HVAC service and contracting isn’t something that you may know nothing about. This can be problematic when it breaks down.
Before calling for help, know the system you have. Learn the brand, model, and if you have it, the maintenance history. The contractor will likely need all of this information.
If your HVAC doesn’t seem to be working properly, check out each room in your house before calling for assistance. This will help the contractor determine what the problem is.
Clean your fan blades and coils when the weather begins to warm. Clean off any leaves or debris from your external condenser unit regularly.
The coils and blades on the fans should be cleaned once a year. Before you do so, shut off the power to ensure that none of the parts will move while you work on it. Then you need to get the grill popped off and get the blades out so you can clean them and your unit gently.
Turn the power off first so you don’t get hurt or break something. Then, pop off its grills, pull the blades out, and gently clean them as well as the unit itself.
Grass Clippings
If your condenser comes with oil ports, you should lubricate it yearly. These ports are often covered by a rubber or metal cap. Use a lightweight oil and do not overfill them.
Don’t get grass clippings pile up against your outdoor condenser. Direct the grass clippings in a direction away from the equipment. This also applies when you are taking care of the leaves in debris.
Lubricate the oil ports on your fan condenser at least once a year. You can find these ports covered with rubber or metal cap covering them. Use SAE 20 oil that is non-detergent and lightweight, detergent-free SAE 20 oil, putting 10 drops in each port.
For maximum efficiency, place outdoor units in a shady spot. The air in the shade is cooler and can help save on energy costs.
Put your outdoor condensers in places with shade.
Turn off outdoor condensers you have when weather turns cold. This should turn it off to prevent damage if the weather falls under 60 degrees Farenheit. This simple tip will maximize the system running efficiently for many years to come.
Install a programmable thermostat to save energy costs. You have greater control over the temperature settings with these. In addition, some models make things really easy on you, allowing you to adjust them from the computer.
It is always a good idea to swap out single pane windows with ones that have double panes. This also helps keep in the winter.
During this service visit, the system motor will be inspected, inspect the motor and the freon levels. This will help keep your system runs smoothly.
Make certain you properly investigate any company prior to hiring them. 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. Doing all of this will make sure you hire the best company for your HVAC needs.
Research and check the reputation of companies that you consider using.Check with the BBB and look for reviews as well. These steps are going to help make a better decision.
Air conditioners sometimes ice up at times. The drain line might also freeze up.If this is something you notice, disable the compressor by turning your thermostat to the fan only setting. If the issue persists, call a professional.
Try finding online A/C sizing calculators to figure out the ideal size for a unit for the house or a room. Proper sizing will increase efficiency. Check your manual to figure out what the rating is from the manufacturer to be sure you’re getting the right information.
Look for air conditioner sizing calculators online to help you determine the size of unit is necessary for your room or home. Look in the manual to determine the recommended size for air conditioners.
Companies that are well established have track records that haven’t been. Hiring a newer contractor may be taking a bigger risk.
Contractor set their own prices; this is why you should get many quotes. If you call around before making a final decision, it can save you a lot of money in the end. Get in touch with more than a few contractors to best understand the going rate.
Ask friends and relations for contractor recommendations. People that have used and if they are worth calling. This is also be used to see who you should avoid hiring.
There are plenty of online sites that give people the opportunity to leave comments about the service they received. This will be an excellent way to locate people you wish to work with and people that may not work well with you.
If you current HVAC doesn’t work that well, try testing ducts for leaks. Often, utility companies will test them free of charge. This testing can have large financial benefits.
Check the ducts to find any leaks if your existing system is not up to snuff. When you repair the leaks, you’ll find that the testing paid for itself.
Dealing with broken HVAC systems can be a nightmare that many homeowners do not want to deal with. That said, a bit of knowledge goes a long way. Use the information given here to handle any future HVAC situation with ease.
It is important to pick out the right HVAC company for your needs as you will need professional assistance. The best companies will ensure that their technicians will always be on schedule. A knowledgeable technician will also easily diagnose any problems with your HVAC. When they know what the problem is, they should know how to fix it quickly so that it works properly.