation. These simple steps can help make the smartest and most informed choice.
Make sure you have your HVAC system checked at least twice a year. The ideal thing to do would be to have it checked out in the fall and spring so you’re able to figure out if everything is ready for the cold and hot months. Even though it may seem as nothing is wrong with the unit, a simple inspection can prove otherwise.
Air conditioners sometimes ice up at times. The drain line may also freeze over. If this is something that’s happening to you, try switching your thermostat to just the fan so that it disables the compressor. You should call a pro to fix this problem, but switching to the fan setting should start to melt the ice.
Ask your friends and relations for contractor recommendations. People who’ve had great service are normally more than happy to recommend their contractors. This can also help you learn the names of companies that you should avoid.
When it gets cold outside, the outdoor condenser unit should be turned off. If the outside temp is under 60 degrees, turn the unit off to prevent damage. This can keep your system working for years and save you a lot on repairs.
There are now different online sites that let customers talk about how they were treated by services. This is a great way to find people you want to work with those you don’t want to work with.
Think about having a radiant barrier in your attic so support the efficient functioning of your HVAC system. It blocks outside heat from coming in which will serve as a barrier between your home and the outside. You could even find that you can use your attic as part of your living space if it is done right.
When you want a HVAC contractor who is reliable, you need to spend some time in researching the background and reputation of several potential companies. Inquire with the BBB and look elsewhere for other reviews from customers. Take these steps to ensure you make wise choices.
Are you going to buy a HVAC system? You will need to know some things into account. Systems get rated according to how large an area they effectively cool and heat. You are wise to err on the side of a bigger unit that is slightly too large for your needs than a smaller one.
Figure out the direction your home faces in order to make your HVAC system can work better. The less your home is heated, the less time your air conditioner will have to work.
Make sure to make a well-informed decision on the size of your HVAC. Proper sizing will increase efficiency. Check the manual it comes with for the information you need.
Now that you’ve read the advice above, you should know more about how to keep an HVAC running for a long time. A faulty HVAC unit is every homeowner’s worst nightmare. It can cost a lot of money to repair and eat up a lot of time. Use these tips to keep your system in working order.
