It might seem overwhelming to learn all about HVAC at first. This doesn’t have to be the case, though, if you’re willing to take your time to go over the following paragraphs. This advice will help even the novice when it comes to HVAC systems.
Know what work you need before you select an HVAC contractor.It will be hard for a contractor to provide you with an estimate on the phone without knowing what your current system. It will be way more hard if you over the phone without the information readily available.
Before contacting a repair service, do a short tour of the entire home. Determine which rooms are hotter or colder than they should be. This gives the repairer a starting point to work from.
Clean your fan blades and coils prior to summertime. Clean off any leaves or debris from your condenser unit.
Clean any debris off your outdoor condenser unit. You don’t know when things are going to pile up, especially after a windy or rainy storm, and that can ruin your system. It can cause it to overheat.
Before you choose an HVAC contractor, have an idea in your mind of what needs to be done. A contractor will be hard pressed to provide you with an over-the-phone estimate if unfamiliar with your system. Being unable to explain what has been already done will make it even harder. Know the right information ahead of time.
Don’t get grass clippings pile up against your outside unit. Aim your grass in a different direction away from your unit. This also applies to leaf blowing and any other yard work that results in the yard.
Leaves falling from trees can damage your system. Make sure the fan’s grill is cleaned frequently when the leaves begin to fall. The fan needs to have an unobstructed path for air to enter the unit, and if it is clogged, you’ll have a lot of headaches eventually.
Clean the fan blades and coils prior to summertime. Always make sure you shut off the power before you do any work on the unit other than superficial cleaning. If you see debris, get rid of it.
Put outdoor units in the shade.
Turn off outdoor condenser units when weather gets cold. This should be done when the weather falls under 60 degrees Farenheit.This simple tip will help keep it in good condition for many years to come.
Keep your outdoor units free of debris when you are mowing the lawn. Direct the clippings away from the equipment. This also applies to blowing leaves or moving debris. Just be careful with that exterior HVAC unit.
A programmable thermostat can help you out when it comes to your power bills. Some programmable thermostats can even be controlled from a PC or computer.
During the service check, they will inspect the motor of the system, oil the moving parts and check the freon levels in the system. This ensures your system run better.
Many homeowners forget to oil their condenser at least once per year, but it is required. These ports are often covered by a rubber or metal cap. Use SAE 20 oil that is non-detergent and lightweight, and put 10 drops or fewer in each port, but make sure to avoid overfilling them.
Research and check the reputation of companies that you consider using. Check them out at the BBB and online reviews posted by former customers. This will help you have to do in order to make a contractor that is of high quality.
Fan Setting
Once it grows cold outside, turn off your outside condenser unit. If the temperature drops to under 60 degrees, you risk damage to the unit if you leave it on. This will ensure your system stays in good working order every year, saving you money on costly repairs.
Air conditioners tend to ice up.The drain line might also freeze up.If you notice this, immediately put your thermostat on the fan setting to turn off your compressor. You should leave the repair to a professional, even if switching it to its fan setting starts making the ice melt.
Companies that have been around for longer have a proven track records typically provide better service. Hiring a new contractor who is just starting out can be risky.
One way to save some money with A/C is by having a programmable thermostat installed. It changes the temperature so the system isn’t in use when it’s cooler outside or no one is home. Additionally, some models of programmable thermostats actually allow you to control them remotely from your office computer or cell phone.
Contractors determine their own fee levels, so make sure that you acquire multiple estimates. You can save tons of money this way. You may want to get quotes from at least five contractors in order to know what reasonable rates are.
Think about having a radiant barrier installed 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 outside.You could even use the attic as part of your living space if it is done right.
Service your HVAC yearly. During a maintenance visit, professionals can help by inspecting the system’s motor, oil the different moving parts as well as check the system’s freon levels. These repairs will keep your HVAC system running smoothly.
Figure out the direction your home faces in order to make your HVAC system more efficient. If there’s less heat inside your home, then the HVAC will require less work to actually cool the home.
This article has given you the knowledge necessary to get into HVAC. If you use this advice, it will make it easier to deal with your HVAC system. Use these things well and in the end you may even make money with this.
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 you leave it on all day, it’s fighting the heat constantly, meaning it’s using a lot of electricity to do its job.
