Follow these tips on dealing with your HVAC system.
Before you contact people to assist you in getting your system fixed, know what kind of system you’re working with in the first place. It is important to understand what model it is and which brand it is. Also, if it has been serviced before, you should have that information handy. That way you can provide the contractor with all the necessary information.
If problems arise with the HVAC system, tour your home before calling a technician. This will help the contractor determine what the problem is.
Clean your condenser’s fan and coils when the weather begins to warm. Clean off any leaves or debris from your condenser unit regularly.
Don’t hire a contractor until you know a little about what you are facing. Providing you with an accurate estimate over the telephone may be difficult to impossible is they can’t see the system you have. You need to know how to describe any issues. It’s important to know this beforehand.
Turn it off so you don’t get hurt or break something. Next, pop the grill off, pull out the blades and start cleaning them and the unit itself off gently.
Make sure your HVAC system checked twice a year. This should be done in the fall and the spring.
If the condenser for your HVAC system is located outside, make sure you clear away any debris that might settle in or around it. Particularly after bad weather, you should inspect your unit. It can also cause it to overheat.
Turn off outdoor condensers you have when weather gets cold. This means that you should be done when the weather falls under 60 degrees Farenheit. This simple tip will help keep your HVAC running efficiently for many years to come.
A programmable thermostat is a simple way to help save money on your air conditioning bill. Some programmable thermostats can even be controlled from a computer.
Keep your outdoor units free of debris when your cutting grass. Make sure you shoot the clippings in the other direction from the unit. The same thing should go on when you blow leaves, so take your time when you’re working around HVAC units that are around when you’re blowing debris around.
Don’t allow your home get overly hot. An air conditioning unit is really only able to reduce the temperature by 20ºF quickly. If your home happens to get near 100 degrees Fahrenheit, you’ll only cool down to still above 80. This won’t be a safe and comfortable temperature for you to sleep in.
Air conditioners tend to ice up. The drain line might also freeze up.If this is something that’s happening to you, switch your thermostat to fan only to disable the compressor. If this doesn’t work, call in help.
Once it gets cold outside, you should turn off the outdoor condenser unit. If temps go below 60 you run the risk of damaging a unit that remains on. This can ensure your unit is working well throughout the years without the cost of repairs.
Companies that are around awhile have track records that haven’t been. Hiring a new contractor may be taking a bigger risk.
Ask around so you are looking for a reputable HVAC contractor. People will tell you who have used and if they are worth calling. This will also a great way to get names of companies that should avoid hiring.
Make certain you properly investigate any company prior to hiring them. Check with the BBB and look for reviews of potential companies online. These steps are going to help to ensure your decision is a wise one.
Contractors determine their own fee levels, so make sure you get quotes from several contractors before you make any hiring decision. You can save quite a bit 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 in your attic so support the efficient functioning of your HVAC system can run better. It ensures that your home cool when it’s hot outside. You could even use your attic as part of your living space more effectively.
Every contractor out there is responsible for setting up their own fees, so get several quotes before hiring anyone. You will be likely to save some cash if you take the time to call around before you decide. To get the best picture and get an idea of what rates are reasonable, call five or six different contractors.
Check the ducts to find any leaks if your unit seems to not up to snuff. When you repair the leaks, you’ll find that the testing paid for itself.
Square Footage
If the HVAC unit makes a clicking noise, look immediately to see if there is an obstruction. This may be because debris is restricting the movement of the fan blades. All you need to do is remove the debris to solve the problem. See if you can do it yourself before getting a professional.
Measure the area that requires air conditioner shopping. You will need 20 BTU for each square footage of room space. If you are cooling more than one room, add together their square footage to reach this calculation.
Ask a contractor about their experience. You need to verify they have done the type of work on your particular system.
Replace the air filter monthly. It’s a simple thing to do to keep it running properly. Filters cost only a few dollars, so it’s a small monthly price to pay.
Any HVAC contractor you hire should have an emergency hotline. They need to be able to come to you when they are needed, no matter how extreme the weather or what time of day it may be.
Hvac System
Before you hire a contractor for your HVAC system, ask how much experience they have and with what types of systems. It is best to match the job you have to a company with that kind of experience. While someone with less experience might be able to do a great job too, you do not want to take that chance.
The HVAC system can determine your overall comfort level. Without proper maintenance of your HVAC system, your home will not be a comfortable place to be. Do not let this happen; keep these tips in mind, and keep your HVAC system running smoothly.