Having a solid HVAC system helps your home always comfortable. Many homes already have this type of system in place, but they do need to be replaced from time to time. Understanding what to look for in an HVAC system will help you to buy a great product when the time is right.
If your HVAC system is acting up, tour your home before calling a technician. This will help the repairman determine where the problem is and how to fix it.
What system do you have? You need this information to tell your contractor. You need to know who manufactured the product and the item number. Also, get the maintenance records from your files if you have them. This will facilitate the process when your contractor asks for this information.
Be sure to regularly clean external condenser units. 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 your unit.
Turn the power off so you don’t get hurt or break something. Next, pop off the grill, put the blades out and start to gently clean them along with the unit.
Be sure to clean the fan blades and coils of the condenser fan. First, turn off the power so that nothing will move as you are working on it. Remove the grill and carefully clean the blades and surrounding areas.
Don’t let grass clippings on your outside unit. Aim your grass cuttings in a different direction from the unit. This applies to leaf blowing and any other yard work that results in debris.
Lubricate your fan condenser yearly if it has oil ports. You can find these ports as they have a rubber or metal cap. Use a lightweight, detergent-free SAE 20 oil, but make sure to avoid overfilling them.
Don’t let your outdoor HVAC units get smothered with clippings anytime you mow the yard. Have the grass shoot in the opposite direction. Do the same when blowing snow or leaves.
Put outdoor unit in places with shade.
It is always a good idea to swap out single pane windows with ones that have double panes. This also keeps warm air in the winter months.
As you notice the tress begin to lose their leaves, keep an eye on your outdoor condenser unit. Whenever leaves are falling, consistently clean the fan grill. Your fan needs an unobstructed way to get air inside, and the more blocked up it becomes, the more headaches will develop for you with the system.
Never let your home to rise to a dangerously hot temperature. An AC unit is really only able to reduce the temperature of your home approximately twenty degrees in a fair time. If your home gets above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, cooling it will only drop the temperature to 80 degrees F. This won’t be a safe and comfortable temperature for you to sleep in.
Research the companies before hiring them. Check with the BBB and online reviews of potential companies online. These simple steps will help ensure you make a better decision.
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 help keep it in good condition for many years.
Contractors charge different rates, so make sure you get quotes from several contractors before you make any hiring decision. You can save tons of money by doing your homework. You may want to get quotes from at least a handful of contractors in order to know what reasonable rates are.
Think about getting a radiant barrier in your attic so support the efficient functioning of 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 home cool when it’s hot or cold as it should be. You could even find that you can use your attic space more effectively.
Replace single pane windows by installing double pane, if possible. Double pane windows help minimize your air conditioning use in the summer by keeping the cooler air inside your home. This will help you save a lot of money.
Are you thinking of getting a HVAC system? There are things you should consider. Systems have a rating based on how effectively they can cool and heat an area. You are better off purchasing a bigger unit that is slightly too large for your needs than purchasing one that is a bit too small.
Check for duct leaks if you you feel your existing system is not up to snuff. If you do end up paying, the money spent on finding and repairing the leak will pay for itself.
If nobody is home, turn off the air conditioner to save money. This will save you money on your energy bills. When the AC is left running, your power bill will go up quite a bit.
Figure out the direction your home faces in order to make your HVAC system can work better. The less heat in your home, the fewer occasions you have to use your air conditioner.
If you hear a clicking noise coming from your HVAC unit, see if there are any obstructions right away. Often it is being caused by debris hitting the fans in the cooling system. Check it out before spending on a repairman.
Your home should never reach a dangerous temperature. Air conditioners cannot sufficiently cool down unreasonably high temps. If your home happens to get near 100 degrees Fahrenheit, then you will only be able to reasonably cool to around 80. Depending on how humid it is, this isn’t really that safe for a person to sleep in when it’s really hot.
Investing in your HVAC is a must. When it comes to maintaining your HVAC, installing a new one or finding the right contractor, this article has hopefully answered most of your questions. They will assist you in getting what you want with respect to your HVAC system.
