It could seem like there’s lots to learn all about HVAC. This doesn’t have to be the case, though, if you just know that you need to take some time to follow this advice. This advice will help you out when it comes to simple repairs on your HVAC systems.
Know what work you need before you hire a contractor. It will be difficult for an HVAC 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.
Prior to choosing an HVAC customer, try to have an idea of what you want done. A contractor will be hard pressed to provide you with an over-the-phone estimate if unfamiliar with your system. They also won’t be able to offer you a quote if they don’t have a detailed idea of what you want done. So be aware of this information ahead of time.
Clean your fan blades and coils when the weather begins to warm. Clean the outside of your condenser as well.
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.
Before the summer you should clean out your condenser fan’s blades and coils. Except when cleaning the outside, turn the unit off when performing any type of maintenance. Remove leaves and debris from the outside condenser.
Don’t let grass clippings pile up against your outside unit. Aim your grass in a different direction from the unit. This applies to leaf blowing and any other yard work that results in debris.
Your outdoor HVAC system could suffer when trees begin dropping their leaves. Make sure you clean out your fan grill is cleaned often once nearby trees start shedding their leaves. The fan must not have anything in the way so that air can flow into it, and if it gets blocked, you’ll have a lot of headaches eventually.
Clean the debris from outside units often. Leaves and debris can accumulate quickly, particularly following storms, and that can cause problems for your system. It may even overheat, which can ruin your system.
Have the HVAC system checked twice a year. This should be done in the fall and malfunctions.
Turn off any outdoor condenser when it becomes cold out. This means that you should turn it off to prevent damage if the temperature drops below 60ºF to avoid damage. This will help keep the system running efficiently for many years.
Clean the fan blades and coils on the condenser fan every spring. Don’t forget to disconnect the power first. Then, pop off its grills, pull the blades out, and begin cleaning the unit and them gently.
It is always a good idea to swap out single pane windows with ones that have double pane ones. This also keeps warm in the winter.
A programmable thermostat is a simple way to help you out when it comes to your power bills. Some programmable thermostats can even be controlled from your smart phone or computer.
If there are oil ports on your fan condenser, lubricate it annually. A rubber or metal cap is typically placed over such ports. Get an oil that is SAE 20 and put about 10 drops into each port, but don’t overfill it.
During this service visit, they will inspect the motor of the system, the moving parts will be oiled and the freon levels will be checked These simple things will help your system to run at peak performance.
Don’t let your home temperature get too hot. Air conditioners can only really cool your home down a home by 20 degrees. 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.
Be sure to place your outdoor unit in a shady spot to maximize efficiency. The air in the shade is cooler and can help save on energy costs.
Companies that are around awhile have a better record than those that can help you decide if they’re worth your money and time. Hiring an inexperienced contractor who is just starting out can be risky.
Contractors charge different rates, so make sure to get multiple quotes. You can save quite a bit of money by asking for price quotes. You may want to get quotes from at least a handful of contractors in order to know what reasonable rates are.
If at all possible, install double-paned windows in your home instead of those with a single pane. Good double pane windows keep cool air in during the summer and minimize your utility expenses. They help in the winter, too, keeping the heat in.
Think about having a radiant barrier in your attic so your HVAC system can run better. It ensures that your unit stays hot outside. You could even find that you can use the attic as part of your living space if it is done right.
Are you looking at purchasing a HVAC system installed? You should first think about a few important things. 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 purchasing one that is a smaller one.
Service your HVAC yearly. During your service visit, the serviceman will inspect the unit’s motor, oil the unit’s moving parts and ensure the unit has proper freon levels. These simple things will keep your system running at peak performance.
Check the ducts to find any leaks if you you feel your unit seems to not up to snuff. When you repair the leaks, you may see that the testing pays for itself.
If you hear clicking inside your HVAC unit, immediately check for any type of obstruction. Often it is being caused by debris that’s hitting fans in the cooling system. Take a look for yourself before calling a technician out.
Keep your air conditioner off when people aren’t home to save you money. The house will only heat up to a certain point. Leaving your heating or cooling running full blast while you are away is a waste of money and energy.
Measure the living area that needs cooling before going air conditioner shopping. You generally need 20 BTU for each square foot of space. If more than one room needs AC service, be sure to add their square footage together.
Replace the air filter to keep your HVAC system every month. This is an easy thing to do and it will keep things running well for you overall.
Do not let your house get dangerously hot. An AC unit will reduce the internal temperature of your home approximately twenty degrees in a fair 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. Depending on how humid the environment is, that is not a healthy temperature for the human body when it rests during sleep.
Pick out an HVAC business that understands the unit and knows what to do. The best companies keep the technicians working honestly and on schedule. The technicians need to also be able to diagnose problems in your HVAC in no time. Once they are able to locate a problem, they should also know how to get them resolved efficiently and quickly.
As long as you have the motivation, you can learn about your HVAC system. Things will work out for you if you use the suggestions given in the above article. Take these tips to heart, and you should be able to handle whatever comes your way with your HVAC unit.
Icing up is common in air conditioners. There can be occasional freezes in their drain lines, and these are usually confused with plumbing leaks. If this happens, disable the compressor by switching the thermostat to run the fan only. If the problem persists be sure to call in a professional.
