How can you know which system to get? What size do you purchase? What features will you need?It can be hard to sort through all the new features are coming out each day.
When you start making calls to get someone to help with your HVAC system, it’s a good idea to know what system you have before that phone call. Find out the brand and model and, if possible, dig out the maintenance history. This helps make sure the contractor has the information they will need.
If you have some problems with the HVAC system, take a look around the house prior to calling a contractor. This will help the repairman determine what the problem is and how to fix it.
Know what you want done before you select an HVAC contractor. A contractor will be hard pressed to provide you with an accurate price without accurate information about your system. It will be way more difficult for him to assist you over the phone without the information readily available.
If you have a fan condenser with oil ports, it needs to be lubricated every year. You’ll find these ports are covered with a metal or rubber cap. Choose a SAE 20 oil whch is lightweight and non-detergent and place 10 drops or less into each port, ensuring it doesn’t overfill.
Clean your condenser’s fan blades and coils when the weather begins to warm. Clean off any leaves or debris from your condenser unit.
Don’t let grass clippings on your outside unit. Aim the grass in a direction from the unit. This applies to leaf blowing and any other yard work that results in the yard.
You can keep energy costs in your home lower by choosing to have professional maintenance done on your HVAC unit. This inspection will ensure that your unit is working efficiently, including a freon level and motor check, and oiling moving parts. These few simple things will help your system to run at its peak performance.
Put outdoor condensers in the shade if you are installing them.
Have your heating and cooling system checked twice a year. This should be checked often for debris and again in the spring.
Before you invest in any HVAC contractor, make sure you spend a good deal of time researching their reputations and credentials. Checking with the BBB is a good idea, and so is checking online reviews to see the experiences that other customers have had with a company. It would be wise of you to take these steps.
When it’s checked out, expect inspections of freon levels and the motor, and see how much freon is in your system. These repairs will keep your HVAC system to run at its peak performance.
Research and check the companies that you consider using. Check them out at the BBB and look for reviews as well. This is what you have to do in order to make the right choice.
Ask people that you know and trust for contractor recommendations. People that have had quality work done are usually more than willing to share this information. This will also help you avoid scammers.
Fan Setting
Air conditioners tend to ice up. The drain line may also freeze over. If you notice this, change the setting on your thermostat to the fan setting and this will disable the compressor. You can call a HVAC professional, but switching to the fan setting should start to melt the ice.
For greater efficiency, put a radiant barrier in your attic. It blocks the heat from inside out, reducing the energy that’s needed for your home to get cooled during the summer. If it is done correctly, it is even possible to convert the attic as a living space.
Companies that are well established have track records that haven’t been. Hiring a contractor can be risky.
Think about having 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 and the outside. You could even use your attic space more effectively.
All of your windows and doors must be air-tight, in order for your HVAC system to run at maximum efficiency. Make certain they have tight seals to keep air inside. Professional testing is available, and it is often free of charge.
Check for duct leaks if you you feel your unit seems to not be working efficiently. When you have leaks repaired, the testing will pay for itself in energy savings.
Measure the living area that needs cooling before buying a unit.You can figure out the unit you need 20 BTU per square foot. If you are cooling more than one room, get their square footage added together.
It is important to think about the direction air flows from your unit. If you have no choice but to put it in the corner, be sure to buy a unit which allows for the air flow direction to be changed away from the wall.
It can be a little confusing at first; choosing an HVAC system, but tips like these should clear the air. However, you are now armed with the information you need to make it an easy choice. Review these tips and use them to make a selection. It will help you keep your home comfy.