It is frustrating to need work done to your HVAC system when it is super hot or super cold. Learning about your HVAC systems in advance will help you fix them or maintain them. Read on to do this.
Clean any debris on an external condenser unit. You never know when things can pile up, like right after it’s windy or rains, and that can throw a wrench in your system. It can also cause your system to malfunction by overheating.
By the end of spring, the fan blades and coils of your condenser should be thoroughly cleaned, so operation can proceed with greater efficiency. Always shut off all power to your unit for any work beyond superficial cleaning. Leaves and debris can build up inside the unit and cause damage.
Have your HVAC system checked twice a year at the least. This should be checked often for debris and the spring.
It is a good idea to swap out single pane windows for double pane ones. This also help you keep in heat when it gets cold.
Don’t get grass clippings on your outside unit. Get the grass shot away from your unit. This same tip applies when you are blowing fallen leaves around the yard. Grass and leaves pose a serious problem for the internal functioning of your unit.
During this service visit, the system motor will be inspected, oil the moving parts and check the freon levels in the system. These repairs will boost the performance of your system.
Research the reputation of companies before hiring them.Check with different references to determine the BBB and look for reviews posted by former customers. This is what you make the best choice.
Make certain that an outdoor unit is in the shade. If it sucks in cool air, it will need to work less to coll the air inside, which can make it last longer.
Look for calculators online to truly understand what size of unit is necessary for your room or home. Look in the manual to determine the recommended size for this information.
Companies that have been around for longer have a proven track records typically provide better service. Hiring a new contractor may be taking a bigger risk.
In order for your new unit to be as efficient as possible, or to make older units more efficient, make sure it’s put in a shaded area. As it brings in cool air to cool, you will save a lot of money.
Speak with family and friends to get a recommendation for a reputable HVAC unit.People who they have had a good experience are often happy to share the name of their contractor. This is an excellent way to get names of companies that should be avoided.
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 many quotes. You may want to get quotes from at least five contractors in order to know what reasonable rates are.
Get your HVAC unit serviced two times per year. This should be done in the fall and again in the spring. Regular inspection will help you avoid unexpected repairs.
Think about having a radiant barrier installed in your attic so your HVAC system. It will make sure you won’t have to use more energy to keep your home cool when it’s hot outside. You could even find that you can use your attic space more effectively.
Do you wish to buy a new HVAC system? There are many things you must consider first. Systems have a rating based on how effectively they can cool or heat an area well. You are better off purchasing a bigger unit that is slightly too large for your needs than a bit too small.
If you are a home owner, replace whatever single pane windows you have with more efficient double-paned versions. Double pane windows will help keep your home cooler in the summer. Likewise, heat is better retained during the winter.
Check the ducts to find any leaks if you you feel your unit seems to not be working efficiently. When these leaks are fixed, you’ll find that the testing paid for itself.
Figure out the direction your home is facing so your HVAC system more efficient. The less amount of heat inside of your home, the less you’ll have to use your air conditioner to cool things off.
Don’t let your house get too hot. Air conditioners really can only cool a home down about 20 degrees Fahrenheit within a reasonable amount of 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. This won’t be a healthy environment to live in.
Make sure they have tight seals to keep air can’t seep in. You can hire a professional to test them.
Square Footage
Problems with an air conditioning unit happen when it ices up. The drain line can freeze, making you think it’s a plumbing leak. If you see this, immediately put your thermostat on the fan setting to turn off your compressor. If the problem persists be sure to call in a professional.
Measure the living area you wish to cool before going air conditioning. You generally need 20 BTUs per square footage of room space. If you have a lot of rooms to keep cool, make sure to add the square footage together.
If it must be in a corner, try buying a unit that lets you change its air flow direction away from your wall.
There are sizing calculators available to determine the proper sized system for your home. Buying one that’s too large will not cool that well. Look in the manual or on the manufacturer website for this information.
Ask any potential contractor about their experience prior to hiring them. You need to know that they have the type of experience needed to work on your particular system.
Always request references before hiring any contractor.
Ask people that you know and trust for contractor recommendations. Someone who has used a contractor in the past is generally willing to let you know what they thought about it. You will also find out who NOT to use!
Some contractors will attempt to overcharge you after the work is complete for items like materials and fuel. Having a signed contract can help you avoid issues like this.
Cover your condenser unit for protection in the weather becomes less than optimal. This can help it last longer when you’re not using it. Use the fan setting only to avoid putting strain on the condenser unit.
Search online for reviews to find an HVAC customer you can trust. A simple search should yield a number of sites with informative reviews. This is a great way to find people you want to work with and those you don’t want to work with.
Consider have a programmable thermostat. This can save you a great deal on your heating and cooling bills because when you adjust the temperature to sync with your system rests while you are comfortably warm asleep in bed.
You might be surprised that as many as two-thirds of households have ducts that are leaky. These leaky ducts can add up to a quarter of your total utility costs. Sealing your ducts is both easy and cheap, you can even do it yourself, saving you money on your utility bills every year from then on.
Ask for quotes from multiple contractors. Getting several quotes will ultimately help you save lots of money. In an ideal situation, you can estimate a reasonable rate by getting quotes from up to a half-dozen individual contractors or businesses.
Getting help from a HVAC professional might be intimidating. However, with the right knowledge, the process need not be so terrible. Now, you should feel much more empowered about dealing with issues when they arise.
