An HVAC system is something that many homes. An HVAC unit is designed to keep their homes at a temperature that’s comfortable. You will generally need to hire a pro. Keep reading for great tips on keeping an HVAC ideas you can use.
Know what type of system you currently have before looking for a repair person. This will ensure that you can give your new contractor any information they need.
Always make sure you are up-to-date about your HVAC unit. Look for the model and brand number. This makes sure your contractor will be sufficiently prepared.
Clean the debris that accumulates on an external condenser unit. Debris can pile up after a storm, and this can foul up the inner workings of your system.It could overheat and cause your unit.
Turn it off so you don’t get hurt or break something. Then, pop off its grills, pull the blades out, and gently clean them as well as the unit itself.
If your HVAC is giving you problems, tour your home before calling a technician. Make a list of the rooms which are comfortable and which just aren’t. The contractor can probably figure out and fix the problem easier.
Your HVAC units might suffer when your trees start to lose their leaves. Make sure the fan’s grill is cleaned frequently when the fall. The fan needs to have an unobstructed path for air to enter the unit, and if it becomes blocked, you’ll have a lot of headaches eventually.
Turn off outdoor condensers you have when the weather gets cold. This should turn it off to prevent damage if the temperature drops below 60ºF to avoid damage. This can ensure your unit is working for years and save you a lot on repairs.
Make sure that you do not cover your outdoor components with grass clippings when you are trimming the grass. Direct the clippings away from the equipment. This also applies to leaf blowing and any other yard work that results in debris.
It is always a good idea to swap out single pane windows with ones that have double pane ones. This also helps keep it warm in the colder months.
A programmable thermostat can help save money on air conditioning costs. Some of these thermostats can even be controlled from a computer.
A shady spot is always a good choice for the placement of your outdoor compressor. When it draws in air for cooling, it will be more efficient because it will not need to work as hard to cool down the air.
During your service visit, the contractor will oil parts, oil the moving parts and check the freon levels in the system. These things will boost the performance of your system to run its best.
Never allow the temperature in your home to get dangerously high level. Air conditioners really can only cool your home down a home by 20 degrees. If the temperature in your home rises to 100 degrees F or higher, then you will only be able to reasonably cool to around 80. This is not a healthy environment to live in.
Your HVAC unit requires regular maintenance at least two times per each year. It’s best to have it checked before you turn it on for the summer and again for the winter. You should have it looked at even if no problems are occurring; there could still be a problem or potential problem.
Look for air conditioner sizing calculators online to help you determine the size of unit you need for your home. Look in the manual to determine the manufacturer website for this information.
Companies that are well established have a better record than those that haven’t been. Hiring a new contractor who is just starting out can be risky.
A programmable thermostat can help you save money on your air conditioning bill. It may save you as much as 10 percent of your overall utility bill if you turn your thermostat down by 10-15 degrees for a portion of the day. Plus, some models allow you to control them over the internet or from a smartphone.
Ask people that you know and relations for contractor recommendations. People will tell you who have used and if they are worth calling. This will also be used to see who you know which companies to stay away from.
Contractors determine their own fee levels, so make sure that you acquire multiple estimates. You can save some cash if you take the time to call around before you decide. You may want to call at least a handful of contractors in order to know what you should be paying.
Regular maintenance of your unit should be performed annually. This visit will include a motor inspection and checking the freon. Small problems can occur in any of these areas and lead to serious issues if ignored for too long.
Are you looking at purchasing a new HVAC system installed? You will need to know some things first. Systems have ratings according to the total area they effectively cool and heat. You are wise to err on the side of a unit that is slightly too large for your needs than a bit too small.
Check for duct leaks if your existing system is not be working efficiently. If you do end up paying, the money spent on finding and repairing the leak will pay for itself.
If you are going to be gone during the day or on vacation, turn the temperature up on your air conditioning unit. When you turn it off, the house heats up, but only to a certain threshold. If it is on all day, it is trying to maintain a cool temperature constantly, using a great deal of electricity to fight the heat.
If you hear a clicking noise coming from your HVAC unit, check for any sort of obstructions immediately. Often it is being caused by debris that’s hitting fans in your cooling system. Look carefully at it before you call up a technician.
Square Footage
Do not let your house get dangerously hot. AC units will only cool a house down 20 degrees. So, if you house heats up to about 95, you won’t see the temperature go below 75 for a while. Depending on the humidity level, this temperature isn’t considered a safe sleeping temperature for the human body to be able to recover from the summer heat.
Measure the area you wish to cool before going air conditioner shopping. You will need about 20 BTU per square footage of the area to be cooled. If the unit will be cooling several rooms, be sure to add their square footage together.
If it must be in a corner, get a unit where the air won’t be trapped against the wall.
Look for air conditioner sizing calculators online to truly understand what size of unit is necessary for your room or home. If you purchase something too large, you will be throwing away money. Any unit’s manual will be able to give you an accurate idea for the size of the unit versus your home.
Always get some references from a contractor.
Cover your condenser when the winter. This will extend the life of your condenser last longer when not being used. Use the fan instead to avoid straining the condenser unit.
How long has the contractor been in business? This will ensure that you find someone who knows their stuff. It is always risky to hire a contractor with little experience.
Always follow up on any references that you receive for an HVAC contractor.
This tells you the number of BTUs your new system will need to keep the environment of your home comfortable.
Contractors determine their own fee levels, so make sure to get multiple quotes. You can save a lot of cash simply by doing your homework. It is best to speak to several contractors so that you know which rates are reasonable.
You might be surprised that as many as two-thirds of all homes have ducts that leak. These can lead to as much as a quarter of what you pay for utilities. Sealing up your ducts is cheap and easy, and it is something you can do yourself, saving you money on your utility bills every year from then on.
After reading the above article, you should be aware of the important things that pertain to helping you with your HVAC system, and dealing with contractors. It is important that the installed unit runs correctly and is well maintained. Use the tips above, and you will have no problem.
To help your heating and cooling system run efficiently, install a radiant barrier in your attic. This device helps block the heat from the outside, which reduces your dependency on your HVAC system, as well as your bill. If this is done properly, it will help extend your living space.
